Hyundai’s XRT off-road sub-brand set to align multiple all-terrain models alongside N-performance offerings

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Hyundai Australia has revealed to Chasing Cars it’s set to push its global XRT sub-brand hard locally, with a product strategy set to offer a number of yet undisclosed all-terrain style XRT variants and XRT Pro models aligned with its current N-Line and N performance products.

The reveal strategy positioned XRT all-terrain variants of existing models on tier parallel to current N-Line versions. 

Unlike the existing dealer accessory ($6990-$10,990) XRT Peak and XRT Adventure off-road enhancement packs offered for Santa Fe, XRT branding will adorn range variants offering “rugged design” elements such as bespoke exterior and interior styling paired with “dark colour finishes”.

Meanwhile, XRT Pro branding, as recently debuted locally in the Palisade lineup, are reserved for “capability and performance” boosted range variants, with deeper enhancement more aligned with Hyundai’s harder-core N product portfolio.   

Specifically, XRT Pro versions build on dedicated all-wheel-drive model variants, adding AWD terrain mode expansion, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tyres, and maximised towing capabilities beyond bespoke design enhancement.

In the case of the just-launched 2026 Palisade XRT Pro, the treatment extends to a bespoke powertrain spec – a more intensive makeover than demonstrated thus far in Nissan’s Warrior, Volkswagen’s Walkinshaw-enhanced ‘W’ versions or Mitsubishi’s Raider applications. 

Indeed, while the Australian-spec Palisade XRT Pro fits a 2.5-litre turbo petrol four powertrain unique amongst the local hybrid-heavy range, the US market equivalent – sharing much of the all-terrain enhancement set – features a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 petrol engine. 

Future Australian XRT/XRT Pro models

While much of the XRT/XRT Pro ethos is global, it’s largely spearheaded by the US market, where Hyundai USA appears to be gunning for and mirroring Toyota’s TRD product strategy, specifically. 

Indeed, Hyundai’s “global XRT off-road strategy” is, according to the carmaker, “now [being] developed within the Hyundai California Design Studio, home to the ‘Sandbox’ design hub tasked with future XRT model development. It’s here where “a number of future XRT models heading into production in the coming years” are currently gestating. 

However, it’s clearly not a case of one model specification suits all markets for the XRT concept.

The difference in market specification between US and AU Palisade XRT Pros suggests Hyundai Australia is afforded certain licence to cherrypick spec of future XRT Pro versions, right down to powertrain choice, albeit perhaps of limited selection from a global HMC menu. 

While not confirming any actual nameplates or specific timelines, Hyundai’s local arm has affirmed that any XRT Pro model in the foreseeable pipeline “must be all-wheel drive”, with a specific focus on its SUV line-up for the Australian market. 

Large Santa Fe, medium Tucson, medium electric Ioniq 5, small Kona and Santa Cruz ute are all currently offered in North America in a ‘regular’ XRT variant guise. Palisade is the only nameplate to receive the XRT Pro treatment thus far.

It’s expected that a Santa Fe XRT Pro version will arrive – in the US at least – in conjunction with or just after its expected Palisade-like facelift in 2027. 

The next-generation Tucson, slated to launch in Australia next year, will most certainly springboard an XRT version immediately and, its mooted, a harder-core XRT Pro version shortly thereafter in some markets.