Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
When is a SUV not an SUV? When it’s a Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT. What’s a Santa Cruz, you ask? Well Napleton News is here to tell you: It’s the latest SUV-based unibody truck that features car-like sensibilities in a wildly utilitarian package. We’re just wondering if you are able to handle it. Climb in, strap up and get ready to roll in this new “trucklet” from Hyundai.
The Santa Cruz XRT isn’t the only model in the Santa Cruz lineup. Buyers can select from a range that starts at base level and moves up to a top-range Limited model. Let’s take a look.
There are two engine choices to consider when thinking about the Hyundai Santa Cruz. They start with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 option.
Those seeking more power and torque (the better to off-road with, ya know?) can select the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-pot (cylinder) engine that delivers a rough and ready 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In addition to the extra power that comes from the turbo four-banger, you’ll get 5,000 pounds of towing power from this Hyundai Tucson-based pickup truck.
Squint from a distance and you may get the impression that you are looking at a Hyundai Tucson that has seen its “way back” lopped off. What’s left is very useful Tucson-based SUV featuring a 48.4-inch cargo bed with more than 27 cubic feet of cargo space.
The front grille comes directly from the Tucson. Bi-LED projector headlamps give the Santa Cruz a distinctive look along with wing-like lighting structures that make the front end look like it’s ready to take off. At the rear is a covered and secured bed that can store suitcases, golf clubs, groceries and bags of mulch from your local big-box home improvement store. Toss it in, it will definitely fit!
The one thing that bothered us about the overall look of the Santa Cruz was the inclusion of side-mounted running boards as part of the XRT trim package. There are here to supposedly help entry and exit. The sad truth is this: It is not jacked up enough to cause anyone to step on the ‘boards to get in. As if. Because it is neither high, nor low, passengers need to step over them to enter or exit. This results in dirty pant legs, shin bruises or worse.
If you like the Hyundai Tucson, you will also like the Santa Cruz. That’s because they are very similar in make up, with the exception of a gear selector lever rather than the pushbutton array on the center console. An added bonus is the 10.25-inch display screen which helps control Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio and other functions.
The seats were good for the long haul, keeping us fatigue-free for a couple of hours behind the wheel. Second row seating is comparable to some of the Santa Cruz competitors, so those in the cheap seats will have little to complain about, too.
New for 2024 is the XRT appearance package. It brings a more aggressive and rugged appearance that includes dark exterior trim, unique wheels with orange center caps, scratch-resistant fender cladding and what Hyundai calls “side steps.” See above for more on those.
If we were to choose, we would select the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine over the base non-turbo’d four-banger. The more powerful engine offers enough get-up-and-go over the naturally-aspirated model. That’s just what you want when trying to enter a fast moving highway or when carrying passengers and a payload in the cargo bed.
We found the XRT trim level performs better on paved as well as dirt and gravel roads. Leave the off-roading to the true professionals like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Maverick FX4 and other similar minded trucks.
But if you are just looking to show off a handsome Sport-Ute based truck then take a look. The Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT more than certainly fills the bill.
| 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT | ||
| Engine Type | 2.5-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder | |
| Horsepower | 281 hp @5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft 1,700-5,800 rpm | |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | |
| Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy) | 22 avg / 19 city/ 27 hwy | |
| Suspension F/R | MacPherson Strut/Multilink | |
| Turning Circle | 39.6 | |
| Also Available | Other trim levels | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 stars | |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Wheelbase | 118.3 inches | |
| Overall Length | 195.7 inches | |
| Width | 75.0 inches | |
| Height | 66.7 inches | |
| Cargo Room (Rear/Front) | 27 cubic feet | |
| Headroom, Front | 38.4 inches | |
| Headroom, 2nd | 39.6 inches | |
| Legroom, 1st | 41.4 inches | |
| Legroom, 2nd | 36.5 inches | |
| Shoulder room, 1st row | 57.6 inches | |
| Shoulder room, 2nd row | 56.1 inches |
This post was published on May 7, 2024
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