Hyundai Motor is getting into the U.S. pickup market with the Santa Cruz, a small SUV-like automobile that is scheduled to go on sale this summer time.

Hyundai is asking the 2022 Santa Cruz a “Sport Journey Car.” It has many traits of a compact SUV or crossover, however the mattress of a pickup truck. That sort of auto fashion has come and gone a number of occasions all through the American auto business. Most notably, the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino beginning within the Nineteen Fifties and Sixties, and, extra not too long ago, the Subaru Baja from the 2000s.

The Santa Cruz is anticipated to lure automobile or crossover patrons greater than those that have owned a bigger, extra conventional pickup, in accordance with business analysts. They are saying particularly patrons from outdoor-oriented manufacturers corresponding to Jeep and Subaru.

“I feel it may do rather well,” mentioned Brian Moody, govt editor at Autotrader. “It feels just like the analysis from automakers is indicating that individuals are wanting an increasing number of kinds of automobiles that may take you off-road.”

Hyundai mentioned pricing for the Santa Cruz will likely be introduced nearer to its arrival in supplier showrooms in the summertime. Moody mentioned pricing of the automobile goes to be necessary as a result of it must cheaper than the beginning worth of a midsize pickup corresponding to a Toyota Tacoma, which begins at about $27,000.

The Santa Cruz shares design components, together with the entrance grille and headlights, of the not too long ago redesigned Hyundai Tucson SUV. It is also produced on the identical automobile platform, or base, of the SUV.

The within of the automobile consists of an eight- or 10-inch heart infotainment contact display screen in addition to an elective 10-inch digital driver cluster display screen as an alternative of conventional bodily gauges. It additionally provides a set of security and comfort options which have turn into commonplace for brand spanking new automobiles.

“Santa Cruz, with its daring styling, breaks open all new section territory, each for Hyundai and the business as a complete,” Jose Munoz, Hyundai Motor North America CEO, mentioned in a press release.

Smaller automobiles with pickup beds have not usually fared too effectively within the U.S., where large full-size pickups have been the bestselling automobiles for many years. Most not too long ago, the Subaru Baja was solely offered for about 4 years earlier than being discontinued. Even bigger fashions corresponding to a model of the Ford Explorer SUV referred to as the “Sport Trac” solely lasted a decade.

“It is undoubtedly a little bit of of venture and since this section has been tried through the years and I do not suppose anybody actually achieved a lot success,” Jessica Caldwell, govt director of insights at Edmunds.com, mentioned. “However I do suppose that it is undoubtedly in all probability one of the best time to strive contemplating how sizzling vans at the moment are.”

Caldwell mentioned such automobiles are “fairly sensible and helpful” but in addition “quirky” and a distinct segment section within the U.S. auto business.

The Santa Cruz will likely be assembled by a course of the auto business calls “unibody” development. The method, which is how automobiles are produced, is the place the body/physique of the automobile are one. That compares to “body-on-frame” development for many pickups and a few vans and SUVs, which mixes the physique and body of the automobiles towards the top of manufacturing.

Essentially the most notable unibody pickup at present available on the market is the Honda Ridgeline. Such development usually permits for a smoother trip, nevertheless much less functionality than vans such because the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado which might be physique on body. The Jeep Gladiator, a Wrangler SUV-based midsize pickup, is also physique on body.

The Santa Cruz will come commonplace with a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine with an estimated 190 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds of torque. A extra highly effective 2.5-liter direct-injected turbocharged engine with an estimated 275 horsepower and 310 foot-pounds of torque additionally is accessible. Each are paired to an eight-speed computerized transmission.

The Santa Cruz will likely be produced at Hyundai’s plant in Montgomery, Alabama, alongside a number of different Hyundai fashions, together with its bestselling Tucson SUV.