SUV with the utility of a truck
Santa Cruz prices start at $28,275.00
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz all new for 2024?
No, the Hyundai Santa Cruz for 2024 isn’t entirely new. However, it introduces a notable change by replacing the SEL Premium trim with a fresh variant called the XRT. The Santa Cruz XRT combines features from the SEL Premium with elements from the current SEL and the optional Activity Package. This includes features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black faux-leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and Hyundai’s Digital Key, paired with wider fender flares, side steps, and bed rails. Additionally, LED projector headlights become standard across the lineup for 2024, and all trims now feature haptic feedback through the steering wheel for lane keep assist and blind spot collision avoidance.
HYUNDAI Santa Cruz Trim levels
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is offered in five trim levels:
- SE
- SEL
- Night
- XRT (as tested)
- Limited
MSRP as tested $41,185.00 including destination charges.
What is the HYUNDAI Santa Cruz warranty?
- 5 year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty
- 10 year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
- 7 year/unlimited-mile Anti-perforation Warranty
- 3 year/36,000-mile Complementary maintenance
- 5 year/unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance
What engine comes with the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two distinct powertrain options, each tied to specific trims. The SE and SEL trims are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Night, XRT, and Limited trims boast a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All trims, excluding the SE, offer the option for all-wheel drive.
Towing and Payload Capacity
When equipped with the base four-cylinder engine, the Santa Cruz is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. For the premium turbocharged engine increases the towing capacity to 5,000 pounds.
What are the interior features of the HYUNDAI Santa Cruz?
Hyundai has made the inside of the Santa Cruz look fancier than it really costs. Compared to other compact and mid-size pickups, its cabin stands out as one of the best. Plus, it’s the first truck in its group to have a fully digital gauge cluster.
The base SE and SEL models come with an eight-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The SEL offers an optional upgrade to a larger 10.3-inch display, which comes standard on the three higher trims. The screens offer clear graphics and smooth performance. Digital features include wireless device charging, wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and complimentary access to Hyundai’s Blue Link services for three years. With Blue Link. For top-notch audio quality, the Bose premium audio system is available exclusively on the Limited trim.
How does the HYUNDAI Santa Cruz Xrt Drive?
I have two perspectives to answer this question:
As a fairly tall, family man, I don’t think this was necessarily built with families in mind, but you can definitely pull it off, it has the basic capabilities to make it possible. I can tell you kids love playing the truck bed while parked!
As a car enthusiast, I think it is such an attractive vehicle. I’m a truck guy at heart and while this is smaller than your average pickup it has the ruggedness for sure. The 2.5L engine also has amazing acceleration. It’s made for practicality and utility, but satisfies the enthusiast in me as well.
Final thoughts
Not a very large segment to really consider other options, but if you are looking for a SUV-ish type vehicle with a pickup aspect, you can’t continue with out least taking a look here 1st!
Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT features
Powertrain Technology/Exterior
- Smartstream 2.5L 4 cylinder engine with GDI and MPI
- 8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission with Paddle Shifters
- Self-leveling Rear Suspension
- Drive Mode Select
- HTRAC All-Wheel Drive
- 18″ Alloy Wheels
- Automatic LED Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED Taillights
- Dark Chrome Grille & Tailgate Handle
- Power Sunroof
- Roof Side Rails
- LED Bed Lighting
- Rear Sliding Glass with Defroster
- Integrated Tonneau Cover
- Under Bed & Sidewall Storage Compartments
- Bed Rails
- Rear Bumper Corner Steps; Side Steps
Comfort & Convenience
- Downhill Brake Control
- Hillstart Assist Control
- Proximity Key w/ Push Button Start
- Remote Engine Start
- Smart Cruise Control
- Dual Automatic Temperature Control
- H-TexTM Seating Surfaces
- Power Driver’s Seat w/ Lumbar Support
- Heated Front Seats
- 60/40 Flip-up Rear Seats w/ Storage Bin
- Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
- LED Interior Lights
- Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror
- 10.25 Digital Instrument Cluster
- Front USB Ports
- Temporary Compact Spare Tire
- 10.25 Navigation System w/ AM/FM/HD Radio
- SiriusXM® Radio w/ 90-day trial subscription; not available in AK & HI
- Dynamic Voice Recognition
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Phone Charger
- Digital Key
- 115V Power Outlet in Bed
- Full Tank of Fuel
- Bluelink+ All-inclusive Connected Services
Safety
- Front, Front Side, & Side-Curtain Airbags w/ Rollover Sensors
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist
- Driver Attention Waming
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Reariew Camera
- Safe Exit Waming
- Immobilizer
*Features available with Santa Cruz XRT trim as tested.
For more information about the Hyundai Santa Cruz, please visit