2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview, Price, & Specs

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out in the midsize pickup truck segment with its unique blend of rugged capability and modern design. Combining the versatility of a pickup with the comfort and features of an SUV, the Santa Cruz caters to those seeking both practicality and style. Whether you're tackling a weekend adventure or navigating city streets, this compact truck offers an innovative solution for everyday needs. With impressive performance options, a sleek interior, and advanced tech features, the 2024 Santa Cruz is ready to redefine your driving experience.

What's New for 2024?

Hyundai has replaced the SEL Premium trim with the new XRT variant, following the lead of other models like the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson XRT. The Santa Cruz XRT blends the comfort features of the former SEL Premium with rugged elements from the SEL and optional Activity Package. It includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black faux-leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, and Hyundai's Digital Key, along with tougher additions like wider fender flares, side steps, and bed rails. Across the rest of the lineup, LED projector headlights are now standard.

All trims, except the base SE, feature dual-zone climate control and an automatic defogger. The SEL Activity Package adds a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, while the Night, XRT, and Limited trims come with it as standard. The Night trim also gets the same faux-leather upholstery as the new XRT.

Rugged Exterior

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz showcases a rugged yet refined exterior that blends utility with modern design. Its bold front grille and sleek lines make a strong impression, while features like standard LED projector headlights provide improved visibility. The wider stance and optional bed rails enhance its practical appeal, making it ready for work or play. The Santa Cruz's exterior design is all about versatility-whether you're tackling outdoor adventures or cruising through urban streets, it offers a perfect balance of strength and style.

Stylish Interior

Hyundai is known for crafting interiors that feel more luxurious than their price tags suggest, and the Santa Cruz is no exception. It stands out with one of the most refined cabins in the compact and midsize pickup segments. Notably, it's the first truck in its class to feature a fully digital gauge cluster, and we appreciate its traditional shifter on the center console rather than a rotary knob or pushbuttons. The Santa Cruz comes exclusively as a four-door crew cab, offering competitive passenger space both in the front and back. While its cargo bed is shorter than a typical midsize truck at about four feet, it's still highly functional, complete with a lockable tonneau cover and an in-bed trunk similar to the Honda Ridgeline's.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available in several trim levels, offering a range of features to suit different needs and budgets. Starting with the base SE trim, it includes essential features like a 7-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera. Moving up, the SEL trim adds more tech and comfort, including wireless device charging and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The SEL Premium offers premium touches like a larger infotainment screen and a Harman Kardon audio system, while the new XRT trim brings a rugged, off-road-focused design. Pricing starts competitively, with each trim offering great value for the features provided.

SE

Starting MSRP: $26,900

The Santa Cruz SE offers a great balance of affordability and performance, with a 191-hp engine and impressive features like a 22/26 city/highway fuel economy, 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

SEL

Starting MSRP: $29,650

Upgrade to the SEL trim for more comfort and convenience, including heated front seats, remote start, power driver seat, and Bluelink® connectivity, while keeping the same engine and efficiency as the SE.

Night

Starting MSRP: $38,460

Make a statement with the Santa Cruz Night, featuring a 281-hp turbocharged engine, dark 20-inch alloy wheels, integrated tonneau cover, and sportier styling elements like dark front accents and paddle shifters.

XRT

Starting MSRP: $40,100

The XRT model takes on tougher adventures with a 281-hp turbo engine, rugged features like bed top side rails and wider fender flares, plus premium amenities like a 10.25-inch navigation system and Hyundai Digital Key.

Limited

Starting MSRP: $43,320

The Limited trim offers the ultimate experience with 281-hp turbo power, premium features like Bose audio, surround view monitor, ventilated seats, and ambient interior lighting, all enhanced by 20-inch alloy wheels and additional safety tech.

Engine, Power, and Performance

The 2024 Santa Cruz offers two powertrain options, with the engine choice depending on the trim. The SE and SEL trims are equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When tested in the Hyundai Tucson SUV, this engine delivered slower acceleration.

Meanwhile, the Night, XRT, and Limited trims come with a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which provides a more responsive driving experience. This engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All trims except the SE offer the option of all-wheel drive. With its smaller size compared to mid-size truck competitors, the Santa Cruz is easier to maneuver, making it ideal for urban driving and tight spaces.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz 0-60 Time

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds with the turbocharged engine, while the standard engine takes 9.2 seconds to reach the same speed.

Fuel Efficiency

The Santa Cruz with the base engine and front-wheel drive is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces both city and highway fuel economy by 1 mpg. The turbocharged version offers slightly lower city fuel economy at 19 mpg, but maintains 27 mpg on the highway.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Features

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes equipped with a range of driver-assistance features designed to enhance safety and convenience. It includes a standard driver-attention warning and an optional adaptive cruise control system to help keep you aware and relaxed on the road.
Key safety features on the Santa Cruz include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, which help prevent or mitigate potential collisions. Additionally, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist are standard to keep you centered in your lane. The vehicle also comes with standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, ensuring better awareness of your surroundings when changing lanes or backing up.

Hyundai SmartSense

Hyundai SmartSense is the brand's suite of advanced safety features designed to enhance driver confidence and protection. It includes technologies like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, all aimed at preventing accidents and improving awareness on the road. With SmartSense, Hyundai provides an extra layer of security for both the driver and passengers, offering peace of mind during every journey.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Warranty

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with an impressive warranty that reflects the brand's confidence in its vehicles. It includes a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing extensive coverage for peace of mind. Additionally, Hyundai offers a 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance plan, ensuring that help is available whenever you need it. This strong warranty package underscores Hyundai's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Reliability and Driving Experience

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is known for its reliability and well-rounded driving experience. With a choice of efficient powertrains and advanced safety features, it delivers a smooth, confident ride whether navigating city streets or heading out on longer trips. Its responsive handling and comfortable cabin ensure that both short commutes and extended drives are pleasant. Hyundai's dedication to quality materials and engineering enhances the Santa Cruz's reputation for durability, making it a trustworthy option for those seeking a versatile truck.

Why Choose the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out with its unique blend of pickup truck utility and SUV comfort. With a stylish design, advanced technology, and a choice of powerful engines, the Santa Cruz offers a versatile solution for those who need both capability and everyday practicality. Whether you're hauling gear, towing, or simply enjoying the drive, the Santa Cruz provides excellent value, a well-appointed interior, and a range of safety features. Its compact size also makes it easier to maneuver in urban environments, setting it apart from larger, bulkier trucks.

Get Your Hyundai Santa Cruz at Hyundai of Saco

If you're ready to get behind the wheel of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, look no further than Hyundai of Saco in Saco, ME. The dealership offers a wide selection of new Santa Cruz models, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist you in finding the perfect trim and options to suit your needs.

Whether you're interested in exploring financing options or scheduling a test drive, Hyundai of Saco ensures a seamless and enjoyable car-buying experience. Visit today and discover why the Santa Cruz is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. You will love the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and if you don't, for some reason, we can help you find another Hyundai that works for you.