The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is more than just a family-friendly SUV—it’s now ready for rugged adventures, thanks to the introduction of the XRT option packages. With a tougher look and enhanced off-road capabilities, Hyundai’s latest offering is perfect for those who crave adventure beyond the pavement.
In a market that continues to demand more capable crossovers and SUVs, Hyundai has answered the call by unveiling two XRT option packages for the Santa Fe. These dealer-fitted XRT packages transform the standard all-wheel drive Santa Fe models into off-road-ready beasts that can take on trails, dirt paths, and anything else you might encounter on a weekend adventure.
The XRT packages come in two flavors: the XRT Adventure Option Pack and the XRT Peak Option Pack. Both bring a host of enhancements to ensure the Santa Fe is as ready for off-road exploration as it is for the daily commute. However, these upgrades don’t replace the usual range of trims. Instead, they complement any all-wheel-drive trim level of the Santa Fe, making these options flexible and accessible to a broader range of customers.
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XRT Adventure Option Pack
The XRT Adventure Option Pack is all about delivering off-road performance. For an additional $6,900, buyers receive a comprehensive package that equips the Santa Fe for rugged environments. This includes the following:
- 17-inch Off-Road Wheel and Tire Package: The standard 20-inch alloy wheels are swapped for 17-inch satin black alloy wheels, paired with Pirelli Scorpion A/T Plus tires. This gives the SUV better traction on challenging terrain and helps protect against punctures.
- Underbody Protection and Mudflaps: To handle off-road conditions with confidence, Hyundai has added an underbody skid plate to protect essential components from damage. Mudflaps are also included to prevent dirt and debris from interfering with the vehicle’s performance.
- Off-Road Suspension Kit: One of the highlights of the Adventure Pack is the off-road suspension upgrade. This kit includes new front struts, springs, hubs, as well as new rear dampers, springs, and hubs. The result is an increased ride height of 30mm, which improves ground clearance, allowing drivers to navigate rocky paths and uneven trails.
Overall, the XRT Adventure Pack aims to equip the Santa Fe with everything needed to go off the beaten path. It’s a perfect choice for individuals and families who love hiking, camping, or simply exploring nature without worrying about the capability of their vehicle.
XRT Peak Option Pack
If the XRT Adventure Pack isn’t quite enough, Hyundai also offers the XRT Peak Option Pack for $9,900. The Peak Option Pack includes all of the features of the Adventure Pack, but with additional equipment designed to enhance versatility and rugged utility. Here’s what the Peak Option Pack adds:
- Integrated Black Side Steps: The Peak Pack features integrated side steps with a loading capacity of up to 200kg. This makes it easier to access the roof when loading gear, and also provides a rugged aesthetic to match the Santa Fe’s adventurous spirit.
- Hyundai Genuine Roof Racks and Roof Platform: For those who want to carry bikes, kayaks, or extra gear, the roof racks with an 80kg load capacity offer the ideal solution. Additionally, the roof platform comes equipped with dual channels on each plank and channels along the outer edges, giving ample mounting points for different accessories.
- Dark-Tinted ‘Stylevisors’: Finally, the Peak Pack includes stylevisors that are not only functional in keeping the sun out but also add a rugged, cohesive look to the vehicle.
A Tougher, More Capable Santa Fe
The XRT packages are clearly designed for those who want more out of their Santa Fe—more capability, more versatility, and more style. Both packs offer extensive upgrades that turn the standard Santa Fe into a rugged companion, one that can easily tackle rough roads, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.
The increase in ride height alone makes a significant difference in the vehicle’s off-road abilities. The combination of improved suspension and all-terrain tires means that the Santa Fe can confidently drive over obstacles that would prove too challenging for many standard SUVs. Moreover, the 17-inch wheels are practical for off-roading, providing more sidewall, which is crucial for absorbing impacts and preventing tire damage on rough surfaces.
Balancing Rugged and Refined
The XRT upgrades don’t mean compromising comfort, which is essential for a family-oriented SUV like the Santa Fe. Hyundai has struck a balance between ruggedness and comfort, ensuring that the interior amenities and technology remain intact. Whether it’s daily errands or a long road trip, the cabin retains its spacious and comfortable design, allowing passengers to enjoy both the journey and the destination.
The available tech features—such as Hyundai’s latest infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance features, and comfortable seating configurations—make the Santa Fe a well-rounded vehicle. The off-road upgrades through the XRT packs add capabilities without subtracting from the SUV’s overall practicality, making it a versatile option for a variety of lifestyles.
Who Should Consider the XRT Packages?
The XRT Adventure and Peak Option Packs are ideal for those who want to get more out of their Santa Fe without sacrificing the comfort and versatility that the SUV is known for. These packages are geared toward individuals and families who live an active lifestyle and want a vehicle that can keep up with their adventures.
For example:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: If you enjoy exploring trails, camping in remote areas, or traveling to destinations beyond paved roads, the XRT packs offer the necessary upgrades to make your vehicle suitable for such journeys.
- Families with Active Hobbies: The roof racks and platform available in the Peak Pack are perfect for families with hobbies like kayaking, cycling, or skiing. The additional load capacity means you can easily bring along all the gear you need.
- Style-Driven Buyers: Beyond practical benefits, the XRT packages also enhance the aesthetic of the Santa Fe. The satin black wheels, dark-tinted stylevisors, and rugged accessories give the SUV a unique and assertive look that stands out on the road.
XRT Packages: Worth the Investment?
Whether or not the XRT packages are worth the investment will depend largely on how the vehicle is used. For those sticking strictly to urban and highway driving, the benefits may be limited, as the added off-road features are specifically intended for rougher environments. However, for buyers who appreciate a robust appearance, even the aesthetic changes alone could justify the upgrade.
For adventure lovers, though, the added cost of either the Adventure or Peak Pack could be well worth it. These packs make the Santa Fe a multi-faceted SUV—one that handles family duties with ease but is also capable of taking on dirt roads and challenging trails without hesitation.
The Broader Off-Road Trend
Hyundai’s move with the Santa Fe XRT packages comes as part of a broader trend among automotive manufacturers responding to increasing consumer demand for rugged crossovers and SUVs. More and more buyers are looking for vehicles that aren’t just capable on the road but can also handle excursions into less predictable terrain.
Brands like Subaru, Jeep, and Ford have been making their SUVs more adventure-ready for years, with trims like Subaru’s Wilderness line or Ford’s Timberline and Raptor trims. Hyundai entering this space signals their commitment to offering something for every kind of driver. The XRT packages indicate that even a mid-sized family SUV can get a taste of the off-road life, offering consumers a compelling option to blend the lines between suburban comfort and off-road exploration.
