The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a stylish, comfortable compact pickup for commuting and light-duty hauling—not a conventional truck for large loads, frequent towing, or serious trail work. Its crossover-like road manners, polished cabin, and strong turbo engine are genuine advantages. The trade-offs are a short bed, modest base-engine performance, and capability that depends heavily on trim and equipment.
What the 2024 Santa Cruz does well—and where it falls short
The Santa Cruz is a unibody pickup related to the Hyundai Tucson, and it behaves more like a crossover than a traditional body-on-frame truck. Car and Driver describes it as an urban pickup suited to small jobs and outdoor adventures; Edmunds likewise highlights its comfort and quick turbo performance. Those strengths make it appealing as a daily driver, but they do not erase the limits of its compact bed and light-duty design.
- Best at: commuting, carrying smaller loads, and occasional recreational use.
- Less suited to: bulky or long cargo, frequent heavy towing, and demanding off-road use.
That is the useful meaning of “style first”: the Santa Cruz makes everyday driving and modest utility feel cohesive, but buyers who need a truck primarily for work may find its compromises decisive. Car and Driver’s 2024 review and Edmunds’ review provide independent assessments of its road manners and capability.
Which engine and trim should you choose?
The U.S. 2024 lineup consists of SE, SEL, Night, XRT, and Limited. SE and SEL use the standard engine; Night, XRT, and Limited get the turbo. An eight-speed automatic pairs with the standard engine, while turbo models use an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. AWD is optional on SE and SEL and standard on the higher trims, according to the 2024 brochure.
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| Configuration | Engine and output | Transmission | EPA city/highway/combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE/SEL, FWD | 2.5L four-cylinder; 191 hp, 181 lb-ft | Eight-speed automatic | 22/26/23 mpg |
| SE/SEL, AWD | 2.5L four-cylinder; 191 hp, 181 lb-ft | Eight-speed automatic | 21/25/23 mpg |
| Night/XRT/Limited, AWD | Turbo 2.5L four-cylinder; 281 hp, 311 lb-ft | Eight-speed wet dual-clutch | 19/27/22 mpg |
These are Hyundai’s U.S. brochure figures for the listed configurations, not results from a single test. Car and Driver recorded 30 mpg for a turbo Santa Cruz on its 75-mph highway route; that is an independent test result, not the EPA estimate. Edmunds measured 0–60 mph in 6.5 seconds in its turbo test vehicle. The 2024 brochure, Car and Driver, and Edmunds identify the specifications and test results.
Choose the standard engine for ordinary light-duty use
The 191-hp engine is the less powerful option, and it is the only one available in SE and SEL. It is the natural fit if the Santa Cruz’s main jobs are commuting and occasional small-load hauling. AWD is optional on these trims; it does not change the published EPA combined estimate for the FWD and AWD versions of the standard engine, though their city and highway figures differ.
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- FITMENT MODELS: Fits for 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Please check the internal shape of the armrest lid, you can refer to Image 2 before purchasing.
- PATENT DESIGN: The hidden box is a complete storage box, rather than a simple shell in the market. It is custom-designed to fit seamlessly under or within the car's existing armrest, fills the compartment space, and doesn't affect the closing of the armrest box lid. It fits like a glove.
- !!!TIPS: Before installation, please clean the compartment and keep dry (this is important), tear off the tapes on the hidden box, put it into the compartment, and press on the left and right sides for 20 seconds (This will make the storage box stick more firmly)
- HIGH QUALITY: Made of high-quality ABS plastic material with a matte finish, durable and non-deforming.
- EXTRA SPACE: Creates a hidden storage space for keeping your items safe, you can store some small important items, such as bank cards, keys, cash, wallets, etc.
Choose turbo power for acceleration and the higher tow rating
The 281-hp turbo adds substantially more torque and is standard on Night, XRT, and Limited. Edmunds’ 6.5-second 0–60-mph result applies to its tested turbo vehicle, not every Santa Cruz. The turbo also brings the model’s higher maximum towing rating, but the rating requires trailer brakes and is not a blanket allowance for every load.
How much can a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz tow?
Hyundai’s 2024 brochure lists maximum towing ratings of 3,500 lb for the standard engine and 5,000 lb for turbo models when equipped with trailer brakes. Do not treat 5,000 lb as the rating for every trim or assume that a vehicle’s maximum rating makes every trailer or loading arrangement appropriate. The safe limit for a specific trip depends on the vehicle’s configuration and loading as well as the trailer; the brochure does not establish one universal payload figure for all versions.
Rank #3
- Compatible for Hyundai Santa Cruz 2022-2026 Windshield Sun Shade: Precisely designed windshield sunshade fit for Hyundai Santa Cruz - 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 to provide full windshield coverage with 100% light blocker.
- Maximum Heat & UV Blocking Windshield Sunshade: Reflective windshield sun shade with a 4-layer cover blocks 99.89% of UVA & 99.95% of UVB and offers SPF 100 & UPF 80+ protection, reducing harmful UV rays and extreme heat, keeping the car’s interior cooler while protecting the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel.
- Premium Insulated Sunshade Material: High-density 280T front windshield sunshade with multi-layer reflective insulation effectively deflects sunlight and reduces interior heat buildup during hot summer days.
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The Ford Maverick is another compact-pickup option. Autoblog describes it as rated for up to 4,000 lb, compared with the Santa Cruz’s 5,000-lb turbo maximum. Because equipment and configuration affect what each vehicle can tow, verify the exact model-year specifications and options before making a head-to-head decision. Hyundai’s 2024 brochure and Autoblog’s 2024 review are the sources for these published ratings.
How big is the Santa Cruz bed?
The bed is about four feet long in normal use. Hyundai’s brochure gives an upper length of 48.4 inches and a lower length of 52.1 inches; opening the tailgate extends the listed length to 74.8 inches. Maximum width is 53.9 inches, width between the wheelhouses is 42.7 inches, and depth is 19.2 inches.
Rank #4
- Upgraded Design: It is custom-designed to fit inner of armrest, more fit, Provides a convenient hole through the back of the organizer where you can route your cord for a phone charger cable.
- Santa Cruz: Fits for 2022-2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz (NOT fit for Santa Cruz Limited/XRT).
- Extra Space: Adds an extra layer of storage, you can hold some smaller items on top, and there is also space underneath it to put larger things that you don’t need very often.
- High Quality: This center console tray is made of high-quality ABS plastic material with a matte finish and non-slip rubber pads which keep things from sliding around and rattling inside.
- Good Service: If you have any questions about the product, please let us know and we will respond to you in time and try our best to solve it.
| Bed measurement | 2024 Santa Cruz |
|---|---|
| Length, upper | 48.4 in |
| Length, lower | 52.1 in |
| Length, tailgate open | 74.8 in |
| Maximum width | 53.9 in |
| Width between wheelhouses | 42.7 in |
| Depth | 19.2 in |
Those dimensions explain the bed’s central limitation: it works for smaller cargo and can accommodate longer items with the tailgate open, but it is not a substitute for a longer pickup bed. The brochure also lists a composite bed, heavy-duty D-rings, sidewall storage, and under-bed storage. The SEL Activity Package includes an integrated lockable tonneau cover; that does not mean every trim includes one. Check package and fitment details when shopping for a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz tonneau cover. The Hyundai brochure contains the dimensions and equipment details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changed for 2024?
The XRT replaced the SEL Premium in the U.S. lineup. Autoblog also reports that LED headlights and steering-wheel haptic safety alerts became standard, dual-zone climate control was added to SEL, and XRT gained adaptive cruise control and pedestrian/cyclist detection. Equipment is trim- and package-dependent, so confirm the feature list for the specific vehicle rather than assuming every 2024 Santa Cruz has every update. Autoblog’s 2024 review covers these changes.
Best Value
- The car windshield sun shade is designed specifically for 2022-2026 2027 Santa Cruz models (OEM Design) and not available on other models. Please double-check the model to ensure there are no errors.
- Enjoy powerful sun protection and heat blocking with this innovative car windshield sunshade! It reflects and blocks 99% of harmful UV rays. Its heat insulation capabilities are 60 times more effective than traditional sun visors! Transform your driving space into a cool and comfortable haven!
- The car windshield sunshade incorporates a "memory steel ring," enabling flexible twisting and folding. When you need to store it, simply fold it, twist it into an "8" shape using the steel ring, and tuck it into the accompanying storage bag, which convenient storage and storage.
- Made from high-quality 240T reflective polyester, this windshield sunshade efficiently blocks both heat and sunlight, helping keep the inside of your vehicle cool. Its upgraded aluminum alloy memory frame enhances flexibility, making it easy to settle into the windshield while also facilitating simple folding and retraction.
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Santa Cruz vs. Ford Maverick: which is better for you?
Neither compact pickup is the right choice for every buyer. The decision turns on how often you use the bed, whether fuel economy or towing matters more, and whether you prefer a crossover-like cabin and ride or a more truck-like feel.
| What matters most | Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Bed utility | Short bed with built-in storage features and a tailgate-open length of 74.8 in, per Hyundai’s 2024 brochure. | Autoblog describes its bed as marginally larger. |
| Fuel economy | Hyundai’s brochure lists 22/26/23 mpg for standard-engine FWD, 21/25/23 for standard-engine AWD, and 19/27/22 for turbo AWD. | Autoblog identifies the hybrid as a major efficiency advantage; compare matching configurations rather than one vehicle’s best case with the other’s typical version. |
| Maximum towing | Up to 5,000 lb for turbo models with trailer brakes, per Hyundai’s 2024 brochure. | Autoblog describes a maximum of up to 4,000 lb; verify the exact model year and options. |
| Ride and cabin character | More crossover-like road manners and a premium-feeling cabin, in Autoblog’s comparison. | More conventional and truck-like character, in Autoblog’s comparison. |
For commuting, a more polished-feeling cabin, or the Santa Cruz’s higher turbo towing ceiling, the Hyundai may fit better. For a larger bed or the Maverick hybrid’s efficiency advantage, the Ford deserves a close look. If your regular work calls for a longer bed, greater hauling capacity, or serious off-road hardware, move up to midsize pickups; Edmunds points to the Toyota Tacoma as offering greater towing and hauling capability and a stronger off-road focus. Autoblog and Edmunds discuss those trade-offs.
Is the 2024 Santa Cruz right for you?
- Consider it if you want an easygoing daily driver with a small, useful cargo bed for occasional hauling.
- Look at turbo trims if stronger acceleration or the 5,000-lb maximum tow rating with trailer brakes is important.
- Compare the Maverick if bed space or hybrid fuel economy is a priority.
- Shop midsize pickups if your routine involves larger cargo, regular towing near a compact pickup’s limits, or unpaved terrain beyond graded roads.
Car and Driver lists forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The reviewed material does not establish a model-year-specific crash-test score, so check NHTSA or IIHS records for the exact model year and configuration before relying on a rating. Car and Driver’s safety-equipment listing identifies those driver aids.
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