Hyundai Unveils New Santa Cruz Pickup
Hyundai's new "Sport Adventure Vehicle" is here- what does it bring to the table?
It's here folks. The long rumored Santa Cruz has been shown to the public. This new "Sport Adventure Vehicle" is a small pickup ready to take on the hassles of an urban yet adventurous lifestyle. What I appreciate about the Santa Cruz is its dedication to its audience. Other auto brands say they target urban dwellers who want to get out for the weekend, but all they do is chuck a 4WD system on an SUV and call it a day. Hyundai created an entirely new body style just for these buyers. The included lockable tonneau cover ensures the rear of the vehicle can act as a spacious trunk and there is no denying the truck styling works well: Hyundai nailed the looks.
The Santa Cruz carries on the bold styling we have come to expect from Hyundai: with DRL's hidden in the grille and some pretty bold fender flares, the front of this vehicle is unmistakably Hyundai. The side profile of the vehicle is also quite attractive, with a distinct rake present in both the A and C pillars, uncommon in the pickup world. The Santa Cruz Hyundai showed off was sporting a set of 20 inch alloy wheels, for those who want some more sidewall for off-roading, 18 inch wheels will be available.
The rear of the Santa Cruz has in bed storage, along with the previously mentioned tonneau cover. In addition the vehicle comes with a corner step, nothing crazy like the tailgate steps we have come to expect from the likes of Ford and GMC: yet this is not a competitor to those vehicles.
When it comes to the interior of the vehicle, Hyundai once again demonstrates its commitment to tech. In the center stack rests a 10 inch infotainment screen. There is also an additional optional 10 inch gauge cluster display. A Bose audio system tops it all off, I am interested to see what other tech is present here- we will learn more in the coming weeks.
There are two different powertrain options for the Santa Cruz. A 2.5L in-line 4 producing around 190 horsepower and 180 lb. ft. of torque will be standard. This will be coupled with an 8 speed automatic transmission. The Santa Cruz will also offer a 2.5L turbocharged engine predicted to put out around 275 horsepower and 310 pound lb. ft. of torque, with power routed through an 8 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Towing capacity for the standard engine will be around 3,500 pounds, with around 5,000 pounds of capacity for the turbo model.
The Santa Cruz brings a pretty complete suite of driver assistance features. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection is standard, along with lane keep assist. Features like blind spot assist, highway drive assist, and a surround view monitor will be optional.
We look forward to reviewing a Santa Cruz over on our YouTube channel ASAP. Until then keep tuned to the website and we will update you all as we learn more!