Infusing functionality with a touch of excitement, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz seamlessly marries the practicality of a truck with the smooth ride of a crossover. In this updated model, Hyundai has positioned the Santa Cruz at the intersection of sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, reminiscent of the Subaru Baja from two decades ago. 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 latest 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz strikes a balance between the Maverick and the Outback, sharing 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 Santa Cruz showcases the stepped grille with integrated daytime running lights from the 2024 Hyundai Tucson. The compact profile is adorned with stylish black cladding, running over the rockers and complemented by available 20-inch wheels.
The bed, while not as deep or long as other trucks, boasts a built-in lockable tonneau cover, hidden bed storage with a drain plug, and optional bed-extending accessories. Clever storage solutions continue inside, with rear seats that can be flipped up to reveal a seat-length storage cubby, along with mesh pockets on the front seat backs. The cockpit combines utilitarian features with a tech-forward approach, highlighted by an 8.0-inch touchscreen and touch-capacitive climate control panel.
Under the hood, the standard 2.5-liter inline-4 engine generates 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. With front-wheel drive, it can tow up to 3,500 lb, while all-wheel drive increases the towing capacity to 5,000 lb. Opting for 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 with minimal turbo lag. This turbocharged engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic for spirited driving. We do wish Hyundai offered a Santa Cruz hybrid, which could borrow the hybrid powertrain from the Tucson.
The all-wheel-drive system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear axles, enhanced by a center locking differential for improved uphill grip or when slip occurs. Although the AWD system leans more towards on-road handling, it remains capable enough for most off-road adventures. The Santa Cruz AWD displays nimble handling on twisting mountain roads, providing a more spirited driving experience than its curb weight of around 4,100 lb suggests. The ride is quiet and comfortable for everyday driving, resembling that of a compact crossover.
With all-wheel drive and the standard 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-4, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz achieves an EPA-rated 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. The turbo-4 with all-wheel drive maintains the same highway rating but sees a slight dip in city fuel economy, with an EPA-rated 19/27/22 mpg.
Hyundai prioritizes safety with standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and active lane control. Optional features like blind-spot monitors, blind-spot cameras, and a surround-view camera system further enhance safety on and off the road.
Starting at $26,650 (including destination), 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. This top-tier configuration boasts wireless smartphone charging and a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
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.
