Hyundai has unveiled a brand new off-road mannequin within the type of the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT. The automaker additionally showcased new designs for the Tucson crossover and the usual Santa Cruz truck final weekend on the New York Worldwide Auto Present.
The brand new designs for the Tucson and Santa Cruz intention in direction of a extra muscular look with a stronger, wider stance and a broadening of the grille to accommodate built-in lighting.
“Extra vertical strains and redesigned headlamps and bigger vent ports with a extra aggressive look are the start cues of the fascia,” Hyundai Design North America senior design supervisor Brad Arnold instructed me on the auto present. “For the XRT, we added shiny tow hooks, extra aggressive tires, and a greater method angle to intensify these stronger seems to be.”
Contained in the automobiles, a brand new instrument cluster and infotainment “wraparound” design combines screens right into a extra cockpit-like curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each normal and wi-fi within the new designs.
Arnold, whose group in California oversaw the updates to the Tucson and Santa Cruz, defined that the adjustments for the Santa Cruz XRT had been closely influenced by the model’s expertise in two years of Rebelle Rally competitors with a modified model of the unique Santa Cruz. “We definitely discovered so much from the Rebelle,” he stated. “The suggestions we obtained from our engineers and from rivals Kristin [Shaw] and Jill [Ciminillo] was instrumental in our work to make the XRT mannequin.”
Hyundai isn’t over-touting the Santa Cruz’s off-road capabilities. The gadgets added to the car don’t change journey peak or most clearances apart from the method angle. However they do add some functionality for many who spend time within the grime, particularly with the extra aggressive tread and the useful tow hooks. Distinctive wheels are additionally part of the XRT’s package deal.
A lot of the Santa Cruz XRT’s added functionality is available in the best way of safety for peace of thoughts. Added plastic alongside widespread bump and smack factors imply cheaper repairs when one thing goes mistaken, plus the 245/60 18-inch all-terrain tires add numerous grip in slippery conditions. The Encompass View (360-degree digital camera) system and boosted method angle (due to package-specific bumpers) are additionally good upgrades.
There are not any illusions at Hyundai in regards to the Santa Cruz XRT competing with Jeep or Land Rover at Moab or Dakkar. However the XRT may very well be a practical rally runner on the Rebelle, the place its predecessor completed each years it is competed with robust success, particularly within the 2023 competitors.
“We all know our clients love to do issues with the Santa Cruz Sport Journey Car,” stated Arnold. “The XRT simply provides somewhat extra to the adventurer’s can-do record.”
My very own expertise with the Santa Cruz confirmed that it was extra succesful than is likely to be anticipated. When the brand new XRT mannequin begins manufacturing for gross sales later in 2024, it is going to be enjoyable to be taught what it is able to on this new format.
Supply: Hyundai