Hyundai's first US pickup expected to look like its 2015 Santa Cruz concept
Struggling Hyundai needs more crossover utilities stat, and a new small pickup could be just what the sales doctor ordered.
Hyundai's Santa Cruz concept was one of the stars of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
Smaller than even today's midsize pickups, a production Santa Fe is likely to be cheaper and more nimble, although less capable.
Based on a unibody architecture, Santa Cruz concept was powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine and had all-wheel drive. A US production model will likely powered by a gas engine, possibly with some level of electrification optionally.
Don't expect to haul yards of dirt back here, this is a light-duty truck for lifestyle accessories like bikes and gardening supplies.
The Santa Cruz concept explicitly targeted young, active-lifestyle shoppers -- especially females.
Hyundai's six-sided corporate grille will likely make the transition to production.
Don't expect tires like this on a production model.
A built-in tonneau cover offers covered storage. Will the production model get this neat touch?
Flying-buttress like rear pillars could make it to production.
A novel bed extender helps accommodate larger payloads.
Click or swipe through for more views of the Hyundai Santa Cruz concept.