2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

People who buy a midsize truck are often looking for something sporty and stylish. Too often they find boxy trucks that don’t reflect their adventurous spirit. Fortunately, the Santa Cruz was styled with fun in mind.

Observers call it fun, funky or fresh, and they are all correct. It has unusual styling that forms a remarkable cohesive look. Despite its athletic capability and useful bed, it has a look that fits in whether you are trail blazing or heading to a party.

New for 2024, all Santa Cruz models now have Bi-LED headlights. These were limited to the Limited trim until now. California Sand, a color that made its debut in 2023, is sure to be a favorite again this year.

Like the Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade, the Hyundai truck now has an adventure model. The Santa Cruz XRT replaces the 2023 Santa Cruz SEL Premium.

XRT models have HTRAC all-wheel drive to ensure that they can go off the beaten path. On the road, you’ll enjoy Smart Cruise Control even in stop and go traffic.

Distinguishing the Santa Cruz XRT, the front wears a dark front fascia and dark chrome grille. The sides have a notable door garnish and exclusive orange wheel-center caps. Mirror caps and door handles are rendered in black.

The XRT bed has rails and side steps. The tailgate wears matte black lettering and a dark chrome handle above a dark rear fascia.

Interiors are dressed up in black H-Tex upholstery. Soft leather covers the shift knob and the steering wheel. Special features include paddle shifters and an auto-dimming mirror. Entry is fast with the Hyundai Digital Key on your phone. This is in addition to the contents of the SEL with Activity Package.

Hyundai compact trucks feature a contemporary bed made with composite. This makes it hard to damage. It certainly can’t rust, and it is lighter than steel. This manmade material is shaped into the perfect size, maximizing the space for your cargo.

Trucks tend to have the greatest width above the wheel wells. Hyundai lets owners maximize this space by raising the flat tailgate to match. Bumper steps help you in and out of the bed.

Owners can tuck away tools and gear in the bed compartments. This includes the in-bed trunk. This lockable section has a drain to allow you to wash it out after hauling muddy boots. For picnicking, camping, fishing or any other outdoor activity, you can use it as a cooler and then drain it when the ice melts.

SE/SEL Payload: 1,753 lbs/1,532 lbs

Turbo FWD/AWD Payload: 1,521 lbs/1,609 lbs

Cross Rails: 220 lbs

Standard engine power is 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. With all-wheel drive and trailer sway control, the top towing capability is 3,500 pounds. To tow even more, there’s a turbo that spits out 311 lb-ft of torque. Drivers command 281 horsepower in this truck that can tow up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive and the right equipment.

Handling is easier in these trucks thanks to the intelligent self-levelings dampers. This ensures that the suspension can handle the weight of the truck as well as the pressures of speed and road contact.

Self-leveling ability is especially good when the bed is empty or when it veers off pavement. The Hyundai truck claims 8.6 inches of ground clearance to help it roll over debris.

Keeping things simple, the Hyundai truck comes in one cabin size and one bed size. Every Santa Cruz has 104 cu ft of passenger space. This makes it feel like an SUV to the passengers.

Inside the look is streamlined and uncluttered. The touchscreen is integrated into the low-profile dashboard. With the truck’s high perch, a driver has an excellent view of the road.

The cabin stays quieter thanks to an acoustic windshield. Owners have lots of space in the backrow to stow gear with the folding rear seat.

On the SEL trim level, the driver enjoys a power-adjustable chair and push button start. With the SEL activity package, there is a digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel. A wireless charger keeps your smartphone ready.

For 2024, the SEL has added dual-zone automatic temperature controls. Likewise, the SEL with Activity Package picks up the larger navigation touchscreen. The exciting Night package adds black H-Tex seats as part of its brooding atmosphere.

If you want the sportiest trim, you’ll go for the new XRT. If you want a premium truck, you’ll want the Limited trim with its leather seats. Even better, this model has the ventilated front seats to keep you cool during our hot summers.

A Bose audio system can surround you with sound while a 360-degree camera system can show you everything surrounding the truck. Schedule a test drive and check out all of its high tech gadgets.

Shoppers have two entertainment choices, the 8-inch or 10.3-inch touchscreen. Both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for advanced app connectivity.

The larger touchscreen comes with navigation. Matching it in size, there is a full digital gauge cluster. The high tech cabin adds to the feeling that this truck won’t let you down.

When utilizing smart cruise control, navigation informs the system about what hills and curves are coming. This helps it drive more smoothly and safely.

Blue Link provides apps that can remotely start or lock the vehicle. It also adds Amazon Alexa connectivity. Santa Cruz loans and leases are available through Earnhardt Hyundai in Avondale, serving Phoenix AZ drivers.

Hyundai keeps adding safety equipment to the Santa Cruz. It has much of what is expected on a good SUV today. What’s more, these systems are standard, adding to its value at purchase.

This truck earns extra respect as it earns 2024 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This prize is especially hard fought since the IIHS has made the whole process more challenging.

Since the best defense is a good offense, there’s a forward collision system with a pedestrian watch and an autobrake are standard. The lane departure alert is made more potent by a lane keeping assist.

For 2024, this assist now triggers haptic feedback that the driver notices through the steering wheel. Likewise, the blind spot system provides this feedback. It’s also one of the few blind spot systems that includes a collision avoidance feature.

Parents will appreciate the safe exit assist. This fairly exclusive feature keeps you or your kids from stepping out when traffic is detected.

You can check out this truck in our inventory below. Please call, use our online chat or stop by for a closer look at this exciting Hyundai midsize truck. You are invited to get pre-approved for a 2024 Santa Cruz loan or lease. Get pre-approved.