2027 Hyundai Tucson XRT PRO: Hyundai’s First Smart Terrain Assist Leads a Trail-Ready Compact SUV
When Holli and I flew to New York City for our exclusive first look at the all-new 2027 Hyundai Tucson, the standard model was not the only version Hyundai brought along. The brand also debuted the rugged 2027 Hyundai Tucson XRT PRO, and it might be the most interesting member of the new lineup for families who like to get a little dirty on the weekends.
We did not get any one-on-one time with the XRT PRO, so we could not crawl through the cabin or climb underneath it like we did with the hybrid. However, Hyundai shared plenty of details, and there is too much here to sit on. Here is everything we know so far. For our full walkaround of the standard model, read our 2027 Hyundai Tucson first look.
What Is the Tucson XRT PRO?
Hyundai’s XRT badge has been around for a few years, but it has mostly been an appearance package. The XRT PRO takes things a step further. The Tucson XRT PRO is built for outdoor adventures, with all-wheel drive (AWD), all-terrain tires, more aggressive approach and departure angles, and front recovery hooks.
Much like Jeep does with its Trail Rated badge, the PRO branding on the XRT PRO has meaning to Hyundai. Specific criteria need to be met on each vehicle in order to earn the PRO designation on the XRT PRO.
If that formula sounds familiar, it should. Hyundai already gave the bigger Palisade XRT PRO the same treatment, and now the brand’s best-selling SUV gets its own trail-ready version. Considering Hyundai sold more than 250,000 Tucsons in North America last year, this could put a lot more capable compact SUVs on dirt roads.
Tough Looks That Back Up the Name
The XRT PRO starts with the same muscular “Art of Steel” design as the rest of the new Tucson lineup, including the clamshell hood and wide-set fenders we loved in person. From there, Hyundai adds an expanded cladding package with a forged-carbon-inspired pattern that wraps the wheel arches and lower body. It looks tough, and it also gives the lower body more protection from rocks and brush.
The front and rear fascias get strong vertical design elements that draw attention to functional pieces like the recovery hooks. Bold interlocking wheel designs wrap around all-terrain tires. Hyundai’s new Red Rock Orange Pearl/Matte paint was also designed to highlight the XRT PRO’s off-road identity. Hyundai calls it a rugged, canyon-inspired tone, and we think it looks fantastic.
More Ground Clearance and Real Off-Road Hardware
The biggest functional upgrade is ground clearance. The XRT PRO rides at 8.3 inches, up 1.2 inches from the standard Tucson’s 7.1 inches. That extra space matters when you are crossing ruts, rocks, or a washed-out forest road on the way to a campsite.
AWD comes standard, along with all-terrain tires and front recovery hooks for when things do not go as planned. Hyundai has not released exact approach and departure angles yet, but the brand says they are more aggressive than the standard model.
Smart Terrain Assist Is a Hyundai First
This is the feature I am most excited about. The Tucson XRT PRO is the first Hyundai to offer Smart Terrain Assist (STA), and in North America it is exclusive to the XRT PRO. The system analyzes traction and wheel slip in real time and assesses how difficult the terrain is. Then it gives you a simple green, orange, or red “stuck score,” so you know how close you are to getting stuck.
For experienced off-roaders, that is a helpful second set of eyes. For families who are new to the trail, that kind of simple feedback could make off-roading a lot less intimidating.
Low-Speed Trail Tech That Makes Off-Roading Easier
STA works alongside Target Speed Control, which automatically handles acceleration and braking to hold a driver-selected speed between about 1 and 16 MPH, depending on the terrain. In short, the Tucson manages the gas and brake while you focus on steering. Think of it as off-road cruise control, and it makes low-speed trail driving more approachable for both seasoned and first-time drivers.
The new Tucson also offers Memory Reversing Assist, which Hyundai calls a class first. It records your path at speeds up to about 19 MPH, then automatically helps steer while you back out of a narrow road or trail. Add the available Ground View Monitor, which shows a transparent view of the terrain ahead of and beneath the vehicle, and the Tucson XRT PRO has the tech to back up its tough looks.
An XRT Cabin With Dark Metal Accents
Inside, the XRT PRO gets dark metal finishes, XRT-exclusive seat patterns, and XRT logos to separate it from the rest of the lineup. Hyundai lists a black monotone interior and a Black/Sand Beige combination for its XRT models.
Beyond that, the XRT PRO should share the thoughtful cabin we toured in the standard Tucson. That includes furniture-inspired armrests, the massive Pleos Connect display with Gleo AI, physical buttons for climate and volume, dual 15-watt wireless charging pads, and a 100-watt USB-C port. If it also keeps the velvet-lined armrest cubby Holli fell for, she will be happy.
Built for Families Who Leave the Pavement
As parents, the details that sold us on the standard Tucson matter even more on an adventure vehicle. The rear doors open to 83 degrees, which makes it easier to load kids, car seats, and muddy gear. The longer wheelbase adds room for rear-facing car seats, and the cargo area offers 41.7 cubic feet of space with hidden underfloor storage.
Hyundai’s HEV Stay Mode could be a camper’s best friend, too. On hybrid models, it lets you run the climate controls, audio, and device charging with the engine off. Hyundai has not confirmed which powertrains the XRT PRO will offer, but if a hybrid version arrives, that feature would be perfect at a campsite. The hybrid AWD Tucson can also tow up to 3,000 pounds, which is enough for a small trailer full of weekend toys.
When Can You Buy the Tucson XRT PRO?
The all-new Tucson launches in Korea later this year, and North America follows in 2027. Hyundai has not announced pricing for the XRT PRO or the rest of the lineup yet. The brand also plans to reveal a sport-inspired version of the new Tucson at the 2026 Paris Motor Show on October 12, so the lineup is not done growing.
When it arrives, the XRT PRO will face rivals like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and the Toyota RAV4. If you want a bigger Hyundai with a similar attitude, check out our drive of the Santa Fe XRT.
Final Thoughts
We cannot wait to get some seat time in the Tucson XRT PRO. On paper, it checks all the right boxes for families who want one vehicle that handles the school run during the week and a dirt road on the weekend. More ground clearance, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, and Hyundai’s first Smart Terrain Assist make it more than a sticker package. Once we get one home, we will put it to the test and let you know how it handles real family adventures.
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