Hyundai has designed a super-sharp sedan/truck mix that provides a rear small truck bed with four door front and rear seating sedan. A very exceptional and creative design that drives as a turbo-charged car with a semi-truck body.
The design is sharp, the performance outstanding, and the “Sage Gray” paint and easy entry steps add to the complete package of this Santa Cruz XRT, all-wheel drive. The final assembly is in Montgomery, Alabama with Korean and U.S.A. engine and transmission.
The performance with a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is exceptional, linked to an 8-speed “wet-clutch” transmission with paddle shifters and normal and sport modes. This is a perfect outdoor vehicle with a covered rear bed that can accommodate recreational and camping equipment. The all-wheel drive adds to the Colorado winter weather challenges.
The Santa Cruz rides on sport 18” alloy wheels, has side roof rails and a sliding power sunroof. The rear storage area has a Tonneau secure cover and a sheet molded composite bed with storage compartment under the bed with side compartments.
The cabin hosts H-Tex heating and cooled front seats with driver lumbar support. For the great outdoors there is a 115V power outlet in the bed. The vehicle is complete with a long list of safety features along with navigation and dynamic voice recognition. This combo/ truck/car has it all with spare tire, LED lights, and remote engine start for those cold winter mornings.
Fuel economy is rated at 19 in the city, and 27 on the highway. I averaged over 23 mpg overall. The UBS smart phone port was welcome with a pocket storage area for the phone.
Hyundai offers one of best warranties in the industry with a 10- year/ 100,000-mile power-train warranty and five-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $39,850, that includes a long list of comfort and conveniences options.
This is really an ingenious new model and really fits well into an active Colorado lifestyle as a work/pleasure vehicle. Best of all is the road performance with the turbo power and paddle shifters where this vehicle is a real road warrior with safety, comfort, and shear driving pleasure.