The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT presents itself as a compelling choice for buyers who desire a practical, comfortable, and surprisingly adept family SUV without venturing into the realm of traditional trucks or large body-on-frame vehicles. Positioned as the performance-oriented trim within the Santa Fe lineup, the XRT blends the versatility of the three-row layout with a suite of features and design cues intended to project a more rugged and assertive personality. This review examines how well it delivers on that promise in the context of 2022's competitive midsize SUV market.
Design and Exterior Presence
Visually, the 2022 Santa Fe XRT distinguishes itself through specific styling elements that move beyond the standard Santa Fe's more conservative appearance. The XRT comes equipped with larger, more aggressive 19-inch alloy wheels that contribute to a lower and wider stance, enhancing the visual impact of the vehicle. The front fascia is further distinguished by a unique black honeycomb grille and integrated fog lights, which frame the front bumper and create a more focused, intense expression. These design choices are not merely cosmetic; they establish a distinct identity that sets the XRT apart from the base and SE trims, signaling a performance-oriented mindset to onlookers.
Refined and Spacious Interior
Inside, the Santa Fe XRT continues the high standard of quality established by Hyundai. The cabin is a quiet sanctuary, largely thanks to extensive sound insulation and the availability of premium materials such as soft-touch plastics and leatherette-appointed surfaces on the seats and steering wheel. The seating configuration is practical, easily accommodating three rows of passengers. While the third row is best suited for children or short-term use by smaller adults, it provides a crucial advantage for families who occasionally need to transport a full complement of passengers without resorting to a larger vehicle. The driver's position offers excellent visibility, and the overall comfort level is high for long-distance journeys.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Performance is where the "XRT" designation comes to life, distinguishing the model from its more sedate siblings. Under the hood, the 2022 Santa Fe XRT is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a configuration that provides a notable step up in power and responsiveness over the base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated unit. This powertrain delivers a confident and composed driving experience, with smooth acceleration that makes highway merging and passing effortless. The XRT handles with a degree of precision that is impressive for an SUV of this size, with steering that provides adequate feedback and body control that inspires confidence when navigating winding roads. The available all-wheel-drive system is a valuable asset, providing enhanced traction in various weather conditions and during light off-road forays, further justifying the XRT's more adventurous character.
Technology and Feature-Rich Package
The XRT trim is exceptionally well-equipped, arriving with a comprehensive list of standard features that are often optional on higher trims in competing vehicles. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system form the modern backbone of the interior, providing crisp visuals and intuitive access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Hyundai's suite of safety technology, known as the Hyundai SmartSense package, is included, offering features such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. This robust safety and tech package ensures that the Santa Fe XRT feels contemporary, safe, and connected, reducing the need for costly dealer add-ons.
Practicality and Daily Usability
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