Hyundai confirms plans to go after LandCruiser

New, more rugged XRT sub-brand locked in for Australian launch.

Hyundai is getting more adventurous.

The South Korean company has confirmed it will launch a range of new, more rugged, off-road focused models under the new XRT sub-brand. Previewed last year with the Santa Fe XRT Concept, there will be XRT options for the new Santa Fe, updated Tucson and Palisade large SUV; at least to begin with.

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Exactly when each of these XRT models will make it to Australian showrooms remains unclear, with Hyundai’s local operation only able to confirm that it is on the way. Whether the XRT badge becomes a standalone model or simply a styling pack – or both, depending on the model – remains to be seen.

“We can confirm XRT is coming to Australia – however we cannot confirm in what guises or models or exactly when – but we are working on a plan,” a spokesperson told Torquecafe.

At the recent 2024 New York Motor Show, Hyundai USA showed off four versions of the XRT, across the Santa Fe, Palisade, Tucson and Santa Cruz.

The production version of the Santa Fe XRT was less dramatic than the concept, with the roof storage, ladder and side-mounted storage boxes gone and instead the unique XRT elements were black alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres and a slight suspension lift. Changes for the Tucson and Santa Cruz XRT variants were similar, while the Palisade appeared to just have unique black alloy rims.

While not offering the same level of off-road toughness as the Toyota LandCruiser and Land Rover Defender, it’s clear that Hyundai is looking to use XRT as a way to increase the appeal of its SUV range to a more adventurous audience.

The new-generation Santa Fe is due to arrive in Australia in June, with the XRT expected to follow sometime before the end of the year. The new Santa Fe will initially be available with only a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, but the company will also add a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with eight-speed dual-clutch and all-wheel drive in the near-future for more performance.