No longer a concept vehicle.

If there’s one model we’ve been highly anticipating from Hyundai, it’s their new pick-up truck – the Santa Cruz. It was first introduced as a concept way back in 2015. After six long years of development, the production model is finally here.

Unlike most pick-up trucks, the Santa Cruz is not your typical full-size model like the Ford F-150. Nor is it traditional pick-up at all like a Toyota Hilux. Instead, it’s Hyundai’s idea of a relatively compact, crossover-based truck. Think of it as a Honda Ridgeline, albeit much smaller.









Speaking of engines, there are two options available. Unfortunately, none of them are diesel. The standard model uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder mill connected to an 8-speed automatic with all-wheel drive as standard. For now, Hyundai only says this setup produces over 190 horsepower and 244 Nm torque with a towing capacity of up to 1,588kg. The other engine choice is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with around 275 horsepower and 420 Nm torque. Like the base engine, the boosted 2.5-liter comes with an 8-speed dual-clutch and comes with paddle-shifters.
Sadly no CRDI. this truck maybe exclusive to the North American market.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz won’t be built in South Korea, well, not yet, at least. Instead, it’s made at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) in Montgomery. With that, it’s unlikely that the Santa Cruz will arrive locally since Hyundai Philippines sources their models from South Korea. Still, that's not stopping us from being interested in it. Hyundai’s pick-up truck may be smaller, but it's an interesting alternative to the ladder-frame models in the market today.