Hyundai CEO confirms introduction of new Santa Cruz pickup
Remember the Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck concept? Remember how excited you were about it? Well, we’ve got good news for you: the Santa Cruz is set to go into production very, very soon.
The announcement hasn’t been made officially yet, but Hyundai USA CEO Dave Zuchowski told members of the Australian press at the Detroit Auto Show that there was no question as to whether or not the Santa Cruz was headed into production – the question was simply when the official announcement would be made.
“What’s the easiest way to say that? We’re waiting more for an announcement than we are for an approval, right?” he said. “HMC [Hyundai Korea head office] is going to dictate [when that happens, but] we feel really good about it. It hasn’t been officially announced yet. Our timing is not crossing our fingers and waiting for approval, it’s trying to figure out when we’re going to announce it.”
Zuchowski’s news isn’t totally unexpected, but it’s still extremely exciting. In production form, we expect the Santa Cruz to only offer one configuration, and it’s a doozy: a four-door, SUV-based pickup with an extendable bed and seating for five.
The towing capacity won’t exceed more than 2,500 pounds but that’s still enough to tow a jet ski or a couple of dirt bikes. It’s meant for the weekend warrior, not the full-time trailblazer. Its capabilities are intended to be more in line with a compact crossover rather than a full-size pickup truck.
Car & Driver noted that this type of compact pickup had been attempted before to mixed reception. (They pointed specifically to the Subaru Baja.) Mike O’Brien, Hyundai vice president of product planning, addressed that concern in an interview earlier this month: “If you look at another product that was most recently on the market, the rear axle was actually exactly between the cab and the bed, so the bed was completely cantilevered. As a design exercise you look at that and say, “There’s something wrong.” From our perspective, design is paramount, and we built the concept around that so it has the right proportions.”
It’s not an alternative to a truck, but the Santa Cruz is going to strive to offer the utility of one. “Santa Cruz is intended to attract CUV [SUV] and sedan buyers who are seeking greater utility, without the compromises that traditional trucks often require,” Zuchowski explained.
The target demographic seems to be the same one that Honda is looking to reach with the new Honda Ridgeline, but it’s unlikely the two trucks will be direct competitors. Their primary difference comes at the price point – the Santa Cruz will be both smaller and cheaper than the Honda car/truck.
While you await the arrival of the Santa Cruz, Rosen Hyundai has plenty of crossover vehicles to support your weekend warrior adventures. Check out the Santa Fe or the Tucson for the perfect blend of affordability, utility and sportiness. We’re always ready to take you out for a test drive. Visit us today.
