Hyundai Santa Cruz
Seems everyone at Auto123 wanted a kick at the can at Hyundai’s unique new ‘pickup’, and seemingly everyone did. Not surprising, really, given that this is Hyundai thinking outside the box. Although, the automaker evidently thought for a long time about this Ridgeline-like model before actually making it – the original concept was first presented back in 2015.
From Dan Heyman:
The new Hyundai Santa Cruz is a rare thing in the car world. It is not only a segment-buster, it’s kind of a segment creator. At least, that’s what Hyundai is saying.
Now, a good first look at the Santa Cruz tells you you’re seeing a four-door cab, high-ish ride height, one of the most unique grilles in the business (unless you include its Santa Fe sibling…or the last-gen Toyota Venza), some sparkly 20-inch wheels and, above all else, a pickup bed. So it’s a pickup then, right?
Well, according to the manufacturer, it isn’t. Pickups have a fiercely loyal customer base, and Hyundai isn’t about to bang its head against that wall if it can avoid it. Thing is, it’s not a crossover, either. Call it a Sport Adventure Vehicle, aimed at young couples - you know, adventurous types who like to pack kayaks, tow Sea-Doos and Ski-Doos and load mountain bikes and camping gear.
And from yours truly:
All of that is good news for the urban dweller with a taste for out-of-city adventures or weekend cottage chores that is the model’s most likely buyer. But if that urban dweller is looking for a weekend warring companion, like Honda’s Ridgeline or this new rival to it, it’s because they want something different. Like a bed. Now, granted, the Santa Cruz’s bed is pretty small at four feet in length, but it’s still big enough to be practical during your trips to Home Depot or to the cottage, or when moving your son’s fridge and stove from one apartment to another. And you can’t move those in a Tucson.
See: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Drive: And Now for Something Completely Different
See: The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, or The Truck for Those Who Don’t Like Trucks That Much
