Hyundai Santa Cruz 2020

Fortune would not necessarily favor the daring in the compact crossover section — the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4 are perennial best-sellers thanks partly to their all-around competencies and history of reliability. Still, automakers strive to make their small SUVs distinct. The Hyundai Santa Cruz 2020 stands out by bringing high-end luxurious features and a few distinctive engines to this typically price-conscious class.

Redesigned simply final yr, the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2020 is one of the newer entries in this segment. As such, all the latest safety options can be found, from a surround-view parking digicam to ahead collision warning system that can establish pedestrians. Not like some opponents, most of those features can only be ordered on the highest trim stage, however not less than you can get them. Also out there are a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view parking digital camera and ventilated front seats — rare options on this class.

We additionally like that the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2020 provides two different powertrains for those who aren’t glad with the bottom turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. At one finish of the spectrum is a fuel-efficient diesel that achieves 32 mpg in mixed driving (the usual engine earns 28 mpg); at the different, a turbocharged 2.0-liter with an additional 80 horsepower. Be careful, however: Once you begin checking the options packing containers, the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2020 will be considerably dearer than rival crossovers. An engine stop-start system that can’t be disabled and disappointing materials quality additionally would possibly give prospective buyers pause.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz 2020 is a five-passenger compact crossover that costs a bit more than most rivals. It’s sold in four trims: L, LS, LT and Premier. The bottom L model seems like a terrific deal until you notice that it is a custom-order mannequin and you’ll have to attend for it to be built. You may discover the LS at practically any seller, but it surely’s more expensive and would not add much. Best to skip straight to the LT, which is only a bit costlier and includes extra options and entry to further choices. If you’d like the LT and its two packages, the leather-trimmed Premier contains it all.

Three engines are provided on the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2020. The usual engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 203 pound-feet of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. A more highly effective turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (252 hp, 260 lb-ft) is optional and comes normal with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Additionally elective is a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter diesel (137 hp, 240 lb-ft) mated to a six-speed computerized. Both of these engines will be ordered on LT and Premier trim ranges.