2024 Santa Fe XRT: Maximizing Towing Power with Intelligent Engineering and Game-Changing Features

In 2024, the Ford Santa Fe XRT emerges not only as a benchmark in compact SUVs but as a tow-capable powerhouse, delivering up to 14,000 pounds of max towing capacity while blending advanced technology with versatile utility. Packed with top-tier powertrain options, rugged design, and smart features, the XRT redefines what drivers expect from a modern towing vehicle—without sacrificing agility or efficiency. This article explores the Santa Fe XRT’s tow limits, key performance traits, and innovative offerings that make it a top choice for adventurers and haulers alike.

Ford engineered the Santa Fe XRT’s 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine as the centerpiece of its towing prowess, delivering seamless power delivery that translates into reliable real-world performance. Specified for both on-road handling and off-road usable mode (UBE), the engine produces 310 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, forming the backbone of a system optimized for heavy loads. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission optimized for tow scenarios, the XRT ensures smooth gear shifts under load while maintaining responsive acceleration when needed.

Max Towing Capacity: Precision Engineered for Real-World Towing

With a certified maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, the Santa Fe XRT strikes a balance between light-duty utility and serious hauling needs.

This figure accounts for both class-typical use—such as boat trailers, utility carts, and recreational equipment—and aligns with Ford’s rigorous testing protocols, including cross-track stability evaluations and braking load simulations.

What separates the XRT’s towing capability from competitors is its integrated load management system. The vehicle’s electronic stability control (ESC), reinforced under-garment frames, and adaptive chassis tuning work in concert to maintain handling precision even when maxed out.

According to Ford’s performance metrics, drivers consistently report stable multi-third-trailer control on mixed surfaces, including wet asphalt and dusty gravel—a testament to the vehicle’s balanced approach.

Key to maximizing this towing potential is the XRT’s tow ball and Fluid Design quick-hitch system, which simplifies coupling heavy trailers while maintaining structural integrity. The system limits tow pull to safe limits when payloads exceed design parameters, protected by integrated axle weight sensing and warning alerts. This safety-first design ensures users never exceed optimal stress thresholds, extending the system’s longevity.

Advanced Towing Technologies for Confident Towing Experiences

The Santa Fe XRT comes loaded with tools designed to simplify and secure daily towing.

Among the most impactful innovations is the dual-band tow trailer hitch, engineered for compatibility across standard and heavy-duty trailers. Its reinforced column, seismic-resistant design, and factory-fitted B-Flex coupler provide durable, play-proof connections under maximum stress.

Integrated to this is Ford’s MyTowing app, a plug-and-play companion enabling real-time monitoring of tow vehicle status, brake temperature, and coupling tension. With Bluetooth-enabled diagnostics, drivers receive instant alerts on smartphone devices—preventing overheating or improper coupling before they become issues.

The app also supports pre-trip checklists and customizable tow load profiles tailored for different vehicle loads, enhancing preparation and safety.

Additional features include a compact, swivel-independent trailer brake system that automatically activates minor trailers’ brakes during engagement, minimizing trailer sway. Combined with drop-down light bars that meet rim-light height regulations, the XRT ensures not only reliable towing but compliance with safety norms.

Smart Design Meets Utility: Multi-Use Capability Beyond Towing

Though optimized for heavy-duty towing, the Santa Fe XRT extends its utility through thoughtful design. The three-stage three-point tow hook system adapts to trailers with varying coupling heights—from compact to high-profile spawo—while remaining compact enough for closed truck beds or limited space maneuvers.

The crew area, accessible by lifting the bench seat, reveals a clean, raised floor profile and ample shoulder headroom—features that elevate comfort during long hauls, whether towing or traveling.

Standard cargo management includes a conceptual utility tray (retractable when not needed) and under-seat under-bed storage (utilized off-towing), supporting organized, practical use in both hauls and home settings.

Off-road enthusiasts benefit from the XRT’s progressive weight distribution and electronic stability interventions, which maintain grip on loose surfaces like sand or snow—crossing real-world tests where the vehicle demonstrated exceptional control during steep descents and soft terrain transitions.

Why the 2024 Santa Fe XRT Stands Out in Its Category

Ford’s Santa Fe XRT does not merely join the class of capable hybrid SUVs—it elevates the standard with its fusion of proven towing strength, intelligent systems, and driver-centric design. The vehicle’s ability to plate 14,000 lbs safely, combined with adaptive stability, smart monitoring, and versatile loading solutions, positions it as the top pick for users requiring both performance and practicality. In a market increasingly split between electric dominance and hybrid utility icons, the XRT bridges the gap with a proven mechanical foundation and elevated connectivity.

Whether hauling boats, trailers, or daily essentials, the 2024 Santa Fe XRT proves that compact SUVs can be formidable tow machines without compromise.

For modern drivers balancing rugged reliability with connected convenience, the Santa Fe XRT’s 2024 offering delivers on every front—stacked with capacity, safety, and smart technology in a package built for real-world versatility.