The world of pickup trucks will get bigger in the near future, as another carmaker is about to enter the segment. Yes, we are talking about Hyundai. The Korean manufacturer introduced a concept version of a pickup truck four years ago and we are still waiting for the production version. According to the latest reports, this is finally going to happen next year. The new model will come as the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz and it will be compact.
Of course, we expect a lot of design solutions to be taken from the concept, but there is a full load of novelties to come as well. The production model will feature different aesthetics, as well as some other specs, including powertrain options. At this point, we can tell too many officially confirmed details, so the upcoming paragraphs are mostly based on rumors and unofficial reports.
2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Design
The first time we saw a pickup truck with this name was in 2015. The Korean manufacturer introduced a small pickup and everyone was amazed with its styling. However, it remained in a form of concept for more than four years. The production model is finally about to come in the next year, as the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Of course, one of the most interesting things about the new pickup is the platform. Hyundai isn’t a company that has some spectacular pedigree when it comes to body-on-frame platform and utility vehicles in general. Therefore, it seems logical that the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz will feature a car-like, unibody platform. After all, that’s not a bad thing at all, considering that potential buyers of this truck probably won’t seek for some spectacular towing and payload capacity.
On the other side, such design will ensure excellent handling and driving characteristics, at the level of a crossover. The comfort should be on a high level as well. Most likely, the new truck will ride on the same platform as the next-generation Tucson, which is expected to arrive in the near future as well.
Exterior
The production version has been rendered recently and one of the biggest differences compared to the concept version is the styling. Simply, Hyundai recently came up with a completely new design language, so it seems logical to see this pickup truck with latest aesthetics. That means the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz will feature the front end that has a lot of similarities with the new Palisade SUV, just in a smaller package. We expect same-style headlights and grille, as well as several other details.
In terms of dimensions, we probably won’t see bigger changes compared to the concept version. The new model will remain compact in size, though some reports suggest a version with a longer bed will be in the offer as well. This version would be comparable with mid-size pickup trucks, as it would feature something like 5.5-6.5 foot bed.
Interior
This aspect of the new truck is still a complete mystery. At this point, we can only presume that the new model will feature an interior design that follows basic design solutions of the rest of the lineup. Therefore, the dashboard should be designed in a typical Hyundai manner. It will be very car-like, with lots of curvy lines and tablet-like infotainment screen. On the other side, details about the cab design are still hard to guess.
The concept version came with some kind of an extended cab design, with so-called suicide rear doors. We doubt that this design solution will find a place in the production version. We count on a typical 4-door double cab-like layout.
2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engines
The concept version of this pickup truck features a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with around 190 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. We presume this engine could find its place in the production model as well, considering that the company plans to sell this truck both in North America and internationally. Still, we believe that the focus will be on the U.S. market. There we should see a couple of gasoline engine options. Base models would probably feature a well-known 2.4-liter engine, which delivers around 185 horsepower.
On the other side, higher trims could feature a 2.0-liter turbo-four. It delivers around 235 horsepower and seems like a perfect measure for a vehicle of this size and weight.
Also, the new model could easily come with some kind of electrified powertrain, maybe even all-electric. Still, such version probably wouldn’t be ready for the initial launch.
2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Release Date and Price
According to the latest reports, the new pickup truck will hit the market sometime in the next year, though a more precise date is still unavailable. It is still early for details about the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz, but we presume base models will probably go around 25.000 dollars.