A recent report from Reuters suggests that the Hyundai management approved the design and development of a small crossover pickup truck for the United States market. A “mini pickup” that is very similar to the Santa Cruz concept vehicle the company showed at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.
This decision comes at a time when Hyundai is shifting its total production from sedan in favor of more small and midsize SUVs and crossovers.
This small pickup is said to be build on the Hyundai Tucson platform, making it smaller than any midsize pickup truck on the market today. Hyundai is targeting an urban and younger customer with the compact crossover pickup vehicle. Still, many details are still undefined. Some other report put this truck as a 2019 model year vehicle that will be available near the end of calendar 2018. However, Hyundai has not yet finalized or announced the manufacturing facility that will produce the little pickup.
The Santa Cruz had some unique features, such as an expanding bed that slid out like a drawer, and rope tie-down points in the wheel wells.
Is there room in the market for a truly compact crossover pickup? Should Hyundai hurry up and build it? There are some estimates that put the starting price of such a pickup around $25,000, although actual pricing or for sale date have not been announced.
Watch the entire Hyundai Santa Cruz debut here!
