2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

Hyundai is on the frontline of innovation in the automotive industry. They're bringing in new SUVs and new EVs and even working to breathe new life into their two well-established, time-honored sedans: The Elantra and the Sonata. And now, Hyundai is showing, once again, why they are the epitome of automotive recasting with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT. This crossover/pickup is changing people's perception of SUVs and trucks.

It takes the front design of a Tucson crossover and adds a bed to give it a truck appearance with the practicality of an SUV. While it may not be referred to as a "pickup" by Hyundai, it sports all the characteristics required to earn that designation. But with that said, you're probably wondering if the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is the right choice for you. Keep reading to find out.

What's New for 2024?

The Santa Cruz XRT combines the plush features of the previous model with sturdy equipment. A lot has been changed and reimagined for the 2024 model year. Case in point: You will find black faux leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and numerous safety features, such as bed rails, side steps, adaptive cruise control, and more.

But that's only scratching the surface. The XRT delivers exceptional value in every category-inside and out. However, the biggest shift for model year 2024 is that the XRT serves as a replacement for the SEL Premium trim.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior is cozy and high-end. It offers door panels that sport gloss black and hard black plastic. Moreover, the comfort is enhanced with 3 stages of heated seats and a standard-size sunroof for sunlight and airflow. Additionally, the backseats also offer comfort with soft-touch materials coupled with ample storage space. Other interior attributes include the following:

Leather-wrapped steering wheel
10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
Manual-sliding rear glass window
Rear integrated cargo net

Don't let the "compact" namesake fool you; the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is anything but compact. Its spacious interior extends from the driver and passenger seats to the back and cargo area. Case in point: The cargo area has a length of 48.4 inches and a width of 53.9 inches.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Exterior

The Santa Cruz XRT is equipped with new LED lighting that seamlessly blends into the grille design. As a result, it sports a very clean and modern appearance that gives it a unique personality. Another aspect of the exterior that may surprise you is the distinct body line designs that add depth and character to the XRT's constitution. A few other exterior elements include:

Dark chrome finish front grille
Machined aluminum finish 18-inch wheels
Flat-black mirror caps
XRT running boards
Great color options

Everything from the fender treatment to the aggressively styled wheels gives the XRT a powerful presence. Moreover, the exterior boasts running steps on the side profiles and backsteps on the rear end.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4 that generates 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, the XRT has an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that helps it jump from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds with a top speed of 133 mph. The XRT provides a very smooth and comfortable driving experience.

Its spacious design adds comfort, while the quiet cabin provides peace while on the road. Also, its punchy acceleration gives the XRT a fun, high-octane ride quality. As a result, you and your passengers will have an enjoyable driving experience in the XRT.

Santa Cruz Towing and Payload Capacity

Trucks are designed with strength and power in mind. So, how does the XRT measure up in this essential pickup truck category? It retains a maximum towing capacity of 5000 lbs and a payload capacity of 1411 lbs. While it's by no means a super hauler, the XRT holds its own when it comes to its towing and payload capabilities. For this reason, you can feel confident about its power to get the job done.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Regardless of the vehicle you choose, there is one attribute you want it to have in spades: Robust safety. For this reason, Hyundai has been at the forefront of safety best practices in the auto industry for decades. And this commitment to passenger safety carries over into the design of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT. Some of its safety and driver-assistance features include the following:

Forward Collision Warning: This system scans the road ahead of you as you drive. It then alerts you if it senses that you're about to collide with a stopped or slow-moving vehicle. Some attributes can scan for and sense other objects; however, review your owner's manual to ensure you understand the capabilities of this system.

Automated Emergency Braking: Automatic emergency braking consists of sensors that can detect possible collisions with other vehicles ahead of you. It can then offer a collision notification warning and automatically brake on your behalf to help avoid an accident or reduce the severity of a collision if it does occur.

Blind Spot Monitoring: Blind spot monitoring is a system of sensors that monitor other vehicles that may be located to the side or rear of your vehicle (aka, your blind spots). Alerts can be auditory, visual, or even tactile. The system helps to keep you aware of vehicles that are hidden in your blind spots and away from plain sight.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When fully equipped and activated, this feature alerts you if it detects left or right cross traffic behind your vehicle while in Reverse. Moreover, It's incredibly useful when you're reversing from parking spaces with a compromised view.

Driver Attention Warning: Driver Attention Monitor monitors and examines your driving patterns to assess whether or not you're beginning to become inattentive. It will then suggest having a break if it concludes drowsiness is starting to set in.

Hyundai SmartSense

Hyundai SmartSense is a suite of safety features and driver-assistance attributes. Its network of advanced technology includes cameras, sensors, and top-of-the-line software that aids in keeping you and other motorists safe. Some of the safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Downhill Brake Control, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, and much more.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT keeps you well-connected with its array of high-end technology. You can listen to your favorite music and podcasts, stay up to date with news and traffic, and keep your passengers entertained while on the go. A few of the XRT's infotainment and connectivity features include:

Integrated 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
Reverse backup camera
Dual-climate controls
Wireless smartphone charging pad

You don't have to compromise with the XRT. Everything from its style, capability, and even technology all contribute to a quality driving experience. For this reason, the XRT has all the bells and whistles for comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

Fuel Economy and MPG

With the auto world quickly moving toward eco-friendly solutions to fight climate change, fuel economy is important to consider. But how does the XRT fare in this increasingly important category? The 2024 Santa Cruz has mpg ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While these figures may not be earth-shattering, they are commendable nonetheless.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Pricing

If you're looking for a truck that offers an affordable MSRP, consider the XRT. With all its features, attributes, and amenities, it comes to a modest price of only $41,495. An absolute bargain when you consider all that it has to offer. A favorable price for a deliverance of value-the XRT has it all.

SE vs. SEL vs. Night vs. XRT vs. Limited

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 5 trims for this generation. The trim you choose will be based on your needs, preferences, and budget. The base model is the SE; it boasts plenty of high-end features and technology despite its entry-level status-the SE costs $28,295. Next is the SEL. At this grade level, it includes numerous upgrades and a more refined interior. As a result of the additive features, the SEL comes to a price of $31,045.

The Night trim is the third within the 2024 Santa Cruz lineup. It offers a dark chrome grille, galvanized steel panels, and a host of intelligent technology for comfort and convenience-it's priced at $38,855. The XRT is the next trim, followed by the pinnacle, Limited trim. It boasts top-of-the-line technology, safety, comfort, etc., and comes with a price of $42,715.