Hyundai Santa Cruz 2021– car dimensions: 4970 mm long, 1905 mm wide and 1694 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,714 kg. Braked towing is 2,268 kg.
The cabin has a standard touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy phone integration. Base models use manual climate control while higher grades add dual automatic temperature control. Cruise control comes standard with smart versions on upper trims. Driver aids include standard automatic emergency braking via forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and a reversing camera. Blind spot warning and parking sensors appear on some grades.
The open bed provides 764 liters of cargo volume with a composite surface, under-bed lockable storage, and sidewall compartments for secure hauling of gear.
Towing reaches 2268 kg braked on turbo AWD models and 1588 kg on others, with unbraked capacity at 748 kg. Trailer pre-wiring and heavy-duty transmission oil cooler support towing. Payload stands at 640 kg. Self-leveling rear suspension helps with loaded stability for work or adventure use.
Higher grades bring leather or leatherette seats with 8-way power driver adjustment plus lumbar, heated fronts standard from mid grades, and ventilated fronts plus heated wheel on the top trim. Dual automatic climate control with rear vents is common above base. Acoustic laminated windshield glass quiets the cabin. A conventional power tilt-and-slide sunroof is available on mid and upper grades. Front seats feel supportive with decent padding. rear tip-up cushions and under-seat storage add practicality for a compact pickup cabin.
Regular unleaded fuel recommended for both engines.
Normal oil and filter service every 8,000 miles or 12 months with full synthetic.
IIHS Top Safety Pick on models with specific headlights.
NHTSA 5-star overall rating on later examples.
Standard SmartSense kit includes forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic assist on most grades.
10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance for first 3 years/36,000 miles.
Both the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbo engines run on regular unleaded. EPA figures reach the mid-20s combined on base FWD models and drop into the low-20s on turbo AWD versions.
Service follows an 8,000-mile or 12-month normal schedule for oil and filter when using the specified full synthetic. Free scheduled maintenance covers the first three years or 36,000 miles. Powertrain coverage runs 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Crash results include an IIHS Top Safety Pick for versions with the better headlights and strong scores across small-overlap, moderate-overlap and side tests. Later models carry a full NHTSA 5-star overall rating. Standard kit centres on multiple airbags plus the SmartSense suite of camera and radar aids for collision avoidance, lane support and blind-spot monitoring, with more advanced monitors and highway assist on upper grades.
Daily living is straightforward with the unibody ride, available AWD, and a bed that includes under-floor storage and a multi-function tailgate. Keep to the normal service intervals and recommended oil to maintain warranty cover.
Length 4970 mm, Width 1905 mm, Height 1694 mm, Wheelbase 3005 mm (Santa Cruz 2021 - present)
Sources: manufacturer data, Hyundai Motor America 2025 Santa Cruz Specifications PDF, supplemented by Hyundai owner's manual and auto-data.net, Car and Driver.