Hyundai Santa Cruz First Generation (2022-present)

Single generation since 2022, on the Hyundai NX4 platform shared with the Tucson SUV. Built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery — making it a US-built Korean truck, important for tariff considerations. Two engine choices: naturally aspirated 2.5L Smartstream I4 (191 hp / 181 lb-ft, 8-speed conventional automatic, FWD or HTRAC AWD with on-demand torque vectoring), and turbo 2.5L Smartstream I4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft, 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, HTRAC AWD only). 0-60 in ~6.5 sec on 2.5T. Bed length 52.1 inches — the shortest of any pickup sold in America (Maverick is 54.4 inches, Tacoma is 60+). Maximum payload 1,411 lb on 2.5T AWD. Towing 3,500 lb on 2.5L base, 5,000 lb on 2.5T AWD with tow package. Cabin: 8.0-inch (SE/SEL) or 10.25-inch dual-screen layout (SEL Premium / Limited). 2025 facelift: refreshed front fascia, revised tailgate styling, new 12.3-inch single-piece touchscreen replaces the dual-display setup, refreshed XRT off-road trim with all-terrain tires + bash plate. Trims: SE (work-trim base), SEL (volume), SEL Premium (mid), XRT (off-road styling — body cladding, all-terrain tires, hill descent control), Limited (top trim — leather, ventilated front seats, 360-camera, head-up display). Distinctive features: integrated tonneau cover standard on Limited, in-bed lockable storage trunk under the bed floor, dent-resistant composite bed liner standard. The 8-speed DCT on 2.5T has been the main reliability concern — early-build cars (2022) had multiple TSBs for shifting issues, mechatronic faults, and overheating in slow traffic. 2023+ builds significantly improved.