The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz seamlessly combines the practicality of a truck with the smooth ride of a crossover, positioning itself at the intersection of sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Its open bed and seating for five place it in competition with compact pickup trucks like the Ford Maverick and adventure-oriented crossovers such as the Subaru Outback.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz shares its platform with the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover, featuring a front-end design reminiscent of an off-roadable crossover and a square-box pickup appearance at the rear. The compact profile is adorned with stylish black cladding, running over the rockers and complemented by available 20-inch wheels. The bed includes built-in lockable tonneau cover, hidden bed storage with a drain plug, and optional bed-extending accessories.
The standard 2.5-liter inline-4 engine generates 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the available 2.5-liter turbo-4 with standard all-wheel drive provides a more powerful performance, producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Cruz offers an all-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential for improved uphill grip or when slip occurs. The ride is quiet and comfortable for everyday driving, resembling that of a compact crossover.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz achieves an EPA-rated 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined with all-wheel drive and the standard 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-4. It prioritizes safety with standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and active lane control.
Starting at $26,650, the base SE trim of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a remote opening power tailgate. The lineup includes three SEL grades and the top Limited trim, priced at a maximum of $41,070 with the turbo-4 and AWD.
As Hyundai’s inaugural venture into the pickup truck segment, the 2024 Santa Cruz impresses with its bold styling, responsive driving dynamics, and cutting-edge technology. Positioned at the forefront of its class, the Santa Cruz transcends its price point, making it a compelling option for those seeking a blend of versatility and style.
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