Reasons FOR and AGAINST: 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Truck

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, Versatile Configurations.

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.

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.

Engine and Performance
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.

Towing and Capacity
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

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

Interior and Storage
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.

Infotainment and Connectivity
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.

Safety
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.

[battleaxe]

Plan on getting one next year cars paid off. Gonna enjoy a year or 2 without payments

[Khondag]

Let's put it this way. The Chevy Avalanche & The Honda Ridgeline has an love child and out came the Hyundai Santa Cruz that's the best way I can describe this vehicle

[bobberstew]

This just reminds me of my 2004 ford explorer speed trac so I’m Definitely gonna get it

[SonSon]

I wanna get a small truck for my 8ft fishing boat but the bed seems small

[JimmyMins]

Why would you compare it to a full size truck 😮

[GoldRaven-oeby]

Comparing this to full size trucks is like comparing a chevy s10 to a monster truck it just doesn't make any sense..

[Axp]

Why would you compare it to F150 or Silverado? Wouldnt be more appropriate to compare it to Tacoma or Colorado? Designers had intention to create a new sub class itself, Crossover based pick up truck.

[LuisUrbieta]

Hi Everyman Driver, my questions for you are as follows' #1. How reliable is the new Hyundai Santa Cruz?
#2. Even though it can get up to $42, 000+x, how fule efficient is the Santa Cruz?
& #3. What to do if warranty expires? If you see my comment, plz reply ASAP. Thank you. Luis

[accord]

With the short bed. can you fit a normal size bicycle in the bed ?

[Cardzfan]

I own a Santa Cruz SEL Activity. This review is crap. Said poster is trying to legitimately say the high packs are expensive??? Try buying a Colorado WT which is almost barebone for 40k. The Night Package for the Santa Cruz is 35 LOADED!!!
Second, AWD is the way to go, i did.
Third, some of us dont need a monster truck to drive to work or around town, our manhood isnt judged by the size of our wheels and less money in our bank account

Sanat cruz is the your future whip!

[Pickle_Panther]

So basically this is what you buy if you can’t get your hands on a Subaru Baja

[richardkusimenkah]

Get rid of those useless side steps. The complete defeat the purpose of off road for a smaller vehicle.

[toyotaprius]

No hybrid, which is unacceptable because the Tuscon which it's closely based on has a PHEV.

Even more unacceptable is how Toyota hasn't bothered to offer a light, affordable and efficient pickup