Hyundai Santa Cruz hits podium as a pickup SUV truck crossover

The Hyundai pickup, which the company first revealed six years ago, is finally in production and should be available to order in North America in late April.

The Korean automaker has its own strong opinion on the use of the words ‘pickup’ and ‘truck’ with relation to the Santa Cruz, though. The company’s PR department claims it actually combines traits of a truck, a crossover utility vehicle and a serious off-roader, which puts it into a brand-new market segment.

The factory in Alabama will be producing two versions of the car, both based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The entry spec will get 190 PS (187 hp / 140 kW) and 244 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque, while the top spec will take advantage of a boost to 275 PS (271 hp / 202 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). Both will ship with a choice between eight-speed A/T and eight-range DCT. Permanent AWD with a Sports Mode is there by default.

Design-wise, the car resembles the Tucson on the outside and inside. Notable features include a digital dashboard, a 10-inch multimedia screen, a Bose audio system, and a large luggage compartment hidden underneath the rear sofa.