Key highlights:
- XRT adds rugged styling without mechanical upgrades
- The rugged trim comes with the standard all-wheel drive
- It targets light trails rather than hardcore off-roading
Hyundai has fully revealed the 2027 Tucson XRT at a media event in South Korea, which will serve as the hero trim for the fifth-generation compact SUV launch.
Rather than matching the standard Tucson’s clean, modern urban look, the XRT adds chunkier styling and an outdoors-focused character, but Hyundai has not changed its mechanical package, so it remains a tougher-looking Tucson designed for city driving and light trails rather than hardcore off-roading.
XRT gets a chunkier exterior
Hyundai previewed the all-new rugged XRT trim about a month ago with a single official image, but the full reveal now shows how extensively the company has built on the standard Tucson’s completely redesigned body.
The front end gets the biggest visual changes. A split rectangular grille looks substantially more imposing than the regular Tucson’s unit, while a chunky skid plate underneath reinforces the off-road-inspired theme.
Black wheel-arch cladding gives the SUV a wider, more substantial appearance, and the black wheels also drop the usual Hyundai logo in favour of XRT lettering. The cladding itself features a forged-carbon-inspired pattern, adding texture to the otherwise plain black treatment.
At the rear, Hyundai adds another XRT-specific bumper and skid plate, and the tailgate carries an XRT badge alongside the HTRAC logo, confirming standard all-wheel drive.
The cabin gets darker and tougher
Hyundai has fitted protective floor mats across both rows, suggesting the company expects some XRT owners to take their SUVs onto dirt and trails.
The interior also receives an XRT-exclusive geometric seat pattern, dark-metal dashboard trim, and XRT branding on the headrests. It also gets a touch-type LED light built into the tailgate for outdoor illumination.
It is not a complete cabin redesign, but the darker treatment matches the more rugged exterior.
Also read: Nissan Kicks Australia launch still under consideration
XRT is not a hardcore off-roader
Hyundai has not positioned the XRT as a dedicated rock-crawling machine, as despite its tougher appearance, the XRT receives no mechanical or performance changes compared with the standard AWD Tucson. It uses the same powertrain outputs of 142kW in the petrol variants and 180kW in the hybrid powertrain.
The XRT also retains the standard AWD model’s ride height and suspension tuning, which makes the XRT a styling-focused package rather than a dedicated off-road upgrade.
More aerodynamic than before
Despite its boxier appearance, the new Tucson is Hyundai’s most aerodynamically efficient version yet, and its drag coefficient drops from 0.33 to 0.30.
Hyundai uses several changes to achieve that improvement, including:
- Active air flaps
- Aero-optimised wheels
- A redesigned roof spoiler
- Additional sealing material to reduce air leakage
- A new rear underbody spoiler
These changes help this small crossover SUV move through the air more efficiently.
Hyundai has also worked on areas buyers cannot see; the dashboard now features additional noise insulation to reduce engine noise entering the cabin.
Thicker front-door glass helps reduce wind noise at higher speeds, while revised engine and transmission mounts cut vibrations. New suspension tuning also reduces unnecessary body movement.
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