Explore the Hyundai Santa Cruz: Key Features Before Making Your Purchase

July. 16,2025

Discover the Hyundai Santa Cruz's standout features, including performance options, interior design, technology, towing capacity, and fuel efficiency. This compact pickup combines SUV comfort with truck versatility, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking style and practicality. Learn what makes the Santa Cruz a compelling vehicle in its segment and make an informed purchase decision.

Explore the Hyundai Santa Cruz: Key Features Before Making Your Purchase

Explore the Hyundai Santa Cruz: Key Features Before Making Your Purchase

The Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a modern and stylish take on a compact pickup truck. Its bold front grille blends seamlessly with LED headlight clusters, creating a commanding presence. The sleek curves and streamlined design run along the entire vehicle, unlike traditional trucks with distinct beds. This four-door model offers the comfort of an SUV with the versatility of an open cargo bed when needed.

About Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, South Korea, was founded in 1967. It manages luxury brand Genesis and electric vehicle brand Ioniq, forming part of the Hyundai Motor Group along with their subsidiaries.

Hyundai Santa Cruz - Key Features Overview
These brands collectively encompass Hyundai Motor Group.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Features

If you’re seeking a vehicle that offers agility and economy without the bulk of larger trucks, the Santa Cruz is an excellent choice. Here are some of its notable features:

Performance and Engine Options

The Santa Cruz is available with two engine choices. The base model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 lb-ft of torque and 191 horsepower. An upgraded turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering more dynamic performance. Both engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the turbocharged option paired to a dual-clutch system. Its car-like structure enhances drivability, and handling remains sharp, even on winding roads thanks to its robust chassis.

Inside, the Santa Cruz stands out among mid-size pickups with its refined cabin. Hyundai is known for using stylish materials and modern amenities, comparable to pricier models. The vehicle has a four-door crew cab configuration, providing ample space for passengers. It features the first fully digital instrument cluster in its class, a lockable in-bed trunk, and a short cargo bed of about four feet. The interior boasts a futuristic ambiance, especially with the large optional touchscreen and digital driver display. Controls are generally well-organized, although touch-sensitive shortcuts below the display may be harder to operate while driving.

Technology

The Santa Cruz is equipped with current infotainment features, including an 8.0-inch standard touchscreen and an available 10.3-inch display. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. An optional Bose eight-speaker audio setup offers exceptional sound quality. Hyundai’s Blue Link offers remote start, lock/unlock, and more features, free for three years, accessible via apps, internet, and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa.

Towing Capacity

Maximum towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine, while the standard engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Fuel Efficiency

The Santa Cruz with front-wheel drive and standard engine achieves approximately 21 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on highways. The all-wheel-drive version adds 1 mpg to highway mileage. The turbocharged engine’s ratings are around 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, making it efficient despite its power.

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