What vehicle does one buy when they need a car that can handle truck-level utilitarian uses? The answer is a compact pick-up truck. Hyundai's compact pick-up truck has been on the market for a couple of years now, the fun car-like utility truck has seen a revision of the trim levels available with the SEL Premium trim exiting and replaced with the all-new XRT trim.
This 2024 Santa Cruz XRT follows the brand's other nameplates such as the upcoming Santa Fe XRT, Tucson XRT, and the Palisade XRT offering. The XRT trim is intended to be the more off-roady option of all model-specific trims, as such Hyundai has given the Santa Cruz a few cosmetic and mechanical tweaks to match. The new trim is paired with a more powerful engine that gives the truck the pull that the previous trim lacked. The XRT fits above the Night trim and the fully optioned Limited trim package.
Turbo Power Unit Pairing With The XRT
For 2024, the Santa Cruz XRT emerges with a top-tier powertrain, exclusively reserved for its higher trim models. The turbocharged 2.5 liters inline-four engine is a step up from the non-turbo variant of the same engine.
The aluminum block engine generates an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque helping the Santa Cruz haul up to 5,000 pounds of weight. With ample low-end torque, the engine provides spirited driving performance and a responsive feeling that makes daily commuting and highway cruising a breeze.
An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission pairs seamlessly with the turbocharged engine to give drivers a refined, car-like sensation while navigating the compact pickup truck. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 2024 Santa Cruz XRT trim doesn't disappoint.
Performance And Specifications XRT Trim
Engine | 2.5-liter Turbo |
Horsepower | 281 @ 5,800 rpm |
Torque | 311 @ 1,700- 4,000 |
Transmission | 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch With Paddle Shifters |
With a combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg, this compact pick-up falls below the competing Ford Maverick and above the bigger Hondpica Ridgeline. The 2.5-liter turbo engine is recommended as the base non-turbo counterpart falls short in efficiency. The base variant, clocking in at 23 mpg for both FWD and AWD configurations is also less powerful, generating a modest 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
HTRAC AWD System
All Wheel Drive is standard equipment on all Santa Cruz with the 2.5-liter Turbocharged engine. Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel drive system comes with the new XRT trim model. The HTRAC Awd system has been on selected Hyundai products for some time now. The system pushes power to the tires that need traction in slippery conditions.
The Santa Cruz sits 8.7 inches above the ground making it ideal for light off-roading. The AWD system contributes to the Santa Cruz 5000-pound tow rating because of the added traction the HTRAC system provides compared to the standard front-wheel drive configuration. The XRT trim should not be mistaken for a mega offroad truck as the trim does not have more ground clearance than the standard 8.7 inches on all trim levels.
Rugged Exterior Design
Distinguishing itself from the Night and Limited trims, the Santa Cruz XRT trim presents an exclusive appearance package that sets it apart. Starting at the front, the XRT trim boasts a blacked-out treatment for the front chrome grille, a standard feature across all upper trim levels. The visual treatment continues with matte black door handles and door mirrors. While the wheel design maintains its consistency, the XRT trim elevates its appeal by introducing a striking red accent on the wheel center cap.
A distinct feature unique to the XRT trim is the inclusion of side steps, strategically placed to aid individuals of shorter stature and children in comfortably entering the vehicle or reaching the roof. These side steps not only offer practical assistance but also evoke a rugged off-road vibe at the vehicle's rear.
The rear end of the XRT trim also undergoes tailored enhancements, including XRT-specific badging, raised Santa Cruz lettering, and a fresh black rear bumper. Adding to its utility, the XRT trim showcases an exclusive bed railing along with a retractable bed tonneau cover, which comes standard. This robust tonneau cover effectively secures items in the bed, ensuring peace of mind. Other included features of the XRT trim are:
- Integrated in-bed LED lights.
- A 115 Volt outlet for running small appliances.
- Sunroof
- Sliding back glass
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
- Premium Daytime Running Lights
- Dark Chrome Tailgate Handle
Crossover-Inspired Cabin
The interior of the 2024 Santa Cruz gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel for maximum comfort and grip. The rest of the interior seating is covered in cloth and leatherette materials, with power lumbar allowing you to tailor your seating position to your preferences for a truly personalized ride.
For those seeking an even more elevated experience, the Limited trim option offers genuine leather seats, showcasing a luxurious upgrade over the XRT variant. Overall the interior of the Santa Cruz has a more premium feel than the Ford Maverick which makes it a nice place to be. Design-wise though, the resemblance of the dashboard to Tucson is uncanny.
At the center of the dashboard sits a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel that displays all pertinent information to the driver. The Santa Cruz is the only vehicle in its class that has a full digital cluster. The center console sports a traditional leather-wrapped shifter instead of the rotary knob and push button setups that sometimes look and feel strange to use.
The center console of the Santa Cruz XRT is a hub of innovation, housing a 10.25-inch intuitive infotainment system with wire Android auto and Apple carplay. As standard, a new safety feature on all trim levels is a steering wheel haptic feedback system for lane keeping and blind spot collision avoidance assistance.
Summing Up The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The base SE trim Santa Cruz has a starting price of $26,650. To step up to the rugged XRT trim, buyers will have to shell out $38,850, just under the starting price of the top-of-the-range Ford Maverick Tremor Off-Road trim. It is important to keep in mind that the Santa Cruz is readily available to purchase now unlike Ford's Maverick which has hit supply issues.
The Santa Cruz with the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and HTRAC all-wheel drive also tow more than the Maverick at 5,000 pounds to the Ford's 4,000-pound maximum towing capacity. When all is said and done, the Santa Cruz is a great compact pick-up truck that should be highly regarded and considered when in the market for a vehicle in its segment.