This week I had the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Ultimate at my disposal. Not quite a truck, not really a SUV, but a hybrid offering something a little different.
It has the look of a truck with a covered flatbread, however not the capacity and cargo hold of one. With the covering, it limited the amount you could haul. Whereas you would be able to fit an adult bicycle in a regular SUV, the back couldn’t even fit a pallet here. Traditionally and typically when you purchase a truck, you’re looking to haul larger and more awkward shaped items for utility, you loose that here and if feels like the shape is more an aesthetic.
On a similar vein, there is not enough room in the back row for legs, you can technically chauffeur three back there, two, if you want them to be comfortable. However, will have to sacrifice the legroom of the driver and the front seat passenger in order to do so. Otherwise the cabin is fairly spacious.
I am a stickler for seats and liked the stiff leather and firm cushions, I just could have used more lumbar support.
The Santa Cruz felt modern with a mix of plastic, fabric, and metal elements spread across the dash with visual interest. Plus its stylish infotainment screen that wrapped behind the steering wheel. It has easy to navigate touch screen functions, electronic seat adjustment; and the latest phone charging and connection technology with with wireless charging mat, and both USB and C cables ports.
There is some creative storage with a deep centre console compartment with removal bins for storing smalls. I like the little “pocket” in front of the front seat passenger. It looked like a little desk with textured mat and barriers that appeared to be designed to fit a phone comfortably, without it rocking or moving about.
As for the way the Hyundai Santa Cruz drove, it handles like an SUV, but more aerodynamic, with its smaller backside. On the flip side, this also made it challenging to park. Thankfully the truck is equipped with really good cameras with both a front and back view, to eliminate blind spots. The one overhead was especially necessary, considering there are no surrounding alarms to warn you of impending walls, columns, or other vehicles in your path.
The ride felt smooth, I barely noticed speed bumps as I glided over them, debris and uneven ground didn’t deter. The Santa Cruz felt sturdy on the ground, and I didn’t really have to worry about a longer tail whipping. There was also plenty of power to haul and and large enough tank to keep it going for longer with over 700km.
