Hyundai Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle unveiled

Hyundai has unveiled the latest Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle.

As per Hyundai, the Santa Cruz was developed to be the ultimate Sport Adventure Vehicle, boasting a bold yet sophisticated design, along with powerful and efficient powertrain options. Hyundai Santa Cruz features a secure, open bed area that includes a lockable tonneau cover and hidden bed storage.

Hyundai mentioned that Santa Cruz offers two powerful, flexible, and efficient powertrains. The standard powertrain is at a 2.5L dire-injected in-line four-cylinder engine with an estimated 190+ horsepower and a 180+ lb. -ft of torque. The engine couples an eight-speed hydraulic automatic transmission. Santa Cruz also offers a 2.5L direct-injected turbocharged engine with an estimated 275+ horsepower and 310+ lb.-ft. of torque linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

Both 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.5L four-cylinder turbo models offer HTRAC all-wheel-drive capability. The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles.

This system has a wide range of torque distribution variability, tuned for conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts. For those customers who like to tow their weekend gear with them, the 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated at 3,500 lbs. for towing, and the 2.5L Turbo AWD model boasts a generous 5,000 lbs. of towing capability.

The forward view of Santa Cruz has a hidden lighting signature that becomes visible within the grille when illuminated. Its daytime running lamps (DRLs) present a parametric jewel design with high-tech precision detailing. It has a cascading grille on the front view, which is supported by a skid plate in the lower front fascia.

Armor-like wheel arches surround large 20-inch alloy wheels with a multi-faceted triangular design for the potential off-road possibility.

From the rear, its horizontal “T” lighting signature adds visual width and distinguishes Santa Cruz from anything on the road, according to Hyundai. The functional rear open bed areas feature secure, lockable in-bed storage, integrated corner bumper steps, and a lockable tonneau cover.

The interior features a dual-cockpit design. Design teams focused on ease of ingress and egress and ergonomic comfort for long drives. The center stack features an edgeless infotainment 1-inch screen. The optional center digital cluster display also measures 10-inches. The rear seats hold in-cabin storage. Additionally, its audio system sports the Bose branding.

Furthermore, Santa Cruz provides an 8-inch color touchscreen, Wireless Apple Carplay, and Android Auto. A Qi wireless charger is also available for use. Santa Cruz offers Digital Key supported by a dedicated smartphone app. The Hyundai Digital Key app also allows smartphones to control selected vehicle systems remotely. Users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the panic alert, and start the engine.

Santa Cruz offers safety and convenience features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assists (FCA0 w/ Pedestrian and cyclist detection), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).

On the other hand, there are also other optional features, including assists for Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance, Safe Exit, Blind-spot View Monitor, Highway Drive, Surround-view monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance.

Santa Cruz receives Blue Link Connected Car service enhancements. Blue Link is complimentary for three years and includes features such as Remote Start with Climate Control, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Destination Search by Voice and others.

Meanwhile, Blue Link features can be accessed via interior controls or through the MyHyundai.com web portal, the MyHyundai with Blue Link smartphone app, the Amazon Alexa Blue Link skill, and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear and Apple Watch smartwatch apps.

In June, the company will begin production of Hyundai Santa Cruz in Montgomery, Alabama, and it will be available for sale “this summer.” Hyundai has revealed to create an early reservation system for the U.S.-market Santa Cruz in late April through the official Hyundai USA website.

Source: Hyundai