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Digital makeover turns Santa Cruz pickup into a practical crossover
A striking new digital render has reimagined the Hyundai Santa Cruz not as a compact unibody pickup but as a rugged crossover SUV — and it may reveal a practical product idea Hyundai hasn't fully explored. Created by Nikita Chuicko (aka kelsonik), the CGI concept transforms the Santa Cruz into a more cargo-friendly, adventure-ready counterpart to the Tucson.
Why this matters: market context and sales reality
Unibody pickups remain a niche but growing segment in North America. The Ford Maverick continues to dominate sales, with Ford reporting almost 35,000 units sold in Q3 and about 121,000 through the first nine months of the year — a 10.9% increase over last year. By contrast, Hyundai's Santa Cruz managed just 6,412 deliveries in Q3 and around 20,633 year-to-date, trailing even the larger Honda Ridgeline (37,385 units YTD).
That contrast helps explain why digital concepts like kelsonik's spark conversation: is there untapped demand for a more SUV-like Santa Cruz that blends utility with crossover comfort?
What the CGI Santa Cruz crossover changes
The artist kept Hyundai’s recognizable front-end language but redesigned the rear to expand cargo capacity and give the vehicle a tougher, more adventurous silhouette. Key visual and functional changes include:
- A fully enclosed cargo area instead of an open bed, increasing luggage room and weather protection.
- A rugged rear bumper with built-in steps for easier access to roof racks or roof-top tents.
- Redesigned taillights linked by a modern light bar for a wider, unified look.
- Larger aftermarket Y-spoke concave wheels and red brake calipers for a sportier stance.
These mods make the concept feel like an on- and off-road capable compact crossover rather than a city-centric trucklet.
Design, performance and the hybrid question
One of the Santa Cruz’s most common criticisms is the absence of a hybrid powertrain — a feature many buyers now expect in crossover and compact pickup segments. While kelsonik’s render is visual rather than technical, a production Santa Cruz-based crossover could plausibly borrow hybrid or turbocharged powertrains from the Tucson lineup, improving fuel economy and broadening appeal.
From a design standpoint, the proposed change puts Hyundai in a position to offer two distinct compact crossovers: the city-styled Tucson and a more outdoors-focused Santa Cruz SUV. This could complement Hyundai’s larger SUVs like the boxier Santa Fe and the flagship Palisade without cannibalizing them.
How it stacks up against rivals
Compared with the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline, a Santa Cruz crossover would target buyers wanting more cargo protection and a true SUV profile while retaining unibody ride comfort. Offering hybrid options, roof-rack-friendly hardware, and a slightly rugged aesthetic could help Hyundai carve out a unique niche.
Highlights:
- Could increase Santa Cruz sales by appealing to crossover buyers.
- Hybrid powertrain would address a major shortcoming.
- Rugged design cues would broaden brand appeal among outdoor enthusiasts.
Final thoughts
Kelsonik’s render is a reminder that sometimes a simple change in body style can shift a vehicle’s perceived purpose. Whether Hyundai will ever produce a Santa Cruz-based crossover remains open, but the idea strategically fits current trends: customers want versatile, efficient compact SUVs that can double as weekend companions. Would you prefer a Santa Cruz with an enclosed rear and hybrid power? Share your thoughts — this digital concept is already doing its job by starting the conversation.
Source: autoevolution
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