2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT Review: Soft Roader or Just For Looks

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT joins the now long list of soft roaders, but is it a true soft roader, or is it just for looks?

On the outside, the Tucson’s daytime running lights camouflage into the grille. Add the Rockwood Green color, and you’ll get a color that looks gray in the shade, but shines beautifully in the sun. With this being the XRT, you’ll get exclusive trim specific 18” wheels. You also get extended fender covers to help protect the body when on trails. Unfortunately, the ride height is the same as the other Tucson trims which starts to show that this may be just for looks.

Getting in, the Tucson XRT has the trim’s three letters debossed into the seats. Unfortunately that’s where my liking goes for the seats. They weren’t comfortable as I couldn’t find a sweet spot for their positioning, as well as the lack of foam to help from feeling its frame. The infotainment screen was large and allowed wireless Apple CarPlay connection. Unfortunately the XRT doesn’t get all the tech options like wireless charging or 360 camera system, as that requires the higher trims. This brings me back to what I mention about these soft roaders being a option available to all trims, instead of companies picking a mid-tier trim, and adding the soft roading items.

Under the hood, the 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine delivers 187 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. What I would’ve ultimately preferred was the hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. They offer more power, typically at a better rev range, and better fuel economy. Hyundai has been quoted in saying that they would consider the hybrid power plant for XRT, if the trim sells well. That means that some of us will need to purchase a lesser drivetrain, in order for others to get the better option. What definitely saved the Tucson’s XRT trim, is their new Terrain Mode offerings. The programming of the AWD system was incredible at keeping the Tucson stable during fast runs on unpaved roads.

Overall, I wish these brands start to offer these soft roading options onto any of their available trims. That’ll give the consumers the opportunity to have a fully loaded offering with things like off-road tires, special AWD systems, along with their tech and comfort items of higher trims.