Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2023: Reviews, Specs & More!

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT. This car has been making waves, and for good reason. The Santa Fe XRT is not just another SUV; it's a blend of rugged styling, practical features, and Hyundai's reputation for value. So, whether you're an adventure seeker or a city dweller looking for a reliable ride, this review will give you everything you need to know. Ready? Let's get started!

What is the buzz about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT?

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT has been generating a lot of buzz, and it's easy to see why. This SUV stands out with its bold and rugged design, making it a head-turner on the road. Hyundai has taken the already stylish Santa Fe and added a touch of off-road flair, giving it a unique appeal. But it's not just about looks; the XRT is packed with practical features that make it a versatile choice for various lifestyles. For families, it offers a spacious and comfortable interior with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats are designed to provide ample legroom, ensuring that even long journeys are comfortable for everyone. The cargo area is also generous, making it easy to haul groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for weekend getaways. The Santa Fe XRT also excels in terms of technology. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with a large touchscreen display that integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to stay connected on the go, access your favorite apps, and enjoy your music with ease. Safety is also a top priority, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. Features like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking provide an extra layer of security on the road. All these features combine to make the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT a compelling option for anyone in the market for a mid-size SUV.

Standout Features of the 2023 Santa Fe XRT

When you look at the standout features of the 2023 Santa Fe XRT, it’s clear that Hyundai aimed to create a vehicle that blends rugged aesthetics with everyday practicality. One of the most noticeable aspects is the XRT's unique exterior styling. It features dark satin trim, exclusive side steps, and distinctive wheels that give it a more aggressive and off-road-ready appearance compared to other Santa Fe trims. The dark exterior accents extend to the grille, roof rails, and side mirrors, creating a cohesive and stylish look that sets it apart from the crowd. But the XRT isn't just about looks. It also offers practical features that enhance its versatility. The standard roof rails provide additional cargo-carrying capacity, allowing you to easily transport bikes, kayaks, or other bulky items. The side steps make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, especially for shorter passengers or those with mobility issues. The interior of the Santa Fe XRT is just as impressive, with comfortable and supportive seats, ample legroom, and a user-friendly infotainment system. The touchscreen display is responsive and intuitive, making it easy to access navigation, music, and other features. The XRT also comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, providing added peace of mind on the road. Overall, the standout features of the 2023 Santa Fe XRT make it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a stylish, practical, and well-equipped SUV.

Performance and Handling

The performance and handling of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are designed to provide a smooth and confident driving experience, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring off the beaten path. Under the hood, the Santa Fe XRT typically comes with a capable four-cylinder engine that delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission that makes for effortless acceleration and cruising. While it may not be the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate performance for most driving situations. The Santa Fe XRT also offers responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable ride even on rough roads. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces. While the XRT is not a dedicated off-road vehicle, it does offer some off-road capability thanks to its available all-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel-drive system can automatically distribute power to the wheels that need it most, providing added traction in slippery or uneven terrain. This makes the Santa Fe XRT a good choice for light off-roading or for driving in inclement weather conditions. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are well-rounded and provide a comfortable and confident driving experience for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. It's a reliable and capable SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions with ease.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Moving inside, the interior comfort and technology of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are designed to create a pleasant and convenient driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable seats that provide ample support for long journeys. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, ensuring that even taller passengers can ride comfortably. The interior materials are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable fabrics that give the cabin a premium feel. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to use, with intuitive controls and a large touchscreen display that serves as the command center for the infotainment system. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Santa Fe XRT also offers a range of advanced technology features, including a premium audio system, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield. These features enhance the overall driving experience and make the Santa Fe XRT a pleasure to drive. In terms of comfort, the Santa Fe XRT offers features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof that lets in plenty of natural light. These features help create a comfortable and relaxing environment for both the driver and passengers. Overall, the interior comfort and technology of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are well-executed and provide a premium driving experience.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety features, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT doesn't hold back. Hyundai has equipped this SUV with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies to help protect you and your passengers on the road. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate an accident. Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist is also standard, which can alert you if you start to drift out of your lane and provide gentle steering assistance to help you stay on course. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is another valuable safety feature that can help you avoid accidents when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. It uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and alerts you with a visual or audible warning. In addition to these standard features, the Santa Fe XRT also offers a range of optional safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, which can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. A surround-view camera system is also available, which provides a 360-degree view of the area around the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the safety features of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are comprehensive and provide a high level of protection for you and your passengers. Hyundai has made safety a top priority, and it shows in the long list of standard and available safety technologies.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

Let's talk about fuel efficiency and MPG for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT. For many buyers, fuel economy is a crucial factor when choosing a new vehicle. The Santa Fe XRT aims to strike a balance between performance and efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily driving. The fuel economy of the 2023 Santa Fe XRT varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The standard four-cylinder engine is typically rated for around 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for its class. The optional turbocharged engine offers more power but slightly lower fuel economy, with ratings of around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive system can also impact fuel economy, reducing it by a mile or two compared to the front-wheel-drive version. However, the added traction and stability of all-wheel drive can be worth the slight decrease in fuel efficiency for drivers who live in areas with inclement weather. To maximize fuel economy, the Santa Fe XRT offers several features, such as an Eco mode that optimizes the engine and transmission for efficiency. The Santa Fe XRT is a fuel-efficient choice for drivers who want a practical and versatile SUV. The actual fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and habits, so it's always a good idea to check the EPA ratings and real-world reviews before making a purchase.

Pricing and Value

When considering the pricing and value of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, it's important to look at what you get for your money. The Santa Fe XRT is positioned as a mid-range trim level, offering a good balance of features and affordability. The starting price for the 2023 Santa Fe XRT is typically in the low to mid $30,000s, which is competitive for its class. This price includes a long list of standard features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Santa Fe XRT offers excellent value for money. It provides a similar level of features and performance as its competitors but at a lower price point. Hyundai also offers a generous warranty, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This provides added peace of mind and helps protect your investment. The Santa Fe XRT also holds its value well over time, which is an important consideration if you plan to trade it in or sell it in the future. Overall, the pricing and value of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT are very competitive. It offers a lot of features for the money, a generous warranty, and good resale value, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT to give you a clear picture.

Pros:

Rugged Styling: The XRT trim gives the Santa Fe a more aggressive and off-road-inspired look.
Standard Features: Packed with a lot of features for the price, including advanced safety tech and user-friendly infotainment.
Comfortable Interior: Spacious cabin with comfortable seats, making it great for long drives.
Good Value: Offers a lot of bang for your buck compared to competitors.
Warranty: Hyundai's warranty is one of the best in the business.

Cons:

Engine Options: Some may find the base engine adequate but not thrilling.
Off-Road Capability: While it has the looks, it's not a true off-roader like some competitors.
Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is decent but not class-leading.
Ride Quality: The ride can be a bit firm on rough roads.
Interior Materials: While generally good, some materials could be more premium.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT? Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It stands out with its rugged styling, comfortable interior, and long list of standard features. While it may not be the most powerful or off-road-capable SUV in its class, it provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The Santa Fe XRT is a great choice for families, commuters, and anyone looking for a versatile and reliable SUV. With its competitive pricing, generous warranty, and good resale value, it's a smart investment that you can enjoy for years to come. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is definitely worth considering. It offers a compelling combination of style, comfort, features, and value that sets it apart from the competition. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but we think you'll be impressed with what the Santa Fe XRT has to offer.