If the new Santa Fe is anything to go by, Hyundai is looking to make 2024 the year of the square line. The South Korean automaker’s new SUV concept, which was revealed a few weeks ago, arrives as a delectable canvas for a more off-road spec model and the Santa Fe XRT concept more than delivers. A bigger and bolder take on the family SUV, this new model is arguably Hyundai’s most rugged yet and it’s got some big names in its sights.
While it is being billed as a concept, the new Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is being touted not only as a future production car, but also a potential sub-brand. With off-road-oriented lifestyle SUVs being a big commercial success, Hyundai clearly does not want to get left behind and the XRT Concept is only the beginning of the marque’s ambitious new plans.
It is not a case of merely putting on some graphics as the Santa Fe XRT goes the whole way with significant underbody changes for better approach/departure angles along with sitting on some massive BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres as well. Elsewhere, you will notice the raised ride height, a roof rack, and a ladder at the back along with a spare tyre.
The cargo boxes strapped on the side are also reminiscent of the tougher Land Rovers of the past and we really dig the overall macho persona of the XRT. With an increased thirst for camping and outdoor adventures, the Santa Fe XRT could become a reality sooner than you thin, although some of the extreme styling touches as seen here could be watered down. That said, features like a retuned suspension, an off-road spec drive mode along with increased ground clearance are expected to trickle down to the production version.
The fifth generation of Hyundai’s large midsize SUV will hit Australian shores by early this year in AWD hybrid form most likely along with a significant price hike when compared to the earlier model.
That said, owing to its increased size and more features on offer, the new Santa Fe does seem better value this time also. With a massive shift in design thanks to its blocky appearance, Hyundai is keen to explore the Santa Fe further as a more lifestyle-focused SUV and going forward the design for its other flagship SUVs would be steered towards this direction.
