Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a Truck?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz challenges the traditional truck concept while offering drivers a flexible and versatile option.

At Mountain View Hyundai, we’re proud to showcase this innovative model.

Officially labeled by Hyundai as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle,” the Santa Cruz fuses the open-bed practicality of a truck with the smooth driving experience of an SUV, making it perfect if you want the utility of a truck without sacrificing daily drivability.

While the Santa Cruz looks like a compact truck with its short open bed, it doesn’t entirely fit the conventional definition of a pickup truck.

The bed is more compact than a standard truck’s, leading to some debate. However, the vehicle still offers notable towing power (up to 5,000 lbs with the turbo engine) and the rugged features many truck buyers seek.

The smaller size also means it’s easier to maneuver in tight spaces, providing an SUV-like convenience for urban drivers.

So, while it may not exactly meet the full criteria for a traditional truck, it brings together truck and SUV characteristics in a unique package.

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliable?

As far as reliability goes, the Santa Cruz stands strong, living up to Hyundai’s reputation for dependable vehicles.

It’s consistently ranked high for predicted reliability in the compact pickup category, and owner reviews highlight its consistent performance.

At Mountain View Hyundai, we back this reliability with our exceptional warranty program, which is 10 years or 100,000 miles, providing you with the highest level of confidence in your long-term investment.

Price Point Examination

The Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at a competitive $25,700, making it a value-packed option compared to similar vehicles.

The price can climb to over $40,000 with higher trim levels featuring all-wheel drive, turbocharged engines, more such as premium tech.

However, even at the higher price points, the Santa Cruz delivers a rock-solid value, thanks to its balance of capability, style, and advanced features.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs Overview

• Engine and Performance: The Santa Cruz comes with two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 191 horsepower, offering up to 26 mpg on the highway, and an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 281 horsepower.
• Towing Capacity: Capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs, the Santa Cruz outshines many compact trucks. This strength makes it a viable choice for drivers needing light to moderate towing capabilities, adding to its overall versatility.
• Interior and Comfort: Inside, the Santa Cruz feels more like an SUV than a truck, with seating for five using upscale materials. Available leather seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control all contribute to a premium level of comfort.
• Technology: Hyundai loaded the Santa Cruz with tech features, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen (with a 10.25-inch option), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports.
• Safety: Equally impressive are its safety features, with forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert coming standard, while higher trims add even more advanced safety options.

Test-Drive the Hyundai Santa Cruz

Come spend time with our professionals here at Mountain View Hyundai to try out the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Want to know more about it? Please fill out the form below to connect with an expert. Also, you can call us at (706)937-1123 to schedule a test-drive or for more information on the Hyundai Santa Cruz.