2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Full-size pickup trucks are the bestsellers in the U.S., but many shoppers don’t need their immense capability or want to deal with their lower fuel efficiency. Hyundai saw an opportunity here and filled the gap with the compact Santa Cruz, which blends the comfort and capability of a compact SUV with the utility of an open cargo bed.

The Santa Cruz, along with the Ford Maverick, has reignited interest in smaller trucks. While they can’t tow or haul as much as full-size models, small pickups offer significant benefits:
– Easier to maneuver
– More fuel-efficient
– More fun to drive
– Less expensive

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a choice of two engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and various trim levels, making it versatile enough to serve as a budget-friendly pickup or a loaded lifestyle vehicle.

For those seeking something between a compact and a full-size truck, the Honda Ridgeline is a solid midsize alternative.

**Positives:
– Potent turbocharged engine
– Clever pickup bed features
– Comfortable and confident ride

**Considerations:
– Compromised rear-passenger comfort
– Small utility bed

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines the best attributes of a compact SUV with the utility of a pickup. While it’s not as capable as a full-size truck, it provides an excellent combination of comfort and capability for those who only need occasional utility.

What’s New for 2024

– SEL Premium trim dropped
– New XRT model with more features
– Larger infotainment touchscreen and dual-zone climate control available
– Upgraded LED headlights on all models
– Haptic feedback for some safety features

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, Night, XRT, and Limited. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are offered on SE and SEL trims, while the Night, SEL Premium, and Limited trims are all-wheel drive only. The SEL trim is the most popular and recommended for its value.

**SE ($27,985)**: Multifunctional tailgate, composite bed, lockable under-bed storage, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, 8-inch touchscreen, cloth upholstery, and remote keyless entry. AWD adds $1,500.

**SEL ($30,735)**: Heated mirrors, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, SiriusXM, and Blue Link connectivity. Optional lockable truck-bed tonneau.

**Night ($39,545)**: Turbocharged engine, AWD, dark-toned 20-inch wheels, dark trim, skid plates, and side steps.

**XRT ($41,185)**: Features from SEL with Activity package (roof rails, sunroof, sliding rear window, power outlet in truck bed, utility cargo cleats and tracks, LED bed lighting, 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument panel, and wireless charging pad), turbocharged engine, AWD, adaptive cruise control, wider fender flares, and digital key features.

**Limited ($42,405)**: Leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bose audio system, and dual USB outlets in the backseat. AWD only.

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available on higher trims, generates 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provides strong acceleration and excellent handling, making the Santa Cruz fun to drive.

– **Turbocharged engine with AWD**: Tows up to 5,000 pounds
– **Standard engine**: Tows up to 3,500 pounds with FWD or AWD
– **Maximum payload for SE**: 1,753 pounds
– **FWD Limited payload**: 1,521 pounds

– **Standard engine (FWD)**: 22/26 mpg city/highway
– **Standard engine (AWD)**: 21/26 mpg city/highway
– **Turbo engine**: 19/27 mpg city/highway

The Santa Cruz offers nearly identical passenger volume to the Ford Maverick. It features flip-up 60/40-split rear seats for additional storage and a lockable under-bed storage area. The truck bed, while smaller than the Maverick’s, provides versatile utility.

Standard 8-inch touchscreen on SE and SEL trims. A 10.25-inch touchscreen is included with the SEL’s optional Activity package and is standard on higher trims. Features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose audio system on Limited trims, and dual USB ports.

The 2024 Santa Cruz is equipped with standard safety features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, rear occupant alert, and driver attention warning. Uplevel models offer blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit warning. New haptic feedback enhances safety alerts.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick both blaze the trail for modern small pickups. While the Maverick leans towards utility and efficiency, the Santa Cruz offers a fun driving experience and excellent interior quality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and comfortable compact pickup.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

For those car buyers who don’t require the sheer power and size of full-size pickup trucks, but still crave versatility and utility, Hyundai presents the compact Santa Cruz. This innovative vehicle merges the comfort and capability of a compact SUV with the practicality of an open cargo bed, bridging the gap between traditional trucks and smaller, more fuel-efficient options.

Alongside models like the Ford Maverick, the Santa Cruz has revitalized interest in smaller trucks. While they may not match the towing or hauling capacities of their larger counterparts, compact pickups offer distinct advantages. They’re easier to maneuver, boast better fuel efficiency, and provide a more enjoyable driving experience, all at a more affordable price point. With options ranging from engine choices to drivetrain configurations and trim levels, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz caters to both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking a well-equipped lifestyle vehicle.

For those seeking a middle ground between compact and full-size trucks, the Honda Ridgeline presents a compelling option.

If you’re in the market for a light-duty pickup, the Santa Cruz deserves your attention. While it shares similarities with the more traditional-looking Maverick in terms of capability, the Santa Cruz holds an advantage in terms of driving dynamics and interior refinement.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers versatile towing capabilities, ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on engine choice and drivetrain configuration. Payload capacity varies as well, with the SE model capable of carrying up to 1,753 pounds.

Impressively, the Santa Cruz delivers commendable fuel efficiency for a truck. The base model achieves 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the turbocharged variant offers 19/27 mpg city/highway.

While passenger volume is comparable to competitors like the Ford Maverick, the Santa Cruz prioritizes practicality with its lockable interior storage options. Though rear legroom may be limited, the truck bed offers versatility, with features like lockable storage and ample space for various cargo needs.

Equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, the Santa Cruz ensures seamless connectivity with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The availability of a Bose audio system and multiple USB ports enhances the driving experience.

In essence, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz cleverly blends the best attributes of a compact SUV with the utility of a pickup truck. While it may not match the capabilities of a dedicated truck, its combination of comfort and versatility makes it an ideal choice for those seeking occasional utility without sacrificing everyday practicality.