The development of the Hyundai Santa Cruz light pickup truck has entered the final stage: its prototypes have begun to be tested on the surface of a frozen lake in Finland. The presentation of the car and the launch of its production will take place in 2021.
While the prototype is well camouflaged, the design is hard to see. But we can already conclude that the shape of the side glazing resembles the concept of the same name, presented back in 2015. You can also notice a large grille and low-mounted headlights, hinting at the use of "two-story" optics, in which daytime running lights will be located on top.
Unlike the 2015 Santa Cruz, the production model will get full rear doors, not shortened ones (they opened in the opposite direction on the concept).
The main market for new items will be North America. At the same time, Santa Cruz, unlike the pickup trucks popular in the USA, does not have a spar frame, the supporting structure is the body, like in cars. Based on the latest generation Tucson crossover. Given that without a frame, the load capacity will not be impressive, Santa Cruz will be positioned as a machine for an active family, and not a "workhorse" for American workers.
It is not yet known what engine range will be offered for the pickup truck. The appearance of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine is not ruled out.
Hyundai Santa Cruz's main competitors in the US will be the recently updated Honda Ridgeline and the forthcoming Ford Maverick.
Hyundai begins testing pickup truck Santa Cruz on a frozen lake
