Hyundai, Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that was first unveiled at the 2020 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is designed to be a more refined and versatile alternative to traditional pickups, while still offering the functionality and capabilities of a truck.

Design and Features

The Santa Cruz has a unique design language that combines elements of a truck with those of a crossover SUV. Its exterior features a bold front grille, swept-back headlights, and a sloping roofline that gives it a more aerodynamic profile. The interior is equipped with a modern infotainment system, comfortable seating for up to five passengers, and ample cargo space.

Powertrain and Performance

The Santa Cruz is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available as an option. The truck has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and can reach speeds of up to 120 mph.

Safety Features

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Interior Space and Comfort

The Santa Cruz has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to five passengers, depending on seating configuration. The cargo area offers up to 37.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and expands to 53.3 cubic feet when they are folded. The truck also features a number of comfort and convenience amenities, including heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.

Technology and Infotainment

The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including an 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a wireless smartphone charger. It also features a range of convenience features, such as remote start, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start.

Fuel Economy and Maintenance

The Santa Cruz has an estimated EPA rating of up to 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. It also comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes five years or 60,000 miles of basic coverage and ten years or 100,000 miles of powertrain protection.

Trim Levels

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. The SE model starts at around $23,500 and comes with a range of standard features, including the 2.5-liter engine, eight-speed transmission, and front-wheel drive. The SEL trim adds a number of convenience features, such as proximity keyless entry and push-button start, starting at around $25,000. The Limited model is the top-of-the-line variant and starts at around $29,500, featuring advanced safety features, a leather-trimmed interior, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.

Competitors

The Hyundai Santa Cruz competes directly with other compact pickup trucks, such as the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma. It also faces competition from crossover SUVs in this segment, including the Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and Jeep Gladiator.