Free Guide to Hyundai Pickup Truck Models and Features

Overview of Hyundai's Pickup Truck Lineup

Hyundai has expanded its vehicle offerings in recent years to include pickup trucks designed for both work and personal use. The company's pickup truck models represent modern engineering combined with practical features that appeal to different types of drivers. Understanding what models are currently available helps you compare their specifications, capabilities, and pricing.

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Hyundai's main pickup offering in North America is the Santa Cruz, which debuted in the 2021 model year. This vehicle represents Hyundai's entry into the compact pickup truck segment. The Santa Cruz was designed to fill a gap between traditional larger pickups and smaller vehicles, offering hauling capability without the size and fuel consumption of full-size trucks. Prior to the Santa Cruz, Hyundai sold the Isuzu-based Ironman pickup in certain markets during the 1990s and 2000s, but the Santa Cruz marks the company's current commitment to the pickup segment.

The Santa Cruz comes in multiple trim levels and configurations that vary by model year. Early model years (2021-2022) featured different engine options and feature sets compared to more recent versions. Hyundai has made updates and refinements to the Santa Cruz based on customer feedback and market demands. Knowing which model year and trim level you're interested in helps you understand what features and specifications apply to that specific vehicle.

Hyundai also produces pickup trucks through its subsidiary brands in different markets. In some regions, Hyundai may offer different pickup models under various brand names, though availability in North America is primarily limited to the Santa Cruz for new vehicles. When researching Hyundai pickups, it's important to note that model availability depends on your location and the current model year.

Practical takeaway: Before shopping for a Hyundai pickup, determine which model years and trim levels are available in your area and budget range. Visit official Hyundai websites and contact local dealers to learn about current inventory and specifications.

Santa Cruz Dimensions, Capacity, and Bed Features

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is classified as a compact pickup truck, which affects its overall dimensions compared to full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado. Understanding the physical size of the Santa Cruz helps you determine whether it fits your needs for storage, towing, and maneuverability in parking areas and on roads.

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The Santa Cruz measures approximately 200 inches in overall length, which is roughly 20 inches shorter than most full-size pickups. The width is approximately 75 inches, and the height ranges from about 67 to 69 inches depending on the roof and suspension configuration. These dimensions make the Santa Cruz easier to park and navigate through city streets compared to larger trucks, though the bed capacity is correspondingly reduced.

The pickup bed of the Santa Cruz measures approximately 5 feet in length in most configurations. This is considerably smaller than the 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, or 8-foot beds found on full-size pickups. The bed width at the top measures about 55 inches, and the bed height is approximately 19 inches from the ground to the bed floor. The bed also includes tie-down cleats and bed rails to secure cargo. Some Santa Cruz models include a power-operated tonneau cover option that can protect cargo from weather.

The payload capacity of the Santa Cruz—meaning the amount of weight you can carry in the bed and cab—typically ranges from 1,300 to 1,500 pounds depending on the specific model year and configuration. This is notably less than full-size trucks, which often have payload capacities of 2,500 pounds or more. The towing capacity ranges from approximately 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on whether the vehicle has all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive and the engine configuration.

The Santa Cruz bed includes practical features such as a power tailgate on many trim levels, which can be opened and closed using a button rather than manually. Some models also include bed dividers and storage compartments. The bed floor is typically made of durable material designed to withstand repeated use and loading of cargo.

Practical takeaway: If you need a truck primarily for light hauling and occasional use, measure your typical cargo to verify that a 5-foot bed meets your needs. Compare the Santa Cruz's 1,300-1,500-pound payload capacity against your expected maximum load weight, including passengers in the vehicle.

Engine Options, Fuel Economy, and Performance Specifications

Hyundai offers the Santa Cruz with different engine choices depending on the model year, which affects fuel economy, horsepower, and towing capacity. Understanding these engine options helps you choose a vehicle that matches your performance expectations and fuel budget.

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The primary engine option for most Santa Cruz models is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produces approximately 275 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive configurations. All-wheel-drive versions typically produce slightly different output figures. The turbocharged design provides good acceleration for a compact truck while maintaining reasonable fuel economy compared to larger V8 engines found in full-size trucks.

Some earlier model years of the Santa Cruz offered a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine option, though this has been phased out in favor of the turbocharged four-cylinder across more recent model years. The transition to the turbocharged four-cylinder reflects industry trends toward smaller, more efficient engines that still provide adequate power for pickup truck duties.

Fuel economy for the Santa Cruz with the 2.5-liter turbo engine ranges from approximately 19 to 23 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 to 29 miles per gallon on highways, depending on whether the vehicle has front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and the transmission configuration. These figures represent a significant improvement over larger pickup trucks, which typically achieve 15 to 21 miles per gallon.

The Santa Cruz uses an eight-speed automatic transmission on most models. This transmission type helps optimize fuel economy by providing multiple gear ratios that keep the engine operating in efficient ranges during different driving conditions. The transmission can be selected in various modes including Sport and Eco mode on higher trim levels.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes approximately 7.5 to 8.5 seconds depending on the drivetrain configuration and conditions. The top speed is electronically limited to approximately 130 miles per hour. These performance figures are comparable to other compact pickups and significantly different from full-size trucks, which generally offer quicker acceleration.

Practical takeaway: Calculate your expected annual fuel costs by dividing 12,000 miles (average annual mileage) by the combined fuel economy rating and multiplying by current fuel prices in your area. This shows whether the Santa Cruz's efficiency offers savings compared to a full-size truck.

Interior Features, Technology, and Comfort Options

Modern Hyundai Santa Cruz models include interior features and technology that rival many sedan and SUV options. Understanding what's available in different trim levels helps you decide which configuration meets your preferences and budget.

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The cabin of the Santa Cruz seats five occupants across two rows. The front seats on higher trim levels include heating and ventilation functions, and some models offer power-adjustable driver seats with lumbar support. The rear seat in newer model years includes an underseat storage compartment on some configurations, providing additional storage space within the cab itself.

The infotainment system on current Santa Cruz models features a touchscreen display, typically ranging from 6.2 to 10.25 inches depending on the trim level. The system includes smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to use navigation applications, streaming music, and phone functions through the vehicle's display. Voice recognition allows hands-free control of various functions.

Climate control is available across trim levels, with manual air conditioning on base models and automatic dual-zone climate control on higher trims. The automatic system allows the driver and front passenger to set different temperature preferences independently.

Storage options within the cabin include cupholders, door pockets, a center console with storage, and a glove compartment. Higher trim levels may include additional storage compartments and organizational features. Under-seat storage in the rear provides space for items you want to keep out of view.

The steering wheel on most Santa Cruz models is adjustable for both reach and height, allowing drivers to find a comfortable position. The steering wheel also includes