2024 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ

LITTLE CHANCE FOR BUYER’S REMORSE

WITH NEW XRT TRIM OF SANTA CRUZ

As I wrote about 11 months ago in my first experience with the vehicle, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a good option for those hungering for a pickup truck but don’t want to deal with the size (and budget) that comes with a full-size model. 

A recent revisit simply confirms that notion. Like it the first time, you’ll like it the second. And third. And so-on.

Based on Hyundai’s popular Tucson, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz drives like a compact SUV while offering the hauling capacity of a compact truck.

As noted in my review of the Hyundai Santa Cruz last November, the South Korean automaker added the XRT model as a new trim in the 2024 Santa Cruz portfolio. It gives the Santa Cruz a little more in the way of off-roading capability with all-wheel drive as standard.

Hyundai actually dubs the 2024 Santa Cruz XRT as a “Sports Activity Vehicle” to separate it from the more common “Sports Utility Vehicle” nomenclature. 

In addition to standard AWD, engineers tweaked the front fascia to increase the vehicle’s approach angle and finished off by adding all-terrain tires, 18-inch wrench-inspired alloy wheels, and front tow hooks.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT has a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine under the hood that is rated at 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque so it has plenty of oomph when it comes to driving experience. That engine is mated to an 8-speed wet dual clutch automatic transmission with manual gear selection available via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Fuel mileage is rated at 19 miles-per-gallon city, 27 highway, and 22 combined using regular octane fuel, giving the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT a total driving range of 389 miles, according to government figuring.

Designers didn’t forget about the interior. A new large touchscreen serves as the command center for infotainment features that include navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other standard features include keyless entry and push-button start, Smart (adaptive) cruise control, dual automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, wireless phone charger, LED headlights and tail lamps, power sunroof, LED bed lighting and Bluetooth connectivity.

Pricing falls at the high end of the Santa Cruz lineup with the Base front-wheel-drive SE trim starting at $29,895 including the destination and delivery fee, and the XRT coming in at a starting MSRP of $41,185.

That is just a shade under the $43,805 starting MSRP for the top-of-the-line AWD Santa Cruz Limited but covers so many standard features that options are not necessary.

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: The size is perfect for those wanting to get out of an SUV yet have a vehicle with some hauling capacity. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, especially in an urban environment with cramped parking lots and narrow streets. Technology is plentiful. The bed cover easily slides forward when the latch is released and a convenient strap is handy to pull it back in place. The turbo engine on the XRT and Limited trims is worth stretching your budget for, not just for performance but for a higher towing capacity (5,000 pounds).

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Overall, tech features are user friendly but I don’t understand why they eliminates convenient knob to control audio volume, dial surfing, and manual A/C adjusting. Finding the button to adjust the radio volume can detract from the driver’s attention. Voice guidance for navigation referred to little-used street names for Miami, where a street can have up to three or more names. Stick to common street numbers, Hyundai! Side steps for getting in and out  really aren’t necessary and actually get in the way especially when you are exiting.

Would I buy the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT? Yes. Unless you are doing big hauling jobs, the Santa Cruz has the capability most people are going to need when it comes to runs to Home Depot and Lowe’s.