The Hyundai Santa Cruz is not just another pickup truck—it represents a strategic shift in how modern buyers approach utility, comfort, and daily drivability. Blending SUV refinement with pickup functionality, the Hyundai Santa Cruz has carved a unique niche in the compact truck segment. With the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the carry-forward 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai has doubled down on versatility rather than brute force.
This comprehensive Hyundai Santa Cruz review breaks down what changed, what stayed the same, and why this vehicle continues to attract urban professionals, students, and lifestyle-oriented buyers worldwide.
What Happened: The Evolution of the Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai introduced the Santa Cruz in 2021 for the 2022 model year as its first four-door compact pickup for North America. Built on the Tucson SUV platform, the Santa Cruz immediately stood out for its unibody construction, car-like handling, and innovative open-bed design.
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz refined the formula with better efficiency and tech
- 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz received a major facelift and interior upgrade
- 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues with minimal changes, signaling product maturity
Rather than chasing traditional truck buyers, Hyundai focused on urban utility users—buyers who need flexibility without sacrificing comfort.
Key Details: Hyundai Santa Cruz at a Glance
Core Specifications
- Platform: Hyundai Tucson (unibody)
- Length: 195.7 inches
- Wheelbase: 118.3 inches
- Bed Volume: 27 cubic feet
- Bed Length: 52.1 inches
- Assembly: Alabama, USA
Engine Options
- 2.5L Naturally Aspirated
- 191 hp | 181 lb-ft
- 8-speed automatic
- Towing: 3,500 lbs
- 2.5L Turbocharged
- 281 hp | 311 lb-ft
- 8-speed DCT / automatic
- Towing: 5,000 lbs
Fuel Economy
- Base FWD: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined
- Turbo AWD: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review: Balanced and Efficient
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivered strong real-world performance with impressive efficiency for a pickup-style vehicle. Consumer testing showed 24 mpg overall, beating several midsize trucks.
What Reviewers Liked
- Smooth ride quality
- Excellent infotainment and tech
- Strong turbo performance
- Practical bed storage solutions
Criticisms
- Rear seat legroom is tight
- DCT felt clunky at low speeds
- Limited off-road capability compared to body-on-frame trucks
Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz positioned itself as a daily-friendly truck, not a workhorse.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Big Refresh
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz marked a turning point. Revealed at the New York Auto Show, it introduced meaningful design and interior upgrades.
Major Updates
- New bolder grille and bumper design
- XRT off-road trim with tow hooks and all-terrain tires
- Dual 12.3-inch displays inside
- Enhanced Hyundai SmartSense safety suite
Pricing (2025)
- SE FWD: $28,500
- Limited AWD: $42,500
- XRT AWD: $40,000
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz significantly improved perceived value and interior sophistication.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: What’s New (and What’s Not)
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is largely a carry-over model, retaining all 2025 upgrades with minor trim adjustments.
Key 2026 Highlights
- Starting MSRP: $29,500
- Dark green interior option discontinued
- Turbo models now use a conventional automatic on select trims
- Same towing, payload, and efficiency figures
Hyundai’s strategy with the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is clear: consistency, reliability, and long-term ownership confidence.
Why It Matters: Who the Hyundai Santa Cruz Is For
The Hyundai Santa Cruz matters because it redefines what a pickup can be in modern cities:
- Easier to drive than midsize trucks
- More comfortable than traditional pickups
- Better tech than most rivals
- Strong warranty coverage
For buyers in urban and semi-urban regions, the Santa Cruz solves real problems—parking, fuel costs, and daily usability.
Market Perspective: Santa Cruz vs Competitors
| Feature | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick Hybrid | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towing | 5,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| MPG (Combined) | 22 | 37 | 21 |
| Ride Comfort | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Price Start | $29,500 | $29,800 | $40,000 |
The Hyundai Santa Cruz outperforms the Maverick in towing and refinement, while undercutting the Ridgeline on price.
Expert View: What Industry Analysts Say
- Edmunds: Praises ride quality and turbo performance (9/10 handling score)
- MotorTrend: Notes improved interior tech post-2025 refresh
- Consumer Reports: Highlights fuel efficiency and reliability
- Owner Forums: Consistently rank interior quality above Ford Maverick
Experts agree—the Hyundai Santa Cruz is not a compromise vehicle; it’s a deliberate design choice.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its strengths, the Hyundai Santa Cruz has clear boundaries:
- No hybrid option (yet)
- Limited bed length for commercial users
- Rear passenger space is average
- Top trims become expensive
These are trade-offs Hyundai knowingly accepted to prioritize daily usability.
What’s Next for Hyundai Santa Cruz
As of early 2026:
- No confirmed hybrid or EV variant
- Likely incremental tech upgrades
- Continued focus on safety and infotainment
- Strong resale value supported by warranty
A hybrid Santa Cruz would significantly change the competitive landscape—but Hyundai is moving cautiously.
Conclusion: Final Verdict on Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz succeeds because it understands modern buyers. Across the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai refined a vehicle that prioritizes comfort, technology, efficiency, and versatility over outdated truck norms.
If your use case is urban utility, weekend adventure, and daily commuting, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the smartest choices in today’s automotive market.
FAQs: Hyundai Santa Cruz
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a real truck?
Yes, but it’s a lifestyle-oriented compact pickup, not a heavy-duty work truck.
Which is better: 2024 or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is better due to refreshed styling and interior tech.
Can the Hyundai Santa Cruz tow 5,000 lbs?
Yes, turbo AWD variants can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Is Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?
Yes. Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds strong confidence.
Sources:-
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-cruz
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz
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