Edmunds.com Takes the Santa Fe Off-Road with a Ford Bronco

September 5th, 2024 by

Green 2025 Santa Fe XRT off-roading through desert

The styling of the new Santa Fe is so striking that it may have been easy to overlook the new XRT model. This model is the most off-road-focused of the Santa Fe line-up. The Santa Fe isn’t alone in adding a more rugged trim. Several crossover models now have an off-road leaning model that goes beyond mere aesthetics. However, the question always arises: How off-road capable are these models? Edmunds.com decided to find out, and Dick Smith Hyundai shows you what they found.

The Edmunds.com off-road testing ground they usually use had been hit by fire. So, they found another one and decided to take the Santa Fe XRT and a Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness model and test them with typical off-road challenges. They also brought their Ford Bronco long-term tester as a reference point, as it was designed from scratch to be every bit as off-road capable as a Jeep Wrangler. These were not brought together as direct competitors. The Santa Fe is the largest of the three as a 3-row mid-size model. The Crosstrek, a raised version of the Impreza compact hatchback, is about two sizes smaller, straddling the line between subcompact and compact crossover. In terms of size, the Bronco is in the middle as a midsize 2-row SUV.

The Santa Fe XRT is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque that peaks at 4000 rpm. The engine is connected to an 8-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is standard. The XFT is fitted with all-terrain tires and has a 1.5-inch for 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

Green 2025 Santa Fe XRT off-roading on rocky terrain

Rock Crawling Test

The first test was the toughest, going beyond trail running and testing actual rock crawling. The challenge was to climb a pile of rocks, each about a foot and a half in diameter. Both the Santa Fe and the Crosstrek failed this test as they had too much front overhang to avoid hitting the rock before the tires could reach it. This was essentially an approach angle test, and the 19-degree approach angle of the Santa Fe was not enough. Nor was the 20 degrees of the Crosstrek. That model has an impressive 9.3 inches of ground clearance, but it made little difference in this test. With a 35.5-inch approach angle, the Bronco had no problem clearing the rock. Longer front overhangs are common on crossovers, so the lesson here is that rock crawling is likely out for all of them. For smaller obstacles, however, the XRT gets points for an actual metal skid plate up front instead of the plastic plate on the Subaru.

The Hill Climb

The next test was a hill climb on a rough, uneven trail. The tester put the XRT in 4WD lock and started the climb. The surface was so uneven that the XRT occasionally had one or more tires off the ground. At this point, the climb conflicted with the traction control system. After defeating the traction control system, the XRT’s all-terrain tires bit into the dirt, and the Santa Fe climbed the hill with little problem. The Crosstrek also succeeded in the climb as its X-Mode Dirt setting significantly scaled back its traction control system. With tires high in the air for both vehicles, this certainly showed why vehicles designed specifically for off-road have very long suspension travel. Nevertheless, both crossovers did clear the hill.

2025 Santa Fe XRT black interior with touchscreen

Trail Running

The final test was running over a trail at speed. The tester found himself delighted with the power of the Santa Fe’s turbocharged engine, which he had in the Sport mode, for its increased throttle response. He also mentioned that though the transmission had paddle shifters, he never used them as the 8-speed automatic was very good at determining the appropriate gear ratio on its own. With less suspension travel than the Bronco, the speed was lower, but the Santa Fe proved just fine on the rough trail and, thanks in part to its longer wheelbase, even resulted in the smoothest ride of the three.

When the cars were not in motion, the tester had plenty of compliments for the Santa Fe interior, both for its design and passenger space.

Green 2025 Santa Fe XRT off-roading through mud

Summary

The conclusion is that the XRT’s all-terrain tires and high ground clearance certainly do improve its performance on off-road trails, but crawling over big rocks and fallen logs should be left to the off-road specialists.

If you are looking for a stylish 3-row crossover and know of a few unpaved places you like to go, the Santa Fe XRT sounds like it could be right for you. You can confirm that with a visit to Dick Smith Hyundai in Greenville, where, as of this writing, you will find 45 Santa Fe models in our vast inventory.