A prototype of Hyundai’s first-ever truck, the 2022 Santa Cruz, was recently spotted in Michigan, according to a report published by online publication Roadshow.
The spy photos did not yield much information on the heavily camouflaged vehicle. But it can be gleaned that it features four regular-size doors contrary to what the concept unveiled in 2015 showed. It also confirms that the upcoming Santa Cruz will be a compact pickup and likely smaller than a Ford Ranger or Honda Ridgeline.
The Santa Cruz marks the Korean automaker’s first foray into the highly saturated pickup truck segment. It will be based on the next-generation Tucson crossover, which the company introduced to the public as the Vision T concept in 2019.
This Tucson SUV will have an angular styling and a distinctive front grille. From what’s seen in the Santa Cruz pickup, it appears it will adopt some aspects of the crossover’s styling. It also reportedly sports a blocky grille, a tiered headlight setup, a stylish side window, and some black cladding on the wheels.
The truck bed of the Santa Cruz prototype is completely covered in the photos, but it looks like the model will keep some elements from its original concept, particularly the slanted bodywork around the rear window.
Aside from these details, not a lot of information is available on the Santa Cruz. Hyundai has remained mum about the model, which is set to go into production next year. But experts are anticipating powertrain options that include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a standard for an all-wheel-drive setup.
The model originally had a diesel engine when it was introduced as a concept vehicle five years ago. But with Hyundai canceling the Santa Fe diesel before the model went on sale, it wouldn’t be surprising if it’s ditched on the Santa Cruz as well. A hybrid powertrain is possible, though, considering the Vision T concept used a plug-in setup.
Hyundai previously announced that the Santa Cruz will be built at the same Alabama facility that builds the Santa Fe, Sonata, and Elantra. It is presumed to fetch a starting price of $25,000 when it arrives as a 2022 model.
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