2024 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD Review and Off-Road Test

[@subiesojourner777]

2 Comments, I've watched a few other YT channels where they open the drivers door to see if there is any body flex when they do some twisties and I really like that. 2nd comment, the more I watch your videos, the more I'm pleased that I bought my 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness with it's capabilities.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

I was a huge critic of Subaru based upon the poor quality and reliability data of yesteryear. I’ve since given them another chance and I’m shocked how much better they are. Gone are the days of lethargic and problem-prone boxer engines. My Outback XT and wife’s new Ascent are phenomenal. I couldn’t agree with you more.

[@mtbrdude]

I already made that comment about body flex months back.... he still hasn't started testing the vehicles....

[@JoshuaHults]

I have a 2023 sel convenience package got with 1,000 miles on it for 28,000. Mine has sunroof wireless carplay and auto high beam with adaptive cruise. Power seats with lumbar remote tail lift and remote start. I noticed in the snow it works great, and that is the only thing i want awd for. I think the rav 4 is a better choice for gas mileage but i prefer the cabin space in mine.

[@jledford2]

Patiently waiting for that "Legs/Torso Proportionate" tshirt!

[@Kjhgr01]

🤪🤣🤣🤣

[@rustlesee]

Sidestep huh? Because getting in a crossover is hard, and nothing says “off road” like less ground clearance.

[@trailrunnah8886]

They probably looked at what Toyota is doing and thought that was the "off-road" thing.

[@irishmick6709]

I wouldn’t take any SUV on off-pavement roads unless the roads were mild forest roads with the occasional mud puddle. Some of the Subarus can handle more, but there are no low range gears.

[@Arinis.ltd.]

This channel is very underrated!

[@JasonPrazer]

Just bought the Tucson XRT in this same color a month ago. Love it. Actually liked the 2024 over the 2025 XRT. Second Tucson I've own. Last was an '06 that a had for 11 years and traded in. I'm in NWPA so I think I'm going to remove the cross bars and (hilarious) side steps for the winter.

[@Diva6751]

I just bought one yesterday. Are the side steps removable? That would be awesome.

[@munchies24]

I saw this when it first came out in 2022. Amazes me that they go through all the trouble of making it look the part, then add 19-inch rims and all season tires... and make roof rails and sidesteps the accessories to add over AT tires. They aren't even optional. They should've just let Kia have the off-road focused Sportage and let the Tuscon have the N-Line and called it a day.

[@BoopSnoot]

Even if you love the Tucson, don't buy this, buy a 2025, the improvements are really worth it!

[@pdxtim1377]

Former Hyundai Tucson HEV owner here. That car is not built for off-roading at all, especially the model I had. There's no spare tire (in mine), no underbody armor, mediocre ground clearance, all season tires, and heaven forbid you put a ding in that fancy body work because it won't be cheap to fix. That piano black trim, the very same stuff you find in cheap furniture, does scratch and scuff very easily. It looks great when you first buy the car, but it won't last long. I replaced the Tucson (junk) with a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness after watching some of Ryan's videos and a test drive. Although quite a bit smaller than the Tucson, I think Subaru did a terrific job creating an everyday driver with respectable off-road capabilities. I am loving it so far!

[@POSS99]

You sold Hyundai and bought a Subaru. Not much difference as far as reliability goes. Subarus is the least reliable japanese car brand.

[@michaelnoah3795]

More than 37K for this Hyundai is just crazy, they are out of their minds. Hyundais used to be at least cheaper than rivals, but now with this price I don’t see a single reason to buy this.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

This is true, however Hyundai typically has large rebates, and dealers have 3% holdback under invoice. A 40k Hyundai can be sold at roughly 35k and the dealer still makes money on the backend.

[@JoshuaHults]

Go test drive one. I have driven many cars, the hyundai feels like all others. I own the 2023 tucson with convenience package picked up for 28,000 with 1,000 miles. Wireless carplay, auto high beams, wireless charging heated seats adaptive cruise remote start and power tail lift. Huge space inside, works great in snow…. No interior rattles, fit and finish is premium with small gaps, it’s a good car. Don’t let group think sway your opinion go out and drive one to see. Stick with the lower tier trims, such as sel with convenience package.

[@lukiw7044]

I don't like SUV which imitate off-road vehicles. 99% of customers which choose this trim will never go off road. What can't be said about You Ryan. Great off road review. Greetings

[@JT-fq2bl]

This is one of Hyundai older models where they weren't sure if they want to all in on off-roading. The new Santa Fe and refresh Santa Cruz is Hyundai real effort for the XRT trim even though a DCT have no business in any CUV let alone an off-road trim. The next vehicle that will get a more enhanced XRT trim with be the next Palisade (we don't know what transmission the 3.5t engine will be paired with) and refresh Ioniq 5. The only vehicle that will make full use of the XRT trim is the Kona, but that trim is not available on the vehicle. But back to the Tucson, skip the XRT (it's only for show) and go straight to the hybrid in any trim.

[@edsmith9855]

Agreed. The hybrid is the only way to go for the Tuscon. About 2 sec quicker to 60 mph and better fuel mileage as well. Without the hybrid, the Tuscon is a nice package let down by a mediocre engine that gives both middling acceleration and lower mileage than most in the class. Where I live, you can get a nicely equipped model, the Blue trim line, for around 33k after discount. Definitely makes the Crosstrek seem overpriced.

[@edsmith9855]

The price seems quite good, actually, since a Crosstrek can set you back 35k. At least in my area, Hyundai/Kia dealers are also giving significant ($2500) discounts, while Subaru doesnt advertise any discounts. As for the throttle response, it could be the transmission. I briefly drove my daughter's Kia Telluride with the 8 speed auto, and although it ultimately had plenty of power, it always seemed to be in too high a gear, and throttle response seemed weak for the power available. I really dont understand 19" wheels though, although a lot of manufacturers are putting wide wheels on their Crossovers.

[@g7003041]

XRT means.... you pay extra, more payments, longer loans for you 😅. Mainly for looking cool.😊

[@JoshuaHults]

Xrt comes with roof racks and tow hitch equipped. The other models don’t.

[@lilianm7151]

I was excited about the 2025 Santa Fe XRT until it was revealed it has 3 rows. Why do car manufacturers assume that everyone wants a car with 3 rows. How about some folks actually do want some decent cargo space.

[@JoshuaHults]

They lay flat. If you get 2nd row bench seat the 3rd and 2nd row lay perfectly flat for car camping. I would buy in a heart beat EXCEPT the prices are outrageous.

[@lilianm7151]

@@JoshuaHults I would not. I do not need a 3rd row, no use for it. Why would I do that? Such a watse.

[@JoshuaHults]

@@lilianm7151 3 row suv's for some reason sell, i agree with you i would rather more back seat leg room or storage or both. I wish cars were more like legos where you could EASILY remove a seat or add a seat as you want.

[@Brotherhood676]

I've said this time and again. A lot of people just want a car that LOOKS off roady. 85% of Subaru and Jeep owners wont go off a basic forest road or gravel road. But for those of us who actually care about lockers/LSD/brake diff/ground clearance/tires...this isnt going to cut it.

[@JoshuaHults]

Who off roads an 80-100,000 suv/truck lol. It is all a flex, a status symbol. A true off roader will drive a beater not an off the showroom floor money pit!

[@ilovepemmican]

Ryan, you've done so much work on the roads at the new Peninsula Proving Grounds, I think it's time to add some trails for your camera operator!

[@Trekopolis]

Most Americans buy vehicles for the coolness factor and have little knowledge or concern for off-road experiences. Most people who lease these types of vehicles park them in fancy garages and run them through Mike's Car Wash once a week to impress others. How do I know this? Because I live in suburbia (Midwest) and see this every single day. Maybe out West it's different, but around here tires never meet dirt their entire lives. I'll stick with Subaru if I plan to venture into the mud some day.

[@kcpncfs9234]

wondering how long the transfer cases will last in the recent hyundai SUVs

[@damienwallis7921]

We have the 1.6turbo engine here in Australia - that engine is much better. More power and torque.

[@FordEnthusiast413]

Nice review. How does this compare to the 2025 Subaru Forester? Does the Forester feel as slow as the Tucson?

[@JoshuaHults]

Forester is better offroad and to me tucson does not feel slow. Go test drive one. I ride sport motorcycles and i have 0 issue with tucsons speed. It’s an economy car not a race car! Mine has white interior, the interiors look very beautiful and are nice places to spend time in, much like the mazda’s.

[@Deetroiter]

There is no comparison. The Subaru would run wild all over this Hyundai in an off road scenario. On road, 60mph is 60mph. No different between the two

[@JoshuaHults]

you can easily find a good deal on a hyundai but the forester will be harder. I say honestly don't rely on reviews or numbers, go drive one and form your own opinion. I got mine for 28,000 with only 1,000 miles on it, nearly at 50,000 miles never had an issue. Has loads of room in trunk. If you are thinking of actually doing more off road based driving then skip the tucson, it is great for snow and light off road, which is what i use it for. If i am doing serious off roading i use a side by side not a 40,000 car lol

[@jediguy634]

Wild we live in a time where a compact crossover by Hyundai is $37K

[@aboutface102]

I got my Ford Escape hybrid AWD for $33k. Average 40 mpg. 200 hp. Not really an off roader but neither is this.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

I’ve noticed these Tucsons everywhere in my area. Cheap MSRP, subprime financing, you got a winner. Hyundai still continues to be a joke of a company despite their improvements. These are literally the dealers that have 10 chain smoking ex-cons on parole for salesmen, and a huge sign that says “everyone’s approved.”

[@bryanmoser358]

$41k is cheap MSRP?

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@bryanmoser358 I’m in Louisiana and the majority of the Tucson’s here are of the SE trim in the mid 20s after discounts. Which makes it very attractive to subprime lenders.

[@bryanmoser358]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 yeah, but this isn't the base model.... which is the SE, it's an XRT which is near top trim level as far as pricing goes. They also offer 2.99% Apr for these vehicles, which is by no means "subprime." While this isn't an offroader, I would venture to say that Hyundai is one of the best vehicle manufacturers today because you get alot for what you pay for. That price has 3 year maintenance included as well as best warranties, by far, of any manufacturer. Maybe you are seeing these around because these vehicles are the best bang for your buck today. You should go test drive one, then test drive whatever other car you think is better and evaluate the price difference you will have to pay to get those same options in your vehicle over this one.

[@ryanankeny3712]

Have you taken a Subi Outback Wilderness yet through the new off road trail?

[@ukrainiansubarer7767]

I have always compared Tucson to Crosstrek/XV, and Santa Fe to Forester... This feature to lock central diff is one Subaru lacks ((

[@eoak134]

That’s what x mode does among other things. Subaru is also true AWD.

[@eoak134]

@@RRr-yl8zr yup correct

[@ukrainiansubarer7767]

@@RetirementGoals1 owning Subaru for more than 3 years, no Hyundai is able to tempt me to take a seat in it.

[@Mebbwebb]

really need a test of the new santa fe XRT since it just came out.

[@DIYcoffee-ct7ii]

Please test it. 2024 xrt owner patiently waiting for this channel to do it!

[@tintamarra9993]

What about KIA? They have the same "of road version"?

[@Kjhgr01]

2024 Hyundai's XRT is the 1994 Subaru Outback. Maybe Hyundai will figure out how to be useful in 10 years, that's how long it took for Subaru to make their Outback dirt roady.

[@sentiencepsn2714]

That front fascia reminds me of a Nissan Rouge, with the vertical chrome “V motion” grille. And you know what, that’s probably a good comparison.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

There is no such thing as a Nissan Rouge.

[@cobyjones9519]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770???

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@cobyjones9519 I’m not wrong. Not sure the confusion.

[@cobyjones9519]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 so they misspelled Rogue…and yes a Nissan rogue does exist…don’t be that guy

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@cobyjones9519 oh I am definitely that guy

[@mighty_bunny]

XRT-Line, perhaps.

[@SyrupCanuck]

If only hyundai and kia could build proper engines with good mpgs

[@1976axerhand]

If you polish a turd... it's still a turd...

[@icare7151]

If Hyundai doesn’t fix the engineering flaws of the DCT transmission it will become DOA (dead on arrival).

[@andyzheng6906]

Please review the new Santa Fe XRT

[@drivingsports]

On our list, but they haven’t sent one up yet.

[@beebeenine]

Looks pretty much like Nissan’s new SUV series.

[@mjbucar]

The naturally aspirated engine is inappropriate for what should be the intended use of this type of model / vehicle.

[@indaydongtv5139]

This is better than subaru cvt

[@caseys_cozy_garage]

Hyundai got pretty cool ngl

[@kylewhisman]

Why would you pay extra for this trim so you can get plastic on the exterior? This trim makes the vehicle look ugly.

[@hossbonaventure]

Man I still just can’t take Hyundai seriously. It’s just not a serious car or manufacturer in my opinion. Great video though Ryan.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Definitely not about any off roading I'll give you that

[@stevemartegani]

Boomers said the same thing about Japanese cars for decades, but here we are

[@OmarZ77]

@@stevemarteganinope. Land Cruiser was badass from the get go. Hyundai/Kia have yet to do an AWD as good as any of the Japanese, especially Mazda or Subaru.

[@JoshuaHults]

They do what is profitable guys, they are extremely popular tight now. The awd is great for snow, i have never had an issue in snow with their awd. Everyone knows if you want to actually go off road to get a bronco or jeep, or a piece of junk pickup. It’s like getting mad at harley for not making a sport bike as good as japanese of european bikes, that is not their market. Hyundai and kia are for soccer moms and cheap people like me!

[@slowrey11]

The 7 million cars sold in global markets making it the third largest car manufacturer in the world would say otherwise regardless of your opinion.

[@nlken7175]

What a useless package. XRT

[@raidersamson3356]

For 37k you can do so much better than Hyundai

[@user-ql3ge2us4s]

Yawn

[@moneyparhar]

I payed $35k for 2024 Hyundai santa fe sel. I know this is SRT but not capable and less room in this.