[Colin]

Hyundai has taken a very strange tactic with regards to the Santa Cruz production announcement. We have known for a while that the Santa Cruz is almost assuredly going to make it to production. We have been waiting for Hyundai's Korean HQ to make the whole thing official, and it seems that Hyundai USA CEO Dave Zuchowski has been waiting as well.

"What's the easiest way to say that? We're waiting more for an announcement than we are for an approval, right? HMC [Hyundai Korea head office] is going to dictate [when that happens, but] we feel really good about it. It hasn't been officially announced yet. Our timing is not crossing our fingers and waiting for approval, it's trying to figure out when we're going to announce it."

So this is more of an announcement that Hyundai will soon make an announcement confirming the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz will likely come in just one configuration. It will have four doors, be an SUV-based pickup with an extendable bed and seat five people. It should be able to tow no more than 2,500 lbs.

It is going after the same audience as the recently revealed Honda Ridgeline, but the two trucks won't compete directly because the Santa Cruz will be both smaller and cheaper than the Ridgeline.

Hyundai Santa Cruz US Production

 

[Santa]

It's fine that it only comes in one configuration. Could mean that the Santa Cruz is going to be an affordable truck. As long as I can choose the color, I'm happy.

 

[Colin]

One configuration should mean that its cheaper and quicker to go from order to delivery. I have no complaints about that.

 

[Santana]

Cheaper in the sense that it's more value packed, for sure. Having good value should hopefully add to the perks of owning one, on top of the fact its a unique offering for now.