2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review, Pricing, and Specs

We really useful the SEL Premium beforehand. Rebranded because the XRT, we expect it is nonetheless the one to get. Admittedly, this trim presents a steep MSRP climb over the SE and SEL, however the extra highly effective turbocharged engine is a should for anybody who cares about acceleration. The stronger engine additionally lifts the tow ranking to 5000 kilos, and the XRT comes with all-wheel drive that is a pricey choice on the SEL. There’s some rugged-looking tools to intensify the aesthetic, and darkish chrome trim as well.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

There are two powertrains obtainable for the Santa Cruz, with the engine selection determined by the trim. The SE and SEL match a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, shifting via an eight-speed automated transmission. After we examined the identical motor within the Hyundai Tucson SUV—on which the Santa Cruz is predicated—we discovered the acceleration sluggish at finest. The Evening, XRT, and Restricted trims include a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4 with 281 horses and 311 pound-feet, figures significantly better suited to city driving. This engine will get an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All trims besides the SE will be had with all-wheel drive. The Santa Cruz is shorter and decrease than its phase rivals, which makes it simpler to maneuver round city. The highest-of-the-line Restricted mannequin we drove showcased the truck’s refined journey and agile dealing with.

Towing and Payload Capability

When optioned with base four-cylinder, the Santa Cruz is rated to tow 3,500 kilos. With the premium turbocharged engine, the little truck’s tow ranking matches that of the one different unibody vans on this class, the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick. All are capped at a 5000-pound towing capability.

Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG

Outfitted with the bottom engine and front-wheel drive, the 2023 Santa Cruz is rated at 22 mpg within the metropolis and 26 mpg on the freeway. Including all-wheel drive drops metropolis and freeway figures by 1 mpg. The turbocharged model has estimates of 19 mpg metropolis and 27 freeway. We ran a turbocharged Santa Cruz on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is a part of our intensive testing routine, and it returned 30 mpg freeway. For extra details about the Santa Cruz’s gasoline economic system, go to the EPA’s website.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Hyundai has a behavior of designing interiors that look costlier than they’re. The Santa Cruz advantages by having one of many nicest cabins amongst each the compact and mid-size pickup segments. It is the primary truck in its class to supply a completely digital gauge cluster, and we recognize that it has a standard shifter on the middle console as an alternative of a rotary knob or pushbuttons. The Santa Cruz is simply obtainable with a four-door crew cab, and passenger area within the entrance and the again is aggressive with equally sized vans. Its cargo mattress is without doubt one of the shortest within the phase at about 4 ft lengthy, however it’s very versatile, with a lockable tonneau cowl and a helpful in-bed trunk that is much like what the Honda provides.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The bottom SE and SEL come normal with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The SEL will be optioned with a bigger 10.3-inch show, the three trims above include it. Crisp graphics and clean operation are pluses; nonetheless, we expect the corporate’s determination to omit any bodily controls is a misstep. Digital options embody wi-fi machine charging, wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Hyundai’s Blue Hyperlink providers offered free for 3 years. With Blue Hyperlink, homeowners can do issues like remotely lock and unlock the doorways and begin the Santa Cruz by utilizing an app, the Web, or Amazon Alexa. Inside, the very best sounds are had with the Bose premium audio setup, however it’s solely obtainable on the Restricted trim.

Security and Driver-Help Options

The Santa Cruz provides an array of driver-assistance expertise, together with a normal driver-attention warning and elective adaptive cruise management. For extra details about the Santa Cruz’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Commonplace forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Commonplace lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
• Commonplace blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Hyundai—together with its company counterpart, Kia—has lengthy supplied top-of-the-line guarantee plans within the trade, with particularly noteworthy powertrain protection. The corporate additionally provides complimentary scheduled upkeep that bests mainstream rivals resembling Toyota.

• Restricted guarantee 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep covers three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs