The current trend in the world of SUVs has seen many automakers add various styling touches to select models in an attempt to make them look more rugged and trail-ready. Typically that means splashes of black-colored trim and perhaps a few other minor tweaks to help make them look the part. Hyundai is the latest automaker to jump onto this trend and has unveiled the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, which aims to blaze a trail of its own into this growing fad.
Santa Fe XRT Looks The Part
The 2022 Santa Fe benefitted from a mid-cycle refresh last year, so it should come as no surprise that this pure styling exercise doesn’t change the core DNA of the Santa Fe’s exterior too much. The XRT version starts as an SEL grade model equipped with the Convivence Package but goes beyond the grade slightly with black-accented 18-inch wheels, blackened lower bumper accents, faux silver skid plates, XRT exclusive door moldings, and other darkened accents. The XRT treatment is only available on non-hybrid equipped Santa Fe’s, so eco-warriors looking for a dash of spice in their Santa Fe purchase will be out of luck here.
While this move may seem like Hyundai stole a page or two from Stellantis’s playbook regarding their special edition lineup, the XRT’s inclusion in the Santa Fe lineup does make sense once you look at things through a finer lens. The XRT is targeted towards family buyers that don’t want to give up some of the cool factor that’s inevitably lost when they venture into the family vehicle market. The XRT grade Santa Fe’s black accents do work when paired with certain colors, which should please more style-conscious buyers too. Unlike its corporate cousin, the Kia Sorento X-Line, there are no mechanical upgrades to speak of, with the stock front-wheel or all-wheel drive systems being carried over along with the unchanged engines.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2022 Santa Fe XRT starts at $33,485 for a front-wheel-drive model with all-wheel drive versions starting at $35,185. Hyundai chose not to include the final destination charge rates in today’s release but look for them to not change too much from the fees seen on standard Santa Fe models. Look for the first models to make their way to dealerships later this year, with the few remaining details being revealed closer to the XRT’s arrival on lots.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.