Hyundai is considering expanding its XRT lineup across a much broader range of vehicles, with the brand exploring factory-built XRT and XRT Pro variants for nearly every model, according to Australian publication Drive.
Hyundai Wants XRT to Become a Sub-Brand
Drive spoke with Hyundai’s general manager of product planning in the Oceanic country, Jonathan Lam, who said the automaker is considering making rugged XRT variants much more widespread.
“We’re considering factory-built XRT Pros or XRTs across basically any model across a range,” Lam said. “Whilst we can’t confirm what will be available globally from factory, we’re going to take a very close look at it.”
Hyundai’s recent Crater and Boulder concepts point toward a tougher design direction for the brand’s SUVs, while redesigned, boxier vehicles have already been spotted testing on public roads.
The concepts also suggest how future XRT models could become more extreme. At the same time, Hyundai is using more subtle approaches to build awareness of the XRT name, as shown by the 2027 Tucson XRT, which has a more refined appearance despite its off-road-focused badge.
More Hyundai Models Could Get XRT Trims
Hyundai has already introduced XRT variants of the Santa Fe, Santa Cruz and Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 is an EV, showing that the automaker is not limiting the XRT badge to a specific type of powertrain.
The approach can include relatively straightforward changes such as body cladding, raised suspension and all-terrain tires, along with potentially adding new drive modes.
According to the report, those changes can also give Hyundai additional data for its market evaluations, helping the brand understand what buyers worldwide, including in the U.S., expect from slightly more capable crossovers and SUVs.
Kona and Ioniq 9 May Be Next
Hyundai appears to be evaluating which models that have not yet received more capable variants could join the XRT lineup. Spy shots from Korea indicate that the Kona could be the next model to receive the treatment.
The Kona is the smallest crossover in Hyundai’s U.S. lineup after the Venue, although the Venue may be considered too small for XRT upgrades.
At the other end of Hyundai’s lineup, the all-electric Ioniq 9 three-row SUV has not yet received an XRT trim either. However, development mules have already been spotted.
Those vehicles could help shape the future of XRT as Hyundai continues evaluating how broadly to expand the badge and its off-road-focused models.
