Hyundai’s new Tucson XRT compact SUV trim adds an element of outdoorsy ruggedness to the carmaker’s burgeoning SUV line. From its engine to its sporty exterior, the Hyundai Tucson XRT certainly looks and acts the part of a rough-and-ready off-roader.
Rugged Redesign in the Tucson XRT
The Hyundai Tucson XRT springs from the Tucson SEL trim, with all the amenities of its Convenience Package. The overall redesign of the Tucson line gives consumers the choice of trims that offer gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid engines with front- or all-wheel drive, though the newly introduced rugged Tucson XRT is a gas-only offering.
An Exterior Built for Roughing It
The Tucson XRT’s exterior look is a striking addition to Hyundai’s compact SUV line, with its redesigned fascias and heavy plastic cladding added to absorb wear and tear from the worst nature can dish out. Side steps and approach lighting are nice features for people who have a lot to load and unload, while roof rails add more storage capacity for those weekend forays into the wild.
The Tucson XRT’s towing capacity is good for about 2,000 pounds, and its tow hitch makes for easy and convenient transporting of dirt bikes, watercraft, camping equipment, and more.
Potent Crossover Engine in the Tucson XRT
The Tucson XRT’s 2.5-liter inline-4 can produce 190 hp, 6,100 rpm, and generate up to 178 lbs-per-foot of torque, enough to get the job done whether you’re headed down the highway with the family or hauling outdoor hardware for a little active recreation. The drivetrain sports an 8-speed automatic transmission capable of supporting that horsepower with admirable mobility on smooth or rough terrain.
The XRT comes with the option of front- or all-wheel drive, depending on your lifestyle, needs, and intentions. Imagine a more robust version of the Tucson SEL and you’ve pictured the XRT trim, replete with black and gray accents inside and out, right down to its 19-inch black wheels, skid plates, increased ground clearance, and underbody protection.
The Price of Ruggedness
The cost of the Hyundai Tucson XRT puts rugged outdoor fun within the reach of drivers who might otherwise miss out on what bigger SUVs have to offer. For example, the Hyundai Tucson XRT begins at $32,625 for its front-wheel-drive version. For the all-wheel-drive XRT, you’re looking at just over $34,000, inclusive of the destination charge.
Overall it’s a pretty good deal and great value for a spruced-up version of the Tucson, Hyundai’s most popular vehicle. According to Edmunds, the Hyundai Tucson XRT trim is well designed to garner attention from among its many competitors in the ever-popular compact SUV market.
A Welcome Direction
There are several reasons for praising the Hyundai Tucson XRT, according to cars.com: It’s roomy, safe, and plenty rugged, a welcome new direction for the latest Tucson trim offering. There’s plenty of legroom in front and back; it earned high marks in the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s rankings; and its reinforced exterior gives this exciting, unexpectedly rugged new version versatility and maneuverability that can take Tucson owners places that can’t be reached in a standard compact SUV.
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