Hyundai XRT Pro SUVs Prove Their All-Terrain Capability in Arkansas

All-Terrain in Arkansas with Hyundai XRT Pro

Right before Halloween I was invited by Hyundai to the scenic autumn backdrop of Bentonville, Arkansas, on a mission. To experience Hyundai’s continuously evolving XRT and XRT Pro trim level in a challenging environment.

The XRT name, which stands for Extreme Rugged Terrain, has been around for a fistful of years. It debuted in 2021 as an appearance package to give models like the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe, a five o-clock shadow of masculinity.

Over these last few years, Hyundai has been updating the XRT name into an off-road focused performance package. Offering more bite for its bark with each version, adding functional hardware like recovery tow-hooks, tough skid plates, Terrain modes, standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, and a rear electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) acting as locking diff.

After 2026, the XRT trim level will transition into its latest evolution, the XRT Pro. Hyundai vehicles wearing the XRT Pro badge come equipped and ready to carry its passengers through the trail less traveled.

Off-Road Testing Hyundai XRT Pro

This event consisted of driving the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT and Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro through some scenic but challenging off-road trails. Providing plenty of opportunity to try out Hyundai’s arsenal of all-terrain goodies.

What I took away from this experience is that Hyundai’s XRT and XRT Pro trim level is designed to make all-terrain driving as easy as navigating a parking garage during Black Friday.

Granted, these vehicles are not meant for conquering the Rubicon trail or crawling up the red rocks of Moab, Utah. But they are more than capable of reaching a campsite at any national park or tackle a daily commute in bad seasonal weather.

Hyundai XRT Pro Terrain Modes and Off Road Hardware

Hyundai XRT and XRT Pro modes feature two sets of drive modes split for road and off-road conditions. For these dirt and rocky trails Hyundai recommended we stick to SAND mode. I like that you get two analog buttons for these drive modes. In addition to having easy access to important driving features like DBC (Downhill Brake Control).

This system is a set-it-and-forget-it feature that allows the vehicle to creep down steep, rugged terrain while the driver focuses on steering. The vehicle brakes on its own as it navigates the terrain ranging in speeds from 10 mph down to 1 mph if it senses it needs to slow down.

The DBC worked beautifully, guiding me down a steep hill filled with tire puncturing rocks and patches of wheel spinning dirt. All I have to do was steer with my feet completely away from the pedals.

Several automakers have their own version of this system. However, I appreciate that Hyundai decided to keep DBC as simple as possible in terms of accessing and using it. The button is located on the center of the dashboard. Press once to engage, press it again to disengage. No need to deal with a menu screen or choose from a series of settings.

The red recovery tow hooks are made of sturdy metal and feel anchored to the vehicle as a sign of strength and function. They also look great. Thankfully we didn’t get into situations where we needed them. But one piece of equipment that got a thorough work out were the skid plates. By the end of the day a quick glance underneath showed scratches, scuffs, dents and a handful of sized rocks jammed into these plates. Serving their purpose!

When I come to power I’ll make skid plates a mandatory accessory on all vehicles!

One of the latest upgrades to the XRT Pro lineup is the rear electronically controlled limited-slip differential (e-LSD). This is meant to simulate a mechanical locking differential. It can’t lock the rear wheels to turn at the same speed. Instead, this e-LSD monitors the rear wheels and adjusts torque distribution to improve traction and reduce wheel slip.

Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro Off Road Capability

The Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro is the latest generation with newest tech. It offers the most capability in the Hyundai SUV lineup with the mentioned e-LSD, terrain modes, DBC, improved ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a stout 287 horsepower 3.5L V6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro is rated for 5,000 pounds of towing (with trailer brakes).

It also features useful off-road graphics on the curved digital screen. Showing you an image of the Palisade with real time pitch and articulation. A button on the center dash allows you to get an instant view of what’s in front of the SUV.

I used this forward camera quite often while driving uphill in moments where all I could see was sky. However, the camera cuts off once you drive over 7 mph, which is too soon. I told Hyundai this camera would be a lot more useful if it kept rolling past 12 mph.

The all-terrain tires fitted to the XRT Pro meant the Palisade was a smooth cruiser even on rough roads. The beefy tires and suspension kept the harsh ruts and punishing rocks away from my lower lumbar. The naturally aspirated V6 offered plenty of torque to get up and over obstacles leaving me with little to do in terms of skilled driving. All I had to do was steer away from large rocks and apply steady pressure to the throttle – the Palisade handled the rest.

Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Off Road Capability

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT offers a competitive alternative to other mid-size AWD SUVs like the Subaru Outback and even the slightly larger Palisade. It offers three rows of seating that when laid flat can mimic the roomy interior space of a traditional station wagon. Its boxy exterior design looks great on the street and on the trails.

The Santa Fe XRT trim level does not offer the same level of all-terrain goodies as the Palisade and Tucson XRT Pro. For example, you don’t have a forward-facing camera to let you see the terrain while driving.

Yet, Hyundai assured me that the XRT Pro is the next step. So, in time, we’ll probably see future Santa Fe models sporting an XRT Pro badge with the hardware to match. But even though the Santa Fe XRT didn’t offer the same amount of hardware, it traversed the same terrain as the XRT Pro vehicles with ease. Same route, same obstacles, no problem, thanks to its added 1.3 inches of ground clearance.

Powered by a potent 277 horsepower 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is rated for 4,500 pounds of towing.

During the off-road drive I was impressed with how easily the Santa Fe handled itself on steep rocky trails. The SUV’s slim dimensions helped navigating tight turns and narrow paths. The ride quality was noticeably bumpier compared to the larger, heavier Palisade XRT Pro. I was grateful I didn’t have passengers riding with me during this drive. Because they surely would have fallen prey to motion sickness at the speeds I was traveling.

Speaking of rear passengers, the Hyundai Santa Fe features amenities you’d typically find in SUVs double, or even triple, its price tag. Features like AC vent controls for the third row. I like that!

Moreover, the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was the vehicle we used to drive back to the hotel. Giving me a chance to try it on the ribbon of blacktop draped over the Northwest hills of Arkansas. After driving both the Santa Fe and Palisade, if it were my money. I’d buy the Santa Fe.

Big, Body-on-Frame Things are Coming

One of the teasers on this media drive event was Hyundai confirming that they are working on a body-on-frame vehicle. We’ve seen concepts like the Hyundai Boulder, but now we were told that this new platform will serve for a pickup truck too. That’s exciting as the truck market needs a shake up. Given Hyundai’s track record for offering style and function for a fraction of the cost, I cannot wait to see their take on a mid-size pickup truck.