Could Hyundai USA’s Santa Cruz Ute Come Down Under?


Hyundai USA disclosed price and details for their Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle. This should have HiLux shaking in its boots.

SUV, Truck and Crossover segments are absolutely stuffed with offerings. Santa Cruz looks dead sexy, with a range of front wheel, and All Wheel Drive options. There isn’t a full 4WD Ute so Hilux and the like, do have an advantage.

The big rear tray and top notch connectivity are wrapped in a gorgeous skin on an all-wheel drive platform.

The Santa Cruz made in Montgomery, Alabama and goes on sale in the US in late July.

Above: This Week 2021 Mazda 6 GT SP Wagon REVIEWS

Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel 

ABOVE: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz to be sold in LHD Markets Only

 

2022 Santa Cruz Pricing

ModelEngineTransmissionDrivetrainMSRP
SE2.5L 4-cyl.8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®FWD$23,990
SEL2.5L 4-cyl.8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®FWD$27,190
SEL Activity2.5L 4-cyl.8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®FWD$30,460
SE2.5L 4-cyl.8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®AWD$25,490
SEL2.5L 4-cyl.8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®AWD$28,690
SEL Activity2.5L 4-cyl.8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®AWD$31,960
SEL Premium2.5L Turbo 4-cyl.8-speed DCT with SHIFTRONIC®AWD$35,680
Limited2.5L Turbo 4-cyl.8-speed DCT with SHIFTRONIC®AWD$39,720

Freight Charges for the 2022MY Santa Cruz are $1,185.

Hyundai Australia has been cagey over the years as to whether or not Santa Cruz will come dowm under. Hyundai has confirmed the Santa Cruz is only LHD so will not be seen on Australian shores unless it is on a movie set.

Equipment

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • LED taillamps and cargo area lighting
  • Integrated rear bumper side steps
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Body-colored side mirrors
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®
  • Molded composite bed (vs. steel bed)
  • Lockable underfloor bed storage
  • Power-locking tailgate
  • Remote open tailgate via fob
  • Rear 60:40 flip-up lower cushions (vs. one-piece)
  • Rear occupant alert
  • Driver attention warning
  • Lane keeping/lane following assist
  • Intelligent speed limit warning
  • Leading vehicle departure alert

Why Santa Cruz? Santa Cruz defines a newish segemtn called the “Sport Adventure Vehicle”. SUV buyers carry gear they’d rather not have inside, so an open tray with cover suits their needs. It has the advantages of a ute and the comfort of an SUV.

Hyundai Maintenance and Warranty.

Hyundai Assurance comes with Owner Assurance, now with complimentary maintenance, and Shopper Assurance, which Hyundai says offers a better experience to buy, then own. Details on these promises include:

  • America’s Best Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, 7-year anti-perforation warranty
  • Complimentary Maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles of normal oil changes and tire rotations
Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.


Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading