While we don’t have anything new to report since our last encounter with the Santa Cruz the other day, our spies have snapped another set of photos of Hyundai’s prototype undergoing cold weather testing. You can check the new images below. [Updated 2/5/2020]
The upcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup has been spied testing for the very first time near the Arctic Circle, having previously been snapped out-and-about in Korea on a handful of occasions.
This Santa Cruz prototype looks much the same as others and is bathed in camouflage and thick cladding to hide its design. The most obvious difference between this prototype and the original Santa Cruz Concept is the crew cab design replacing the extended cab setup.
It is understood that much of the pickup’s design will echo the concept although it appears as though it will receive a dual headlight design more akin to other existing Hyundai models.
Related: 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Spotted In Four-Door Crew Cab Configuration
The Hyundai Santa Cruz concept study from the 2015 Detroit show
As for the rear, it is totally covered in camouflage and it’s hard to pinpoint any noteworthy design features. That being said, the sloping C-pillars from the concept are visible.
Hyundai has previously confirmed that the Santa Cruz will be produced at the firm’s plant in Montgomery, Alabama starting in 2021, leading some to speculate that it could be based on the Santa Fe.
If this proves to be the case, Hyundai will likely sell the Santa Cruz will two four-cylinder engines. The entry-level one would be a 2.4-liter unit delivering 185 hp and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque while there could also be a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 235 hp and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque.
Hyundai says the Santa Cruz will be aimed at Millennials who “want all the traditional attributes of a compact utility vehicle, but need the day-to-day versatility of an open bed.”
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