Although it arrived about the same time as Maverick, Hyundai’s pickup never managed to get the same level of praise, at least if we check the sales number. Even though it’s more refined, more capable and more luxurious, it’s missing something to catch up with Ford’s pickup. Most people think that the key issue is the lack of a fuel-efficient version, such as the Maverick Hybrid, which returns quite an impressive 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Well, this is going to change soon, as the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid is coming, to drive you into the future.
From what we know so far, the new version is in an advanced stage of development and it should arrive pretty soon. From what we know so far, the standard, self-charging hybrid is almost a certain thing, while many also expect to see a plug-in hybrid version, just like in the case of Santa Cruz’s closest relatives.
The electrified version of Hyuindai’s pickup should arrive in the first half of the next year.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid Powertrain
As we’ve just mentioned, it looks like this compact pickup will finally get a much anticipated electrified version. As you probably know, this model is closely related to Hyundai Tucson, so this electrification makes perfect sense. The Tucson is already available in two hybrid variants and we presume that the exact units would power the next year’s Santa Cruz. One of the is a standard self-charging hybrid and that model seems pretty much like a certain thing.
That system is based on a 1.6 turbo-four and gets help from a single electric motor. In the case of Tucson, it returns around 35 miles per gallon, so it’s pretty obvious that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid won’t be as efficient as the Maverick Hybrid. On the other hand, it will feature way better driving dynamics, thanks to the turbocharged engine and a max output of 226 horsepower. Moreover, this system also comes with an automatic transmission, instead of a CVT, so there’s no doubt it will offer a superior driving experience.
A plug-in hybrid is also expected, also based on the same turbo-four engine but with a larger battery that feeds a more powerful electric motor, for a combined output of 261 horsepower. Besides more power, this system also offers decent autonomy in the EV model, which would in the case of Santa Cruz probably go around 30 miles.
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2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid Design
As for the overall design, we don’t expect that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid will be any different than the gas-powered model. We are about to see the same styling, which takes a lot of inspiration from Tucson. Moreover, the two models look almost the same at the front, while most of the mechanics are also shared between the two models.
The thing we particularly like about this pickup is the chassis and suspension setup, which offers a great balance. On one side, the ride is smooth and comfortable. On the other, the max towing capacity goes all the way up to 5.000 pounds, which is way more than the best the Maverick can too and pretty much on par with the mid-size Honda Ridgeline. The max towing capacity of the hybrid might be slightly lower but we are still pretty sure it will be way superior to the Maverick Hybrid, which can tow no more than 2.000 pounds.
Interior
The same thing is with the interior design, which looks pretty impressive for something with a pickup body style. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid would feature the same layout, with quality materials, and a stylish dashboard. All models would come with two rows of seats and plenty of passenger room, while the cargo bed is good for about 4.3 feet.
As for the standard and available equipment, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid might get a little bit higher starting price than the gas-powered model, so we might see a few more standard features as well. Still, these changes shouldn’t be numerous, because the gas-powered model already stands pretty well in this aspect. It comes standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker stereo, HD Radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition and two USB ports. Also, you can get upgrades like a 10.25-inch touch screen, wireless device charging, satellite radio, two rear USB ports, a Bose premium stereo and the Hyundai Digital Key, as well a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, proximity keyless entry, remote start, push-button start, a sunroof, a household-style power outlet, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, 64-colour ambient interior lighting and a universal garage door opener.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid Release Date and Price
The latest reports suggest that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid could arrive sometime in the first half of the next year. As for the price, we presume that the starting price will be slightly higher compared to the base, gas-powered model, which starts at around 28.000 dollars.
