Hyundai Santa Cruz (US) review

It’s really quite lovely – assuming you get the turbo engine. That 311lb ft of torque comes on at 1,700rpm, and that usable low-end power means the eight-speed DCT doesn’t always need to downshift so you can eke out proper oomph. Plus, if you want to downshift yourself the DCT comes with wheel-mounted paddles.

At higher speeds, the engine never feels strained; there’s no delay when you need a burst of acceleration. The 2.5-liter turbo is the same one Hyundai uses in the punchy Sonata N-Line, and that feisty nature is very much alive in the Santa Cruz. It’s fun.

Overall, the Santa Cruz is genuinely great to drive. The steering is direct and well weighted, the ride is somewhat firm on the truck’s optional 20-inch wheels or on the XRT's 18-inchers with all-terrain tires, but not so much that it’s off-putting. The Santa Cruz exhibits remarkable composure through tight corners, not that you’ll ever confuse this truck for a sports car. It’s more fun to drive than the Tucson on which it’s based, and much more engaging than any other truck, no matter the size.

But look, we know the turbo engine won’t be for everyone, especially at its high price. The only problem with the base 2.5-liter engine is that it’s weak and makes for one slow truck. If you’re only running errands around town in your Santa Cruz, that’ll be fine. But if you’re going to press this truck into long-distance driving or towing/hauling duty – you know, reasons you’d buy a pickup – then the turbo is really a worthwhile upgrade. It even sounds pretty good. 

How’s the fuel economy?

It's okay. A base-engine Santa Cruz with front-wheel drive returns 25mpg combined, while adding all-wheel drive reduces that to 24mpg. Spec the turbo engine with its standard all-wheel drive and you'll see another drop to 22mpg combined. 

Here's the issue: Ford's Maverick is much more economical. A front-drive turbo model can hit 30mpg, and if you buy the hybrid version, it can achieve 40mpg city, 33mpg highway, and 37mpg combined. That's a massive advantage. Stinks there's no Santa Cruz hybrid. Sigh.

Can you get it with techy driving aids?

Tons, though the best stuff is reserved for the turbo-engined Santa Cruz XRT or Santa Cruz Limited. Those are the only places you'll find radar-based adaptive cruise control or Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assistant, which combines that tech with lane-keeping assist. The 2024 facelift also brought with it a new towing drive mode for the turbo trucks.

The base Santa Cruz isn't a total stripper model, though. It comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, forward-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and plenty more.