2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Spy Photos and Release Date

The last clues about the Hyundai pickup truck leaked recently. Well, the Korean company had a few serious concepts and teasers, and we expected the release date even earlier. However, it seems like the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz is finally on the way. Spy photos of test mules are finally confirming the development is in the final stages. The mid-size truck segment is reviving and the manufacturer is going to be another model in the market. Hyundai’s partner, Kia, is also about to bring its prototype soon, more than 15 years after we saw the Mojave concept.

Santa Cruz is also becoming pretty old and needs updates compared to the previous version. Hyundai made a stunning move when they introduced the truck back in 2015. Nevertheless, ever since we are waiting for the prototypes and production announcements. Now, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz was spied and the vehicle could be available soon. The pandemic of coronavirus will spoil the plans and probably delay the premiere for a few months, but the pickup is going to arrive as 2021 YM.

RELATED: 2022 Kia Mohave-Based Pickup Truck [Confirmed!]

2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Truck is Finally Coming

Why we are so confident about this? The production is being expected for several years. In fact, ever since the carmaker decided to step into the new segment, fans are keen to see the truck in dealership every year. However, this is the first time test mules are on the streets. Photographers spotted the prototypes, which makes us think of the production in 2021. On the other hand, the carmaker is not making the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz official yet.

The situation in the pickup truck market is hot at the moment. Ford Ranger is back, as well as Jeep after 30 years. Nevertheless, there is always room for more models, especially if they are affordable and capable of towing. The price of the new Santa Cruz truck will start around $25,000. Trim levels are not confirmed yet, but there will be definitely packages with more options and prices going up to $40,000.

2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz spy photos

2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz will be a unibody truck, a rival to Honda Ridgeline, while all other pickups are built on a ladder frame. The main advantage of the Korean vehicle will be sporty handling, but the downside will be a towing capacity. Experts guess the Santa Cruz is not going to be able to haul more than 5,000 pounds.

Hyundai has a new engine. It is a 3.8-liter V8 and it perfectly suits this truck. Although the carmaker is not officially out with details, fans can be sure the best performance is coming with this unit. With 290 horsepower, the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz will be on the line with Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado. The engine can also add 260 lb-ft of torque and the power goes to the front wheels. Hyundai improved its all-wheel-drive system and it is now smarter than ever. Also, a 3.3-liter V6 is still an option, but no so likely that the Korean company is going to use an old drivetrain for the new model.

Instead, the company might opt for the four-pot engine as the base solution. Again, there are a few options here, and Hyundai can go with a naturally-aspirated powerplant which will deliver less than 200 ponies. It will make the price go down, maybe even under $20k. But, truckers are looking for a higher towing capacity, and even at its best with a V6, Santa Cruz won’t be able to get them more than 5,000 pounds.

2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz release date

2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Spy Photos and Styling

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a whole new model in the market and its look is still based on the concept we saw five years ago. The grille is very similar to the largest SUV the Korean company launched recently. But, the truck modified the front fascia and headlights. The test mule is using a four-door cabin and short bed. The pickup is going to offer more options, that is for sure. A single cab and longer box, higher trims with bedliner, and exclusive materials are going to be available through optional upgrades and packages.

Experts doubt that suicide doors will be there and designers will go with the classic layout. The extendable box will provide more room when needed. The touchscreen will be at the center console, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging, navigation, and premium audio will be available with higher trim levels.

Another good thing about all Hyundai vehicles is the warranty, which is longer than most companies will offer. We expect to get the 2021 Santa Cruz with seven-year coverage. Powertrain warranty could go up to 10 years.

Source: Motor1

Leave a Reply