The next-gen Hyundai Tucson
(Hyundai NX4) is going to spawn the first-ever Hyundai pickup truck
called Hyundai Santa Cruz (Hyundai NX4A OB). This pickup truck was
spied on the roads during a test run recently. The first-ever Hyundai pickup truck was
previewed with a concept based on the current Hyundai Tucson called Hyundai
Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept. That was back in January 2015, and as you
can see in the spy shots here, the production version incorporates the brand’s
new design language and looks completely different.
The front fascia of the production Hyundai
Santa Cruz does have hints of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, with similar large
radiator grille and Composite Light setup. The ORVMs of the pickup truck have a
sleeker design. While the concept version was in extended cab style, the
production version has been spotted in crew cab style. The production version
may be offered only as a crew cab pickup truck, as the model is going to be
sold as a lifestyle product and crew cabs happen to be the most popular choice
for the same.
Reports say that the Hyundai will offer
the Santa Cruz with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
linked to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive
system is expected to be optional. A hybrid variant is also in the making.
Production of the Hyundai Ridgeline rival will take place alongside the Santa
Fe SUV and the Elantra and Sonata sedans at the company’s U.S. plant in
Montgomery (Alabama), starting in 2021.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is likely to be a
left-hand drive-only model. Even if there is a right-hand drive version in the
making, it’s safe to assume that this model is not for India. However, the
happy news for India is that the next-gen Hyundai Tucson is going to be locally
manufactured, just like its American rival Jeep Compass. Hyundai has started
work on upgrading its dealerships to prepare for its arrival, which we expect
to happen in late-2021.