2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

What is payload capacity? The Santa Cruz turbo can handle 1,521 lbs or 1,609 lbs, depending on the powertrain. The standard engine can handle 1,532 lbs or 1,753 lbs, depending on the trim. With cross rails, the Santa Cruz roof can hold up to 220 lbs.

What is towing capability? The initial tow rating is 1,650 lbs. However, with the right equipment, the towing capacity rises to 3,500 lbs with the standard engine and 5,000 lbs with the turbo all-wheel drive combination.

What is the truck’s ground clearance? The new Santa Cruz is built taller as a truck should be. Ground clearance is ample at 8.6 inches. Hyundai took care to sharpen the approach and departure angles.

What is the standard engine? A four-cylinder powertrain provides plenty of get-up-and-go. Output is 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is standard on the SE and SEL trim levels.

What is the engine upgrade? Standard on the XRT And Limited, the Santa Cruz turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is quite a performer. It generates 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both numbers represent a large increase over the Ford Maverick Ecoboost engine. You’ll feel it when you hit the gas as you speed onto the highway.

What transmission and drivetrains are offered? The turbo is mated to a dual clutch 8-speed automatic while a regular 8-speed automatic is standard. With all-wheel drive, the truck can see torque to the wheels that need more traction on snow, dirt or sand.

Does it have a good ratio of horsepower-to-weight? Compared to other midsize trucks, the compact Hyundai is lightweight at only 4,100 lbs. Each horse has less weight to move and, therefore, the truck can do more with its power.

How many configurations are available for the Hyundai truck? There is just one configuration. It consists of a two-row cabin and a 4-foot bed.

How big is the interior? Bigger than many compact SUV cabins, the new Santa Cruz has 104 cubic feet of passenger volume. This allows it to have a more welcoming second row. Naturally the front row passenger and driver have lots of legroom.

What size is the Santa Cruz bed? The bed is about four feet in length. It is 19.2 inches deep. It can easily accommodate 4 x 8 panels with the tailgate flat.

Is the bed made of steel? Actually the Santa Cruz bed is made of a composite material that is molded into the shape needed. Composites have many advantages including one-piece construction for strength. They can’t dent or rust like steel.

Does the tailgate have any special capability? This feature is damped to assist with lowering it. Not only can it lie flat to expand the truck floor, but it can be raised to match the bed’s widest point which is above the wheels.

Does it have built-in features? There are molded steps on the bumper for easy entry. Plus the composite build allowed Hyundai to include cubbies for tools or sports equipment. There is a tie-down system with bed rails and special notches where you can add your own shelf. Side steps are available on the Limited model.

Does this truck have a trunk? Actually it does have an in-bed trunk like its rival the Honda Ridgeline. This can be locked. It is waterproof, of course. In addition it has a drain if it needs to be washed out or has been used as a cooler.

Does the backseat fold? The rear seats fold up, allowing for generous interior cargo space. This area is easily accessed from either back door.

What space is protected with the tonneau cover? The bed area has 27 cubic feet of space with the tonneau cover in place. One unique aspect of the tonneau cover is its ability to retract completely. This keeps it out of your way when you need to utilize the whole bed.

What is the Santa Cruz SE? This is the entry level model with excellent payload capacity in its smart truck bed. It has standard bed steps, split-fold rear seats, and an in-bed trunk. Favorite features include the 8-inch touchscreen. Keeping things quiet, it has an acoustic windshield. The cockpit includes an electronic parking brake and a haptic-feedback steering wheel.

What features are standard on the SEL? This trim has dual heated seats for cold winters. Drivers enjoy a power chair. Push button start gets the truck started without getting out your key.

What features are standard with the SEL Activity package? This Santa Cruz has digital instruments behind the steering wheel. A wireless charger complements the USB ports. Passengers can get fresh air and a little sunshine with the moonroof.

What is the XRT model? This allows you to step up to the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and the dual clutch automatic. It has a special exterior style and a fancier interior. Adaptive cruise control gains navigation interface to improve the automated response to curves. The SEL Premium trim was discontinued.

What model is the most upscale? The new Santa Cruz Limited adds more features and driver aids. A Bose audio system provides sharper sound. Leather upholstery and other fine materials are added to dress up the cabin. Ventilated seats make summer days more pleasant for Phoenix AZ owners. Plus there’s more driver assistance and the turbocharged engine.

What touchscreens are offered? On the dash, you’ll notice the 8-inch touchscreen is integrated into the low-profile dash. This keeps it in view but out of the way. This uncluttered style goes high tech with the larger touchscreen and the 10.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel.

What connectivity features are available? Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow smartphone users to fully utilize their best apps on the system screen. Navigation adds the most up-to-date directions, maps, and information. Amazon Alexa connectivity is added with Bluelink. A Hyundai Digital Key lets you use your phone for remote starts as well as locking, unlocking, and starting.

What does the Limited model add? Limited trims have a 360-degree camera. This provides perimeter views of the front, side and rear of the Hyundai truck. This comes in handy for parking, off-roading and campsite maneuvers.

Some people may think trucks don't have to be as safe as cars. To them, we offer the fact that the Santa Cruz is a 2024 Top Safety Pick at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Hyundai makes sure it is as safe as any SUV on the lot.

What systems protect the front? A forward collision system is standard. This includes an alert for stopping traffic ahead and for pedestrians. Plus it has an autobrake for emergencies. Automatic high beams and automatic headlights are standard features.

What systems protect the sides? A lane departure alert, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitor are standard. They seek to keep you aware of your surroundings. They may assist you if the vehicle is veering into danger.

What systems protect the rear? In addition to the rearview camera, a rear cross traffic alert is standard. Watching for trouble, this system includes an avoidance assist.

With so much technology to explore, you owe yourself some time behind the wheel of this pickup truck. Schedule a test drive.