Motor vehicle-based pickups have a vibrant but insignificant history in the U.S., from the after-ubiquitous Chevrolet El Camino to the short-lived Dodge Rampage and area of interest Subaru Brat and Subaru Baja. But automakers such as Hyundai continue to be intrigued with the formula.
When the first Santa Cruz concept was offered at the 2015 Detroit auto demonstrate, it was embraced by an auto enthusiast neighborhood that tends to favor offbeat vehicles that in no way make it to manufacturing — or market improperly when they do.
Hyundai wanted to keep away from that lure.
The concept experienced an prolonged cab with doorways that open up backward and a quite limited 2nd row. But a absolutely operating again seat was regarded as essential by merchandise planners.
Having said that, planners experienced to hold out right until the Tucson was redesigned on a greater platform just before acquiring the Santa Cruz alongside the crossover.
“When the concept was proven, the 2nd row was noticeably lesser than the automobile you have just before you now,” Castillo said in the course of a merchandise presentation previous 7 days. “And it was by way of our investigation that we determined that if we ongoing down that path, we were being noticeably compromising the volume prospective.”
The base engine for the Santa Cruz is a two.5-liter 4-cylinder with 191 hp and 181 pound-feet of torque. The optional two.5-liter turbo motor is approximated at 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque.
Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive is readily available with both engines. Towing capacity for the base motor with fwd is rated at 3,500 lbs .. That rises to 5,000 lbs . for the turbocharged engine with awd.
In styling and specifications, the Santa Cruz shares a great deal with the Tucson and even the midsize Santa Fe. But Hyundai whipped up the best features of its well-liked crossover lineup, added an open up mattress and developed still another crossover variant to include to its steady.
“The Santa Cruz’s unconventional design and style will attractiveness to unconventional truck purchasers,” said Karl Brauer, govt publisher at CarExpert.com. “Which is a great factor for the reason that it’s not intended to transform current truck buyers.
“In its place,” he added, “Hyundai will emphasis on lively-way of living people trying to find cozy, uncomplicated-to-drive weekday transportation just before they load up their bikes or kayaks or hiking equipment for a weekend outing.”