The Hyundai Santa Cruz is an innovation. This compact truck is a first for the Korean manufacturer, and its incredible range of technologies and features offers several advantages over rivals. In addition, rumors have been swirling that the 2024 edition may come with an electric engine. This pickup has earned high praise for its practicality and performance, and the company wants to make it even better for the new model year. Big things are happening for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and here’s how we think things will play out.
Eco-Friendly Powertrain Setup
Of course, the all-electric Santa Cruz is still in the planning stages, so speculations about its powertrain are just guesses based on unofficial reports. Nevertheless, we can expect an upgraded engine in the updated version compared to the outgoing edition. The gas-powered model features a 2.5-liter I4 under the hood. Hyundai then bolted on a turbo to drive its horsepower up to 281 with 311 pound-feet of torque. The dual-clutch automatic transmission on previous models delivers a sharp and fast shift, and while that’s thrilling for a gas engine, what will the numbers look like once it goes eco-friendly?
Hyundai is likely to introduce a hybrid option, and according to various sources, it’s assumed the manufacturer will use the familiar setup of a classic 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and a single electric motor to put out around 226 horsepower. A plug-in variant could also be offered, with a more powerful electric engine to produce closer to 260 horsepower. This setup will require a bigger battery, which should enable roughly 30 miles of all-electric range. With a combination of two electric motors, the 2024 Santa Cruz will deliver even more power, plus you’ll get the added benefits of all-wheel drive.
Exterior Design
While changes to the powertrain are a given, we expect the 2024 all-electric Santa Cruz to wear the same exterior trappings as the gas-powered model. Its funky silhouette and stylish front fascia set this unique compact truck utility vehicle apart from anything you’ll see in any dealer’s showroom. Hyundai seamlessly combined the best parts of an SUV and a truck to create a crossover pickup, complete with a composite cargo bed and roof rails. The unibody design does more than look good too. This concept delivers plenty of maneuverability and a smooth, comfortable ride.
The Santa Cruz is still a relatively new model, making its debut in 2022. It was attractive and modern-looking from the get-go, so why mess with a good thing when going all-electric? We especially like the snazzy, blacked-out Night Edition with its 20-inch rims, painted door handles, and side steps. We genuinely hope that Hyundai continues to offer this special edition in the future, albeit in a greener option.
Interior Options
An all-electric Santa Cruz has all the potential to attract clean energy advocates if its interior space is anything like the current model. Its double cab features two rows that accommodate adults comfortably, and there’s ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. When you settle into the driver’s position, you’ll immediately notice the comfortable, supportive, and adjustable seat. However, if ventilated and heated seat options are important, you’ll likely have to move up a trim level. Depending on which trim you choose in the lineup, you can expect upgrades like leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a sunroof.
The Santa Cruz’s interior design is arguably one of its strongest points. While Hyundai’s are known for quality materials and many tech features, you’ll find that even the entry-level models come impressively well-equipped. In addition to a few novelties Hyundai will reserve for the all-electric model, the tech package in the Santa Cruz will likely feature standard equipment such as an 8-inch touch screen integrated with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, two USB ports, HD radio, and a six-speaker stereo.
Available features will run the gamut, from a 10.2-inch touch screen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster to necessities like navigation, wireless device charging, and another pair of USB ports. In addition, you should be able to outfit the Santa Cruz with dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button and remote start, ambient lighting, a sunroof, and a digital key.
Featured Technologies
According to rumors, the all-electric Hyundai Santa Cruz could include as standard tech features some of the options now offered as upgrades. We anticipate finding everything from a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel to wireless device charging. Of course, the current model’s impressive 8-inch touch screen with its sharp graphics and clean menu layouts doesn’t disappoint.
While Hyundai offers an infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six-speaker sound system as standard in all trims, the included driver-assistance features are even more remarkable. The Santa Cruz’s safety features add next-level confidence to the list of satisfying sentiments drivers get with this compact truck. Hyundai fans will appreciate standard front collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Drivability and Performance
When we envision the 2024 all-electric Santa Cruz, we imagine it outperforming previous models with its impressive steering and responsive handling. It’s sure to provide a thrilling driving experience on streets and graded roads. When conditions are slippery or you’re navigating tight cornering maneuvers, you’ll appreciate its traction and agility. This compact truck is also capable of towing, even when an electric motor provides the power. Current models can pull a 5,000-pound trailer, so if you’re heading to the lake or your favorite campsite, the Santa Cruz is the workhorse for you.
Want To Know More About the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
While we can’t showcase the 2024 all-electric Santa Cruz at our dealership today, we can let you know everything the gas-powered edition has to offer. It isn’t a stretch to say that both models will be based on Hyundai’s superior platform and outstanding engineering capabilities. The 2023 Santa Cruz is an exceptional example of the vehicles in our new inventory, and with loads of special offers and incentives, it’s easy to picture yourself driving an eco-friendly version of this unique pickup truck.
Find Your Next Hyundai at Huffines Hyundai Plano
The executives at Hyundai say they’ll continue to monitor market demand. With the right amount of buyer interest, an all-electric 2024 Santa Cruz could start showing up in Huffines Hyundai Plano’s showroom this fall. Of course, we all have our fingers crossed and know you do too. So contact us to learn more about this forward-thinking automaker’s innovations, and let us demo a few for you today.