Towing Capacity of the Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a distinctive and versatile crossover that blurs the lines between a modern SUV and pickup truck. With a standout exterior design, the Santa Cruz is a fusion of functionality and urban style that's always fun to drive. Its flexible rear bed and extensive cargo space make it the ideal companion for city commuting and light off-road exploration. more In this article, our team at Dublin Hyundai takes a closer look at the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. We consider its performance and fuel economy, interior and exterior specs, and design. We also explore any updates to technology, interior comfort, and advanced safety features so you can decide if it's the right fit for you. Performance and Fuel Economy The Santa Cruz, one of the most exciting in Hyundai's new lineup, is available with two trim-dependent powertrains to suit different driving needs. You can expect a 191 hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) in the lower SE and SEL trims. This base engine is efficient on city streets, producing 181 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims, including the Night option and up, pack the peppy 281 hp turbo-four with AWD that can accelerate to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. This more powerful engine converts the Santa Cruz into a fantastic highway cruiser. Shorter and lower than rivals, the Santa Cruz is easy to maneuver. Yet, its 8.6 inches of ground clearance and front skid plates make it the ideal weekend adventurer. It boasts responsive handling and a smooth driving experience. Fuel efficiency depends on the trim and the engine beneath the hood. The baseline four offers 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with FWD. This drops slightly with AWD to 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The turbo engine achieves 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Specs and Design The new model year boasts a sporty and stylish new look for 2024. The modern design gives the vehicle a bold and athletic stance, accentuated by sleek, sculpted lines and an aerodynamic profile. LED daytime running lights are incorporated into the front grille. The 2024 model doesn't have the typical body-on-frame structure you'd find with a traditional pickup truck. Instead, it's equipped with a body structure that feels like a car. While the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is smaller than most midsize trucks, it offers an impressive capability that may suit truck lovers. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with an open bed, trim-dependent 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels, and a shark-fin roof antenna standard on all trims. Higher trims have an even more luxury feel with dark lower fascias and dark chrome accent grille and tailgate handles. Inside, the cabin has one of the most refined interiors for its segment, with premium materials regardless of the trim level. However, the higher you go, the nicer the interior. The XRT and up boast a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Limited has leather-trimmed upholstery, and dual-zone climate control is available on all but the SE. Technology Used One of the perks of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the sheer level of standard technology you can expect. The two base trims come equipped with an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system. The higher trims have an upgraded 10-3-inch display as standard with high-definition graphics that are visible even in broad daylight. Handy features include wireless device charging and connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Hyundai's Blue Link services come free for three years. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the first in its segment to offer a fully digital gauge cluster. When you choose a trim with the base four-cylinder engine, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Upgrading to the turbocharged engine will increase your capacity to 5,000 pounds. For the most enhanced experience, choose the Limited to enjoy a standard ultra-premium Bose sound system. Comfort and Convenience The 2024 Santa Cruz comes in a four-door crew cab that seats up to five people comfortably. It offers ample headroom and legroom for the driver and front seat passengers, albeit slightly reduced headroom compared to the 2023 model. The base model comes with a six-way adjustable driver seat, but higher trims feature an eight-way power adjustable driver seat and power lumbar support. The back seat offers average legroom and headroom for the segment but may be tight for longer-legged adults. Whether you're the driver, front passenger, or rear passenger, you'll find the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with minimal bumps and vibrations. The multipurpose 4-foot rear bed, however, is one of the shortest on the market. What it lacks in size, it makes up in versatility with a hydraulic tailgate, lockable tonneau cover, tie-down cleats, a 115-volt outlet, and a convenient under-bed storage compartment with a drain plug. It's made from durable and low-maintenance composite material that comes standard, which is a great perk compared to other pickup trucks. Safety Features Equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, the Santa Cruz has always offered an array of driver-assistance technology to keep you safe on the roads. There aren't many updates for the new model, but it now includes LED headlamps for extra visibility. The 2024 model year boasts forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist as standard on the base trims. Opt for the higher trims to unlock more advanced safety features such as highway driving assist, navigation-based smart cruise control with curve control, and intelligent speed limit assist. Schedule a Test Drive Today Rev up your enthusiasm for the upcoming lineup of new Hyundai vehicles, including the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Each new model boasts cutting-edge technology, a sleek design, and a commitment to revolutionize your driving experience. Call or visit our dealership in Dublin, California, today to be among the first to experience Hyundai's stunning new lineup firsthand, browse our range of new cars, or schedule a service.

When you're looking for a sporty pickup truck with powerful performance and luxury amenities, you may consider either the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz or the 2023 Nissan Frontier. Though both vehicles offer plenty of desirable features, one has a clear advantage in terms of efficiency, design, and technology. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide comparing the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Nissan Frontier to help with your decision. more Price and Trim Levels While the Santa Cruz and the Frontier are both affordable options for pickup trucks, you'll save a bit of money when you choose the Hyundai. The entry-level Santa Cruz, the SE, has a starting MSRP of $25,700, compared with $29,370 for the Frontier's base trim. Besides the SE, the Santa Cruz comes in SEL, Night, SEL Premium, and Limited trims. Each trim builds on others to add more features and amenities, with price increases between each model. The Nissan Frontier also comes in a range of trim levels, including the S, SV, Midnight Edition, and PRO-4X. Both the S and SV come in king and crew cab versions, and you can also get the SV with a longer 6-foot bed. The two upper trims only come in crew-cab versions with four doors. Like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Nissan Frontier increases in price while gaining features as you advance in the trim levels. Engine Specs A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the 2023 Santa Cruz, generating 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. In the SEL Premium and Limited trims, you'll get an upgraded 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Those trims come standard with all-wheel drive, enabling the vehicle to achieve superior traction on uneven terrain or slippery roads. With the standard engine and front-wheel drive, the Hyundai Santa Cruz achieves EPA-estimated fuel ratings of 26 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city. In models with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz gets 27 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. Whether you're commuting in the East Bay or heading up the coast on your next adventure, you'll get farther on a tank of gas in the Santa Cruz. In comparison, every 2023 Nissan Frontier comes with the same powertrain. A 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. Every trim also comes with optional four-wheel drive for an additional cost. Rear-wheel-drive Frontiers get 24 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. If you opt for a version with four-wheel drive, those numbers drop further to 22 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city. Exterior Design and Cargo Space This category highlights one of the biggest differences between the Santa Cruz and the Nissan Frontier. The Santa Cruz combines elements of a compact SUV and a pickup truck, creating a distinctive style that offers ultimate comfort and functionality. It has an open truck bed with innovative storage solutions, including an under-bed storage compartment that doubles as a cooler. A multifunction tailgate comes standard, and you can adjust the height to make it taller for additional support. With 27 cubic feet of volume in the cargo area, there's plenty of room for your tools, bikes, camping equipment, and other gear. The Hyundai Santa Cruz rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or available 20-inch wheels. LED daytime running lights and taillights come standard, and some trims also have LED bed lights. Every Santa Cruz has automatic headlights with high-beam assist. Compared with the Santa Cruz, the Nissan Frontier has a more traditional truck design, with a full-length boxed frame. The pickup truck comes with a locking, dampened assist tailgate in the back. Though it lacks the same storage features as the Santa Cruz, the Frontier does offer slightly more space in the bed, with 40.1 cubic feet of volume. The 2023 Frontier comes standard with 16-inch styled steel wheels, and various 17-inch wheel styles are available. The Frontier also has automatic high-beam headlights and LED taillights, but LED daytime running lights don't come standard like they do in the Santa Cruz. Interior Space Inside the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, you and your passengers will enjoy dozens of premium features. Stain-resistant cloth upholstery covers the seats, or you can choose the Limited trim for leather-trimmed seats. Besides the base trim, every Santa Cruz has heated front seats with three settings and an eight-way power driver's seat. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof, available on the SEL and standard on the Night trim and above, allows you to breathe in the fresh air while you're driving around Dublin, California. The 2023 Nissan Frontier comes with cloth interior, and while leather-appointed seats are available for some trims, this upholstery isn't standard in any model. Similarly, heated front seats are optional, but you'll have to pay an additional cost to get them as part of a package. A power sliding glass moonroof is also available in an add-on package. Entertainment and Technology Features Every Hyundai Santa Cruz comes loaded with features to keep you connected and entertained on your drive. An 8-inch touch screen provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. In the Santa Cruz Limited, you'll get an even larger 10.25-inch screen with navigation. This trim also comes with a Bose premium audio system and HD radio with traffic information, including incident data. Front dual USB ports come standard in the Santa Cruz, and some models offer wireless device charging. The Nissan Frontier also comes with a standard 8-inch touch screen, with a larger 9-inch screen in the Frontier PRO-4X. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, but you'll need to connect with a cord unless you choose the top-level trim. A four-speaker audio system comes standard, and a 10-speaker Fender audio system is available. Wireless charging is optional as part of a package. Test-Drive a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Dublin, California With its affordable price, maximum efficiency, and superior interior amenities, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the clear winner in a head-to-head matchup with the Nissan Frontier. If you agree, we encourage you to visit us at Dublin Hyundai and test-drive a Santa Cruz for yourself. We carry a vast selection of all-new models, including the Santa Cruz and other Hyundai SUVs, cars, and electric vehicles. Our friendly sales team can help you find a vehicle with exactly what you're looking for, whether it's all-wheel drive or wireless smartphone integration. Contact us for more information. Image by Jakob Owens is licensed with unsplash license

The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ combines the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck. This vehicle has been redesigned for 2025, boasting a new front design and various customization options. In this article, our team at Dublin Hyundai explores the various ways in which you can personalize your car to your preference. more Exterior Customization Options The 2025 SANTA CRUZ adds two new colors — Rockwood Green and Canyon Red — and a bolder front end, with new headlights, vertical lines, and a more robust grille. The lower trims come with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the Limited features 20-inch wheels. The XRT is perfect for your adventures, offering all-terrain tires, custom bumpers, a unique grille, front tow hooks, and better approach angles for off-road challenges. Interior Customization Options Inside, the 2025 SANTA CRUZ features a completely redesigned dashboard with a curved display for vehicle information and entertainment, with easily accessible controls that make the system more intuitive. Hyundai has also added a new armrest with cup holders to the rear seat and smart under-seat storage solutions to keep your small items organized. Higher trims offer heated and ventilated front seats and a dual-zone climate control system. Performance and Functional Upgrades The SANTA CRUZ has a standard 2.5-liter engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal for daily commutes and light loads. If you need more power, you can opt for the 2.5-liter turbo that generates 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The SANTA CRUZ has a 1,753-pound payload capacity with any drivetrain. Transmission options include an eight-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC or an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. The HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is perfect for wet roads and unpaved trails. Technology and Safety Features The 2025 SANTA CRUZ offers several advanced safety features. All models include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while the optional 12.3-inch display provides driving information and user-friendly navigation. The SmartSense suite of safety technologies includes features such as forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and safe exit warning as standard. The XRT and Limited trims add a blind-spot view monitor and surround-view cameras to simplify parking. These systems provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your journey. Bed Utility and Cargo Solutions The SANTA CRUZ's truck bed features a hidden lockable storage compartment under the bed floor with drains, as well as a 115-volt outlet for convenient charging of tools or a small cooler. If you want to protect your truck's bed, you can use an original manufacturer equipment bed liner that fits perfectly and has a clever fold-up section, allowing you to access the under-bed storage. There are several tonneau cover options to safeguard your cargo, and adjustable tie-downs and organizers for smaller items are also available. How To Choose the Right Customizations for Your Lifestyle Consider how you intend to use your SANTA CRUZ before selecting customization options. If you mainly drive in the city, opt for the standard engine and prioritize technology and safety. If you need a robust truck for work equipment, the turbo engine with a 5,000-pound towing capacity makes more sense, while all-wheel drive is beneficial for wet or unpaved roads. If you need innovative, convenient solutions for charging tools and storage, the power outlet and organizers in the truck bed make a lot of sense. Dublin life means both city commutes and weekend escapes, so versatility matters. Getting Started With Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Customizations If you're ready to customize your SANTA CRUZ, explore and compare the standard features of the different trims. This may save you from paying extra for features already included in a slightly higher trim. At Dublin Hyundai, we know which combinations work well and can guide you based on real customer feedback. Consider the timing of any modifications. Certain add-ons are easier and cheaper to incorporate during the truck's construction than to install later. It's also important find out which changes may affect your warranty. If money's tight, consider including the expense of essential changes in your auto loan. You can also explore SANTA CRUZ forums and Facebook groups to review the opinions of actual owners and avoid common mistakes. Shop the SANTA CRUZ at Dublin Hyundai The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ is incredibly flexible. With various options, including functional bed features, two engine options, and advanced technology that enhances convenience and safety, you can customize your vehicle to your specific requirements. If you're in Dublin, California, visit us at Dublin Hyundai to experience this exceptional vehicle firsthand. Contact us today and schedule a test-drive to help you decide whether the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ is right for you.