Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz, which first appeared in 2022, is Hyundai’s first and only pickup – though the automaker eschews that term, instead referring to it as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle.” Whatever you call it, one thing’s clear: there’s not much else like it.

Though based on a crossover, the Santa Cruz holds its own when it comes to trucking duties. Its bed, while on the small side, is highly configurable, making the Hyundai equally capable of hauling sheets of plywood to a construction site or iced beverages to a tailgate party.

While the 191-horsepower base engine is perfectly adequate, the turbocharged version, which comes only on the top two trims (SEL Premium and Limited), is a worthy upgrade. It boosts output to a robust 281 horses and increases towing capacity from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, the highest in this class. Opting for the turbo engine automatically gets you all-wheel drive, which otherwise is available as an option.

Like most Hyundais, the Santa Cruz boasts a feature-rich cabin. Even in base trim, it includes an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as well as forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims unlock additional luxuries, such as heated seats, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Bose sound system, as well as helpful driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera.