If you need a car that can handle truck-level utilitarian uses, then a compact pick-up truck is the vehicle for you. Hyundai’s compact pick-up truck, the Santa Cruz, has been on the market for a couple of years now. Recently, the trim levels have been updated, with the SEL Premium trim being replaced by the all-new XRT trim.

The 2024 Santa Cruz XRT is part of Hyundai’s lineup of XRT vehicles, which also includes the upcoming Santa Fe XRT, Tucson XRT, and Palisade XRT. The XRT trim is designed to be the more off-roady option compared to the other trims. Hyundai has made some cosmetic and mechanical tweaks to the Santa Cruz to match the XRT trim. The XRT trim is positioned above the Night trim and the fully optioned Limited trim package.

Turbo Power Unit Pairing With The XRT

The 2024 Santa Cruz XRT is equipped with a top-tier powertrain, featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This engine is more powerful than the non-turbo variant found in other trims. It produces an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Santa Cruz to haul up to 5,000 pounds. The engine provides spirited driving performance and a responsive feeling, making daily commuting and highway cruising easy.

The turbocharged engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a refined and car-like sensation while driving the compact pickup truck. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2024 Santa Cruz XRT trim performs well.

Performance And Specifications XRT Trim

The compact pick-up truck has a combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg, making it slightly less fuel-efficient than the competing Ford Maverick but more efficient than the Honda Ridgeline. The turbo engine is recommended over the base non-turbo variant, which has lower efficiency and less power.

HTRAC AWD System

All Santa Cruz models with the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine come standard with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system. This system has been available on selected Hyundai products for some time. The HTRAC AWD system optimizes power distribution to the wheels with the most traction in slippery conditions.

The Santa Cruz has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. The AWD system contributes to the Santa Cruz’s 5,000-pound tow rating by providing additional traction compared to the standard front-wheel drive configuration. However, it’s important to note that the XRT trim does not have more ground clearance than other trim levels.

Rugged Exterior Design

The Santa Cruz XRT trim features an exclusive appearance package that sets it apart from the Night and Limited trims. The front of the XRT trim has a blacked-out treatment for the chrome grille, which is a standard feature on upper trim levels. The XRT trim also has matte black door handles and door mirrors. The wheel design remains consistent, but the XRT trim adds a striking red accent on the wheel center cap.

The rear of the XRT trim features XRT-specific badging, raised Santa Cruz lettering, and a black rear bumper. It also comes with exclusive bed railing and a retractable bed tonneau cover as standard. The tonneau cover secures items in the bed, adding an extra level of utility. Additional features of the XRT trim include integrated in-bed LED lights, a 115 Volt outlet, sunroof, sliding back glass, Smart Cruise Control, premium daytime running lights, and a dark chrome tailgate handle.

Crossover-Inspired Cabin

The interior of the 2024 Santa Cruz XRT features a leather-wrapped steering wheel for maximum comfort and grip. The rest of the interior seating is covered in cloth and leatherette materials, offering a personalized and comfortable ride. The Limited trim option offers genuine leather seats for an even more luxurious experience. The dashboard design resembles that of the Hyundai Tucson.

The center of the dashboard houses a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, providing all the necessary information to the driver. The center console features a traditional leather-wrapped shifter and a 10.25-inch intuitive infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Safety features include a steering wheel haptic feedback system for lane keeping and blind spot collision avoidance assistance.

Summing Up The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The base Santa Cruz SE trim starts at $26,650, while the rugged XRT trim starts at $38,850. The Santa Cruz offers a higher tow rating compared to the Ford Maverick, with the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great compact pick-up truck that should be considered if you’re in the market for a vehicle in this segment.