It passed over four years since Hyundai introduced a crossover-based pickup truck concept and still nothing. Rumors about the arrival of the production model have been spreading for years, but it seems that the automaker doesn’t want to hurry up with the deal, and we’ve found the reason for delaying. According to SangYup Lee, head of the Hyundai Global Design Center in Korea, the car manufacturer changed its design strategy. More precisely, Hyundai is determined to build more distinctive models. Keeping that in mind, they’ve decided to add more character to its future pickup truck, which will definitely see the light of day sometime next year as the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
There Will Be No The Concept’s Styling Cues At All
Their idea is to make the crossover pickup truck looking a lot more progressive. Basically, this means nothing to us. Moreover, we would not mind seeing the truck heavily influenced by the concept. As far as we’ve heard, they are not making the 2021 Santa Cruz to be competitive with the established models such as the GMC Canyon, Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma. Instead, they want to create a semi-segment where currently have just one rival – the awesome Honda Ridgeline.
Roomy Cabin And Short Telescoping Bed For The Truck
Taking that into account, we conclude that the production version has to lose the concept’s suicide doors. Instead of the outlandish feature, the unibody pickup truck will most probably host a four-door crew cab. Since it’s going to gain a compact footprint, the automaker will have to choose between a roomy cabin and a big bed. Of course, there will be no compromise with comfort, so we bet an extended-cab body style and a short bed that will probably have telescoping abilities. The 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz will not provide too impressive towing and hauling abilities. No, it won’t be even close to the aforementioned body-on-frame pickup trucks. On the other hand, it will provide far better on-road handling and better fuel efficiency.
Diesel And Gasoline Options, Front- And All-Wheel-Drive
Speaking of fuel consumption, when the concept made its debut, the automaker promised over 30 mpg-range thanks to its turbo-diesel 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 190 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Well, the engine will not be available when the production version of the pickup arrives, but some oil-burner option will definitely be among engine options. We bet on a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel four that pumps out 190 hp and 322 pound-feet. The carmaker will offer a gasoline model too, and this one will probably exploit a 235-hp 2.0-liter turbo. While the concept came fitted with standard all-wheel-drive, the entry-point 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck will use the front-wheel drive for sure, while AWD stays an option for higher trims.