Here’s a package you never knew you needed. It’s the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT. The XRT name has been around overseas for a few years, but this is the first time the pack is being offered in Australia.
Specifically, it’s an off-road adventure accessories kit that includes all kinds of rugged and off-road-ready enhancements, in this case, for the current-gen Santa Fe. A similar upgrade was recently introduced for the soon-to-arrive 2026 Palisade.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Specifications
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid
Electrical: 1.49kWh battery, 44.2kW e-motor
Output (combined): 172kW@5600rpm / 367Nm@1000-4100rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 255/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2105kg
Power-to-weight: 12.23:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 5.6L/100km
Our consumption: 7.2L/100kmFuel tank/Fuel type: 67L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 30.71kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.48 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.53 seconds (9.75s for XRT)*
60-110km/h: 6.64 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.96 seconds at 137.3km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.797g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.35m in 3.02 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.299g*
Decibel at idle: 45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 82*
Starting price: $77,150 + $9990
*Figures based on regular Calligraphy AWD hybrid as tested by Driving Enthusiast previously. Manufacturers’ claims may be different.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: How much does it cost?
Hyundai is offering the XRT as a genuine accessory pack in two forms; the Adventure and the Peak. Prices start from $6990 and $9990, respectively. That’s on top of the retail price for the Santa Fe hybrid, which, in Calligraphy AWD form as tested here, starts from $77,150 (excluding on-roads).
That’s not exactly pocket change, is it? In fact, you could opt for a more serious off-road SUV such as the Ford Everest Tremor, which also comes with upgraded suspension (Bilstein) and chunky tyres, except with heavy-duty running gear, low-range, and a locking differential, from $76,590 (excluding on-roads).
The Santa Fe XRT is quite unique, however, as it blends the on-road refinement and comfort of a crossover, while providing, at the least, aspiring off-road capability – enough capability for what most buyers are actually going to utilise, anyway.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Interior & packaging
What do you get with the XRT pack? The entry Adventure comes with off-road 17-inch wheels wearing Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus tyres measuring 235/65 or 245/70 (your choice), along with underbody protection plates, XRT mud flaps, and XRT suspension that lifts ground clearance from 177mm to 210mm.
Jumping up to the Peak package adds a bonnet protector, unique side steps in black, a roof rack and platform system, and weather shields (tinted) for the side windows. There is no fundamental difference between the two in terms of off-road capability.
Inside, the Santa Fe XRT doesn’t stray far from the strengths of the regular model, which is a good thing. Hyundai has been on a roll with cabin design lately, and the Santa Fe’s latest interior demonstrates that perfectly. It strikes a nice balance between space and functionality, offering clean lines, user-friendly positioning for controls, and a thoughtful approach to storage.
The dashboard is dominated by a pair of high-resolution displays which provide crisp graphics and easy-to-navigate menus. Although, the ADAS safety systems page is a bit confusing and requires many selections to turn off the mandatory-but-annoying technologies.
Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard, and the XRT continues to offer features like head-up display, configurable gauge cluster, dual wireless chargers, and even a sanitiser tray on the passenger side for the top-spec Calligraphy.
There’s abundant storage throughout the cabin, from large door bins and a clever floating centre console, cupholders everywhere, and a generous glovebox. In the second row, passengers enjoy ample legroom and wide-opening doors, while the third row is fine for kids or shorter trips with adults… or shorter adults.
The driving position is commanding without being truck-like, and visibility is excellent thanks to the upright cabin glasshouse design with tall windows. It feels good behind the wheel as it gives off a safari-like vibe. Boot space remains at 628L/1949L, which is decent for this class.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Powertrain & handling
This XRT sticks with Hyundai’s hybrid powertrain, pairing a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with a 44kW/264Nm electric motor and 1.5kWh battery pack. Combined outputs of 172kW and 367Nm provide adequate performance for a seven-seat SUV. We timed 0-100km/h in 9.75 seconds in this example, which is only fractionally slower than the regular Calligraphy hybrid we tested earlier, at 9.53 seconds.
A 206kW/422Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder option is also available, featuring an eight-speed dual-clutch auto. We’ve timed 0-100km/h in 8.59 seconds in the AWD and 7.48 seconds in the FWD version.
It’s great to see Hyundai has not infused a pesky CVT auto with this hybrid setup, instead going for a conventional six-speed automatic. Although not the most modern gearbox in terms of ratio count, it keeps things smooth and predictable, and it is engaging. Well, a hell of a lot more engaging than a CVT.
Around town, the hybrid system shines with quiet, low-speed running on electric power and seamless handovers between petrol and electric drive. It’s refined and easy-going, suiting the Santa Fe’s family-friendly character. On the highway, the petrol engine provides steady torque, and the electric boost fills in any nutritional gaps during overtaking.
The XRT’s suspension upgrade is where the changes become most apparent. With a 30mm lift, specially-tuned Mando dampers, and revised knuckles and stabiliser bars, it feels more planted on rougher ground. We gave this example a good thrash on some rough dirt roads in the wet and boy did it handle. No suspension crashing or bottoming-out, even on our sophisticated gravity-reducer device. Yep, it’ll do jumps.
Having the added ride height improves clearance over ruts and rocks as well, while the new geometry improves approach, departure, and break-over angles. Hyundai claims improvements across all three. And look, it’s not as rugged as any of the ladder-frame rivals that have low-range, but it’ll certainly keep up on typical camping-spot access roads and through slippery mud or snow.
The Pirelli all-terrain tyres were chosen after local testing, and it’s easy to see why. On loose gravel and muddy tracks, they offer heaps of bite and really inspire greater confidence compared with the standard road tyres.
On sealed roads, these tyres do introduce a touch more rolling resistance, which translates to a small penalty at the fuel bowser in the real world. We guess that also contributes to the very minor performance deficit we saw earlier. But overall the XRT is not a major compromise. It offers the same refinement and attitude toward practicality, except it enjoys extreme sports on the weekends.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Adventure-ready: 30mm lift, proper off-road suspension tune with fundamental upgrades, and all-terrain tyres make it more capable than any other 7-seat crossover in this class.
- Minimal compromise: Retains the same hybrid powertrain, and comfort and utility features as the regular Santa Fe.
- Australian input: Suspension tuning and tyre selection benefitted from local engineering work.
- Looks tough: Tougher styling and functional upgrades make it stand out in the school car park and on the trails.
- Warranty-backed: XRT pack is covered under Hyundai’s 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty when fitted at purchase.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Key considerations before you buy
- Not a true off-roader: Ladder-frame SUVs in this class offer greater capability off road.
- Efficiency penalty: All-terrain tyres see an increase in fuel consumption, like on any vehicle with ATs.
- Extra cost: The XRT pack adds a sizeable premium over the standard Santa Fe hybrid, pushing it close to or above some heavy-duty SUVs in this class.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The XRT is a fun, adventure-oriented twist on what is otherwise a very sensible and practical SUV. It adds just enough clearance, grip, and visual toughness to make it appealing for families who like the idea of weekend getaways in the outdoors. But it’s not a major compromise over the regular Santa Fe hybrid.
