The compact pick-up truck has been a popular vehicle around the world. But until recently, the offerings of this size truck have been very limited in the country. Hyundai saw an opportunity, especially with a younger demographic that embraces adventures on their weekends.

The Santa Cruz is a pick-up truck like no other today. Based on the comfortable and reliable Hyundai Tucson, the slight pick-up takes advantage of a proven platform and reinvents itself.

I love the styling, which cleverly hides the cargo box because it is balanced in form and gives it a masculine stance. As a designer myself,

I understand the limitations of your work. Transforming an SUV into a truck while looking fresh and different is a challenging task.

The cargo box is 4.4 feet wide by 4 feet in length. If you leave the tailgate open,  you could carry a 4×8 plywood with ease. You can also have a bicycle or dirt bike to a trail near you. The bed height is almost 20 inches. It’s deep enough to hold 90 percent of what your average person would put. The Hyundai Santa Cruz also has an additional storage area you can access through a hinged portion of the bed floor. This “trunk” is 38 inches wide, 18 inches long, and about 7 inches deep. If it wasn’t enough, the bed walls have a small storage cubicle on each side. There is also a cover to the box that keeps things out of sight. This cover is easy to slide open but requires a strap to pull it close. All cargo areas are built using heavy-wear plastic with a long life. I like the “steps” at the end of the rear bumper, allowing you to reach into the bed without opening the tailgate.

Five trims (SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, Night) are available, and they have slightly different power units. The base models come with a 2.5 Liter four-cylinder motor that works with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The higher trims get a Turbo on the engine, increasing power by about 40%. The XRT has 281 HP, a double clutch 8-speed transmission, and an AWD (all-wheel-drive). This is the best package if you are thinking about going camping or to state parks. You get the power, and with the optional towing package, you can pull a 5,000-pound trailer.

Like its cousin, the Tucson, the Santa Cruz incorporates all the latest tech. Through a central 12.3-inch screen, you can access the apps, navigation, and media. But there are touch-sensitive buttons and part of the package for those like me who still want a “button” to turn things on and off. You can connect through AppleCarPlay, Android Auto, and Blue Link (Hyundai’s system) to your car. Top-of-the-line models can connect with Alexa to start remotely. Additionally, San ta Cruz incorporates a perfect driver assistance safety system that can help avoid accidents.

Santa Cruz rides better than Tucson. The reinforcements made to convert it into a truck strengthened the unibody and allowed the suspension to work better, which is quite noticeable. I enjoyed the balance and maneuverability across Los Angeles. 

Pricing starts at around $29,000 but can quickly get into the $40s, so be careful with the optional packages. I personally like the Santa Cruz. I also think Hyundai did a great research study and found an excellent alternative for young couples or singles who want a comfortable and reliable vehicle during the week and an adventurous little pick-up truck  for the weekend.