The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT replaces the SEL Premium model.
Hyundai’s small truck is still fairly fresh, so don’t expect any huge changes rolling into the 2024 model year. What the brand is doing, however, is expanding its adventure, lifestyle-focused “XRT” brand — signifying a more rugged look, if not added capability — to the Santa Cruz. Right now, Hyundai already sells an XRT version of the Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade crossovers.
At its core, the Santa Cruz XRT replaces the SEL Premium model with the Activity Package, and adds some extras. Wider wheel arch flares are part of the package, as are black mirror caps, orange center caps on the wheels, dark chrome trim, black H-Tex seats and special badging. You also get the added lower door “garnish” (cladding), as well as darkened front and rear fascias and tailgate handle trim.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT gets no added performance upgrades over the existing models. Since it’s based on the SEL Premium, you still get a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine putting out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That power still makes its way to all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and Hyundai’s H-TRAC all-wheel drive system.
Hyundai is pricing the XRT at $41,185 including destination. For reference, the base Santa Cruz starts off at $27,985 and the top-end Limited tops out the range at $42,405.
Other updates for the entire 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz range include standard bi-LED projector headlights. All models also get haptic feedback through the steering wheel as part of the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist systems. SEL and higher models now get dual-zone climate control as well as the 10.25-inch infotainment screen, if you spec the Activity Package. The Santa Cruz Night trim, introduced last year, features black H-Tex seats like the XRT.
All body colors available for the 2023 Santa Cruz lineup carry over to 2024, though the automaker did not mention any new colors rotating in this year.
