Built for Rougher Roads: What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai Tucson XRT PRO
Built for Rougher Roads: What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai Tucson XRT PRO
Posted on October 30, 2026
Gravel, washboard, frost heaves and long stretches of unpaved road are part of everyday driving for many Canadians. A compact SUV that handles those surfaces with confidence makes every trip calmer, from the daily drive to the weekend getaway.
That is the idea behind the 2027 Hyundai Tucson XRT PRO. Hyundai revealed the all-new Tucson in October 2026 with the XRT PRO as its toughest version, and the new model is set to reach North America in 2027. Here is what to know about how it is built for rougher roads.
The Basics: What the XRT PRO Adds
The XRT PRO starts with the redesigned Tucson and adds hardware aimed squarely at poor road surfaces and light trails:
- Ground clearance: 210 mm (8.3 in), 30 mm more than the standard 2027 Tucson
- All-wheel drive: standard on every XRT PRO
- All-terrain tires: standard, on bold interlocking wheel designs
- Front recovery hooks and expanded cladding: standard for added protection
Each of these upgrades solves a real problem you face on rough roads.
Clearance for Ruts, Rocks and Snow Ridges
Rough roads rarely stay flat. Deep ruts form after heavy rain, rocks work their way to the surface and plows leave packed ridges of snow. The XRT PRO’s 210 mm of ground clearance gives the underbody more space to pass over all of it.
The standard 2027 Tucson sits at 180 mm (7.1 in). That extra 30 mm on the XRT PRO helps reduce scrapes and bumps under the vehicle. Hyundai also gave the XRT PRO aggressive approach and departure angles, so the bumpers clear steep driveway entrances, ditches and trail transitions with more margin.
Grip Where the Pavement Ends
Loose gravel and packed dirt can feel slippery, especially on hills and curves. The XRT PRO answers with standard all-wheel drive and all-terrain tires.
All-wheel drive spreads power across all four wheels, reducing wheelspin when one tire hits a loose patch. All-terrain tires add a tougher tread that bites into gravel and dirt and clears away mud. On a soft shoulder or a muddy access road, that pairing keeps you moving.
Protection From Flying Gravel
Gravel roads are hard on paint and plastic. The XRT PRO wears an expanded cladding package with forged-carbon-inspired patterns that covers the lower body, wheel arches and bumpers. This cladding takes the stone chips and brush scrapes so the body panels do not have to.
Front recovery hooks add peace of mind. If the road turns into a soft trap after a storm, a tow strap has a strong, safe place to attach.
Technology That Reads the Road
The XRT PRO is the only version of the new Tucson with Smart Terrain Assist (STA), and it is Hyundai’s first system of its kind. STA monitors traction and wheel slip in real time and shows a green, orange or red “stuck score.” It is a quick way to judge whether a washed-out section ahead is worth the try.
The new Tucson also offers Target Speed Control from 2 to 25 km/h. Set a slow speed, and the system manages acceleration and braking for you on steep or bumpy sections. Ground View Monitor shows what is in front of and beneath the vehicle, while Memory Reversing Assist records your path at up to 30 km/h and helps steer as you back out of a dead end.
A Comfortable Cabin for Long Distances
Rough roads often mean long drives. The redesigned Tucson gives five people more space, with a 2,785 mm wheelbase, 1,036 mm of front headroom and 1,064 mm of rear legroom. Hyundai designed the cabin with soft cushioning across the dash, doors and armrest, and tactile buttons for climate and audio so you are not tapping a screen on a bumpy road.
Cargo space measures 1,067 L behind the second row, with room for groceries, gear and spare winter boots.
Power and Towing
Hyundai offers two powertrains in the new Tucson. The 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine makes 184 hp and 195.3 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic. The next-generation hybrid delivers 233 hp and 279.9 lb-ft combined through a 6-speed automatic.
The hybrid all-wheel-drive model tows up to 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg), which is enough for weekend trips with a boat, camper or trailer.
At a Glance
| Rough-Road Need | How the XRT PRO Handles It |
| Ruts, rocks and snow ridges | 210 mm (8.3 in) of ground clearance |
| Loose gravel and mud | Standard AWD and all-terrain tires |
| Stone chips and scrapes | Expanded cladding package |
| Unsure about the terrain | Smart Terrain Assist stuck score |
| Getting stuck | Front recovery hooks |
Talk Tucson With Northland Hyundai
If your daily drive includes more gravel than most, the Tucson XRT PRO is worth watching. Visit Northland Hyundai in Prince George to learn more about the 2027 Tucson and what it will bring to your next drive.