Hyundai expanded its 2022 Santa Fe line up this Spring with the addition of the more adventurous looking XRT .
Spoiler Alert: More adventure look, but not anymore adventure capability. Still, for some folks, the ‘look’ is plenty good enough. And, in fact, the 2022 Santa Fe with HTRAC AWD is pretty capable enough.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT is based on the Santa Fe SEL trim level with Convenience Package and XRT unique feature trim elements – giving it that more rugged appearance.
XRT unique features include: Black Lower Front and Rear Fascia Trim, Dark Silver Skid Plates. Lower Door, Side Moldings, Side Steps, Dark Finish Front Grille, Black Side Mirrors, Black Roof Cross Rails, exclusive 18-inch Dark Tone Wheels and ‘XRT’ Badging.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT AWD – As Tested
Hyundai delivered us a ‘Stormy Sea’ (Dark Blue) – with Black interior – 2022 Santa Fe XRT AWD for drive testing in Hill Country Texas recently.
Our 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT AWD was priced at MSRP $34,150 complete. Delivered into our garage – total price $35,380.
Powertrain / Running Gear
The 2022 Santa Fe XRT is powered by the Hyundai basic 2.5L DOHC inline naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces a surprisingly robust 191 horsepower @6100 rpm with 181 lb.-ft. of torque @4000 rpm.
It is coupled to a ‘vehicle tuned’ Shiftronic Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift-By-Wire controller and Paddle Shifters. Additional elements included Hill Start and Downhill Brake Control Assist.
Our test Santa Fe XRT was equipped with their HTRAC All-Wheel-Drive System with electronic variable-torque-split clutch for active torque control between front and rear axles.
It features the driver-selectable HTRAC Drive Control System for added performance. Settings include NORMAL, SMART, SPORT and SNOW. NORMAL is very adequate for everyday driving in town and on the highway.
We used the SPORT setting most of our time behind the wheel, enjoying its bias to the rear axle for the sportier performance.
The XRT trim is for appearance rather than additional mechanical prowess. But,knowing the capability of HTRAC and factoring the 8.2-inch ground clearance, we would not shy away from moderate back country exploration in this compact SUV.
Santa Fe, featuring Trailer Sway Control, tows too – up to 2,000 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes.
Exterior
Standing still, the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT – with its dark element accents and 18-inch wheels – says bolder and more capable.
In addition to the ‘rugged’ appearance XRT trim level elements, the 2022 Santa Fe includes: Heated Side Mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, Puddle Lamps, Automatic Led Headlamps with LED accents, LED Daytime Running Lamps, 2-speed Variable/Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Rear Spoiler and Roof Side Rails.
Interior
XRT, for a compact SUV, is exceptionally roomy and comfortable – even the second-row space is generous.
The XRT comes with cloth seating only. Given the premium quality of the materials used in these seats, we would never order leather – even if available.
The driver seat features 8-way power with a 2-way power lumbar adjustment. The passenger seat is manually adjusted – both are heated, but not ventilated. No issue as we do not use cooled seats when we have them – even here in Texas.
OF NOTE: is the simplicity of the function control buttons – including the shifter -and dials on the console. Cleanly arranged and within easy reach, the driver is in clear control.
Other features on our Santa Fe XRT included a hands-free height adjustable power lift gate, 60/40 split with power release folding feature, rear AC ducting, manual rear side shades plus room for plenty of gear (36.4 cubic feet behind second row).
Technology / Infotainment
Our 2022 Santa Fe XRT came with plenty of useful technology and infotainment functionality.
The XRT does not include the option for the 10.25 color touchscreen that we recently experienced on the 2022 Tucson Limited. It does not need it.
The standard 8-inch color touchscreen has amazing color and resolution with user friendly manual control dials– mounted perfectly just above the center console for easy viewing and positioned to mitigate sun glare that is a common problem here in Texas. We loved it!
Equally impressive is the 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster – bright, crisp and clear – easy to read and loaded with driver information.
The standard 8-inch display audio system featured SiriusXM and HD radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phones, dual front and rear USB
outlets, Wireless smartphone charging, Digital Key w/Remote Engine Start, Climate Control, Dynamic Voice Recognition for cabin feature operation, Rear Seat Quiet Mode and more.
Advanced connectivity is provided through Blue Link Connected Car System that enables vehicle feature control via smartphone, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch apps.
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
Our 2022 Santa Fe XRT came with a robust set of passive, active and technologic safety features.
In recognition, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe has earned a ‘Top Safety Pick +’ rating from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
Included were: Lane Keeping/Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) plus Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and more.
Some of the more innovative and segment-exclusive features included:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection Junction-Turning Detection that monitors oncoming traffic when making left turns and alerts the driver plus provides braking assistance to avoid collision – if needed.
Ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert – If motion is detected (a child or pet) after locking and leaving the vehicle, the horn sounds and sends an alert to the driver’s smartphone via Blue Link.
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Line-up
You can get a new Santa Fe in just about any configuration you want.
The 2022 Santa Fe is offered in gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions across seven trim levels.
Gasoline:
SE/SEL/XRT – powered by 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with FWD and priced at MSRP of $27,400/$29,150/$32,450, respectively.
Limited and Calligraphy – powered by 2.5T turbocharged 4-cylinder, priced (FWD) at $39,110 and $41,110, respectively.
NOTE: All gasoline models offer an AWD version for $1,700 more.
Hybrid (all models are HTRAC AWD):
Blue/SEL Premium/Limited – powered by 1.6T turbocharged 4-cylinder plus a 44.2 kW electric motor price at MSRP $33,900/$37,960/$40,310 respectively.
PHEV Plug-in Hybrid (all HTRAC AWD only):
SEL Convenience/Limited – powered by 1.6T turbocharged 4-cylinder plus a 66.9 kW electric motor price at $39,500/$45,510 respectively
Check them all out at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-fe
Warranty
2022 Santa Fe comes with a best warranty in the industry.
Every 2022 Santa Fe is covered by the Hyundai 10-year 100,000-mile Limited Powertrain and 5-year New Vehicle Limited Warranty plus 5-year Unlimited Miles Roadside Assistance plus 3-year /36,000-mile Complimentary Maintenance.
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KEY DATA: 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT AWD
- Model Santa Fe
- Trim Level XRT
- Class Compact SUV
- Seating Five (Two Row)
- MSRP $34,900
- As Tested $35,380 (delivered)
- Engine 2.5L Smartstream DOHC In-line 4-cylinder
- Horsepower 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm
- Torque 181 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
- Transmission 8-speed Automatic w/SHIFTRONIC
- Drive System HTRAC Active On-Demand AWD
- Wheel size 18-inch Alloy
- Tire Size 255/60 R18 All-season
- Suspension MacPherson Strut (F) and Multi-link (R) w/Stabilizer Bars
- Steering Motor Driven Power Assisted (MDPS)
- Brakes 4-Wheel Power Assist w/EBD and Brake Assist
- Ground Clearance 8.2-inches
- Tow Capacity 3,500 pounds
- Fuel Capacity 17.7 gallons
- Fuel Economy 22/25 mpg / 24 combined
