Image: Hyundai
Image: Hyundai
New ModelsBy: Siyavuya Mbaduli
Hyundai is shaking things up for the 2024 model year of the Santa Cruz by introducing a rugged new trim known as the XRT. Here’s what we know so far.
Image: Hyundai
This fresh addition will replace the SEL Premium grade and follows in the footsteps of the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson, which have already received the XRT treatment. The 2024 Santa Cruz XRT boasts several exterior enhancements that exude a rugged appeal. New fender flares, side steps, bed rails, and lower door garnishes have been added, complemented by exclusive orange wheel centre caps, black door handles, black mirror caps, and an XRT tailgate emblem. Dark chrome grille and tailgate handle trim, matte black “Santa Cruz” tailgate lettering and dark front and rear fascias round off the visual upgrade for this bakkie.
Positioned below the Santa Cruz Limited in the lineup, the new XRT trim builds on the SEL variant with the Activity Package. Inside the bakkie, you’ll find black H-Tex seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The new Santa Cruz will continue to offer the same colour options as its 2023 counterpart, with six choices available: Sage Grey, Phantom Black, Blue Stone, Atlas White, Hampton Grey, and California Sand. Standard features across all 2024 Santa Cruz models include LED projector headlights, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and for the SEL trim level and above, an auto defogger.
Image: Hyundai
Related: Hyundai SA believes Santa Cruz bakkie would work well in local market
Under the metal, the new model is powered by a turbocharged 2,5-litre four-cylinder engine. This potent powerplant is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. With 206 kW and 421 N.m, the bakkie is said to deliver an engaging driving experience.
As of now, pricing information for the 2024 Santa Cruz has yet to be released by Hyundai.
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Keyword: 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz debuts rugged new XRT trim