The Santa Cruz concept is inching closer to
production as the CEO of Hyundai Motor America has confirmed the model is
slated to be launched in 2020. Speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Kyung Soo Lee said “We just had a
meeting to look at the design” and the plan is to “launch it, in the U.S.
market, in 2020” or shortly thereafter. The executive was tight-lipped about
additional information, but the publication is reporting the company is working
on locking down the truck’s final design and specifications.
While a lot of questions remain, it appears the
production model will follow in the footsteps of the concept and be a lifestyle
vehicle like the Honda Ridgeline. As part of this effort, the truck will be
based on a crossover platform instead of an all-new body-on-frame setup. This
should save on development costs and give the Santa Cruz a more car-like ride.
While the concept featured a diesel engine, one
isn’t expected to be offered on the production model. Instead, the report suggests
the pickup could be offered with either a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder
or a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The larger engine produces
185 hp and 241 Nm of torque in the Sonata, while
the turbocharged unit develops 201 hp and 264 Nm of torque in the Elantra Sport.
Little else is known about the truck, but insiders
have reportedly told the publication that the Santa Cruz’s design will echo
crossovers instead of traditional pickups. It remains unclear how much of the
concept’s styling will carryover, but its knockout design still looks good
nearly four years later.
One of the more interesting items in the report is
the suggestion that Hyundai is targeting the Santa Cruz at consumers who are
under 30 years old. To help appeal to these buyers, Hyundai will reportedly
keep prices affordable.
