Santa Cruz Crossover: A Smooth and Capable Ride

The Hyundai Santa Cruz crossover has proven itself to be an excellent choice for commuters, offering a smooth and quiet ride that's perfect for navigating city streets or highway traffic. One of the key factors in its success is the robust platform, which provides comfort without sacrificing body control or handling.

In our drive loop, we put the Santa Cruz through its paces, testing its capabilities on winding roads and rough pavement. The result was a vehicle that felt stiff, sturdy, and up to the task at hand. While it may not be a hot hatch, the Santa Cruz drives with more authority than any other vehicle in its class, making it an excellent choice for those who need a capable and reliable ride.

One area where the Santa Cruz falls short is in terms of performance. While it's certainly competent, it doesn't quite live up to expectations, especially when compared to some of its sportier counterparts. However, this may be due in part to its mission as a commuter pickup, which prioritizes practicality over raw power.

The Santa Cruz comes equipped with an automated transmission that dispatches shifts well, but doesn't throw much emotional heat. This may be a drawback for those who crave more excitement behind the wheel, but it's a trade-off that makes sense given the vehicle's purpose.

In terms of towing and hauling capacity, the Santa Cruz is up to the task, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity and 660-pound bed rating. While these numbers may not be earth-shattering, they're more than sufficient for most pickup customers who need to haul small loads or tow compact travel trailers.

Overall, the Hyundai Santa Cruz crossover is an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort, capability, and practicality over raw power and excitement. With its smooth ride, stiff chassis, and capable performance, it's a vehicle that's well-suited to the demands of daily driving.

Santa cruz crossover