Hyundai Santa Cruz Concept: Hyundai takes a stab at designing a truck

Many automakers in the past have tried building a truck by taking a standard car and throwing an open bed on the back, for example the Subaru Baja from the early 2000s. Now Hyundai is trying to revive the concept with its latest Santa Cruz crossover truck concept that just debuted at the Detroit Auto Show.

42740_Santa_Cruz_Crossover_Truck_Concept

Many automakers in the past have tried building a truck by taking a standard car and throwing an open bed on the back, for example the Subaru Baja from the early 2000s. Now Hyundai is trying to revive the concept with its latest Santa Cruz crossover truck concept that just debuted at the Detroit Auto Show.
The surprising concept is meant to target new “Millennial” buyers that Hyundai refers to as “Urban Adventurers.”

42738_Santa_Cruz_Crossover_Truck_Concept

“This new crossover allows them all the expandable utility they need throughout their active week, from work-life professionalism, to social interests, to a whole variety of outdoor pursuits, without the typical compromises they have come to expect from the industry’s current product offerings,” stated Mark Dipko, director, corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America.

To meet the specific needs of these Urban Adventurers, Hyundai didn’t design the Santa Cruz to focus on all the same attributes as traditional pickups. It’s designed to meet more of their desires for expression, efficiency and maneuverability.

42736_Santa_Cruz_Crossover_Truck_Concept

Under the hood the Santa Cruz concept is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel powertrain with 190 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque that gets in the high 30 mpg range. The Santa Cruz also features Hyundai’s HTRAC All-wheel drive system. Hyundai didn’t state any production plans, but did hint that it could be possible.

Source: Hyundai