Hyundai’s Santa Cruz is a stylish & contemporary take on a little truck. Thanks to LED lighting, the big headlight clusters are merged with the front grill, which commands attention. The Santa Cruz’s curves and svelte lines go down the entire body, unlike most trucks where the bed is a distinct structure. This compact four-door vehicle offers the comfort of an SUV and has the open bed of a truck if required.

About Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean multinational automaker headquartered in Seoul. Established in 1967, it controls two other brands – Genesis Motor, a division that makes luxury cars, and Ioniq, which manufactures electric vehicles. These three brands together make up the Hyundai Motor Group.

Features of the Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai Santa Cruz is an excellent option if you don’t need the full-blown capacity and cost of a mid-size or full-size vehicle. Take a look at some of its key features below.

Engine and performance
Two alternative options are offered for Santa Cruz, with the base configuration being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 pound-feet of torque and 191 horsepower. A turbocharged 2.5-liter with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet makes up the improved engine. The Santa Cruz is significantly better suited to its increased power and has snappier reactions. Both engines pair with eight-speed automatic transmission; however, the turbo option only works with a dual-clutch transmission. The vehicle is far easier and more enjoyable to drive because it employs a more robust, car-like body construction than a body-on-frame structure found in a conventional pickup truck. The steering and handling are excellent. With the optional turbocharged engine’s tremendous power, you can enjoy the route even when it is winding.

Interiors
Among mid-size pickups, the Santa Cruz boasts one of the best cabins. Hyundai is known for producing cars with stylish materials and in-demand contemporary amenities that would blend perfectly with more expensive models. The vehicle is only available with a four-door crew cab, and passenger capacity in the front and back is competitive with other vehicles of a similar size. It is the first truck in its category to include a fully digital gauge cluster. With a lockable tonneau cover and a practical in-bed trunk, its cargo bed is one of the shortest in its class at roughly four feet long. The interior has a futuristic feel thanks to the optional large center touchscreen and fully digital instrument panel in front of the driver. However, the shortcut buttons below the touchscreen are touch-sensitive pads, making them difficult to find and operate while driving. Apart from this and some redundant controls in the steering wheel, everything is clearly labeled and appropriately arranged.

Technology
Hyundai makes sure that its pickup truck is equipped with a modern infotainment system, whether it be an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard equipment or a 10.3-inch touchscreen that is an option. The Santa Cruz supports wireless pairing for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless device charging. For those who prefer an improvised stereo, the eight-speaker Bose sound system is another perk. The optional Bose sound system is outstanding, with excellent sound quality throughout most of the volume range. You can remotely start the truck, lock and unlock doors, and more with Hyundai’s Blue Link services, which are offered free for three years. One can use this service through the internet, numerous apps, and even Amazon Alexa.

Towing capacity
The maximum towing capacity for both options is 5000 pounds, but only when equipped with the more potent turbocharged engine. The maximum towing capacity of the typical 2.5-liter four-cylinder is only 3500 pounds.

Fuel economy
When equipped with the standard engine and front-wheel drive, Santa Cruz has city and highway mileage ratings of 21 mpg and 26 mpg, respectively. Interestingly, adopting all-wheel drive increases its highway mileage by 1 mpg. The turbocharged model’s estimated city and highway mpg are 19 and 27, respectively.