SUVs have arrived on the market and changed the way customers think . Now they're selling like hotcakes, and that's driving manufacturers into a relentless race to launch as many as possible. But they've also caused other market segments to either shrink or expand to accommodate their new commercial situation. One of the biggest beneficiaries is the pickup truck segment , which is experiencing a resurgence.
We see this in the growing number of brands wanting to enter the market. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the latest additions, although, to be fair, its spirit has been with us for over five years. Now, after numerous delays and half-baked developments , it's finally here to confirm what we already suspected. We're looking at a very attractive product that aims to challenge its Japanese and American rivals.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz looks exactly nailed to the new Tucson
A few days ago, we got a sneak peek at the highly anticipated Hyundai Santa Cruz . Through official sketches, the South Korean brand confirmed what we expected: the pickup's design will closely follow the design language introduced with the new generation Tucson . Therefore, the front end and its design elements are shared between the two models. However, there are also unique features that set them apart.
A quick glance at the side or rear design is all it takes. At first glance, the A and C pillars appear more angled , giving the car a more dynamic look. The fenders feature plastic moldings with exclusive details, such as the trim on the upper section. To maintain the Tucson's versatility, it includes black-painted roof rails . The alloy wheels are also shared with the SUV.
Finally, there's the rear, the area with the most new features. It has a 1,32-meter bed with various closure options. The taillights are new, with a horizontal arrangement and LED technology. One section is on the access door and another on the side. The Santa Cruz nameplate is also embossed on the body. The bumper , meanwhile, is simple , with clean corners to improve off-road capabilities and allow for easier access.
Quality and technological interior… another copy of the Tucson
Inside, the Hyundai Santa Cruz designers have followed the Tucson's lead. This means a modern, high-quality cabin. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity . A 10-inch screen with the same functions is available as an option, along with a configurable digital instrument cluster offering multiple views.
In terms of capacity, the Santa Cruz offers ample seating for five. Furthermore, to compensate for the lack of a "conventional" trunk, it features numerous storage compartments . Similar to the cargo bed, there are also storage compartments under the second-row seats. Safety is top-notch, including features such as pedestrian and cyclist detection , lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning.
Mechanical offer to Yankee taste, atmospheric gasoline and turbo
Finally, we must discuss the Hyundai Santa Cruz 's powertrain options . The entry-level version uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The manufacturer hasn't confirmed the final power output, only stating that it will offer more than 142 kW ( 188 hp ) and more than 244 Nm of torque. Power is managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. It can tow up to 1.590 kg.
The higher-performance option uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged Smartstream gasoline engine . Its performance is superior, with a power output expected to exceed 205 kW (280 hp) and more than 420 Nm of torque. In this case, it features an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. As with its smaller sibling, all-wheel drive is standard, but in this version, it can tow over 2.270 kg.
When will the Hyundai Santa Cruz hit the market?
For now, all we know is that the Hyundai Santa Cruz will be manufactured at the South Korean firm's factory in Montgomery , Alabama. This confirms what we already suspected regarding its possible arrival in Europe. Initially, it's not planned, but since it uses the same platform as the Tucson, they wouldn't need to make many changes to adapt the range to our tastes.
Sales will begin in North America once summer arrives. That's when we'll learn about its prices, available features , and whether it will be released in other parts of the world.
Source – Hyundai
