We already talked about the Santa Cruz pickup truck last year, and internationally, the model itself generated a lot of hype. Understandably enough, this is because it is going to be Hyundai’s first pickup truck model.
Now in 2021, KDesign AG posted on behance.net, a 3D rendering of what the production version Santa Cruz might look like. And suffice to say, it bears nearly identical features to the spy shots of the “shell” that was spread around the internet a year ago, albeit with some slight differences.
The 3D rendered Hyundai Santa Cruz [Photo: KDesign AG]
Towards the front, what one would probably notice first is the huge chrome grille with a pattern that looks like cyclone wire. Below that, the lower bumper also gets a mesh and is accentuated by chrome pieces as well.
As we reported before, the Santa Cruz pickup truck will be based on the 2021 Hyundai Tucson. As such, several design cues from the aforementioned crossover are present on the Santa Cruz’s rendering, namely the design of the lights straddling the grille.
However, it lacks the signature grille-integrated daytime running lamps of the new Tucson.
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson for reference
Towards the sides, the rendering lacks the sharp lines found on the shell spy shot. However, the roofline looks the same. The same smooth transition from the passenger cabin to the bed is also reflected in the rendering.
Again, this is unlike the usual pickup truck design and is more similar to the sedan based utes (Holden VF Commodore Ute, HSV Maloo) that remain to be popular in Australia. Unlike those however, the Santa Cruz pickup truck will be coming with a five-door configuration and the ability to fit in five passengers.
The rear portion of the 3D rendered Hyundai Santa Cruz [Photo: KDesign AG]
For now, Hyundai has yet to confirm what engines the Santa Cruz will use. As per the news that it is based on the new Tucson however, we’re guessing that it might receive the same set of powerplants.
These include two inline-4s, a 1.6-liter hybrid, and a 2.0-liter for the base model. The most powerful of the bunch is of course the 1.6-liter hybrid which can make up to 230 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque.
What do you think of the rendering? Do you think that the final production will really look like this or will it stick close to the looks of the new Hyundai Tucson?
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