If you’ve been searching for a vehicle that refuses to fit a single category, the new Hyundai Santa Cruz is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Combining the passenger comfort and fuel efficiency of a crossover SUV with the open bed utility of a compact pickup truck, the Santa Cruz delivers a genuinely versatile driving experience unlike anything else on the road. At Watson Family Hyundai in Tinley Park, Illinois, we carry a full lineup of Santa Cruz models to suit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re hauling gear for a weekend project in Orland Park, commuting daily from Mokena, or exploring trails near Joliet, the Santa Cruz is built to go wherever your life takes you. Schedule a test drive at our Tinley Park dealership and discover what makes the Santa Cruz such a remarkable machine.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz occupies a category all its own. Hyundai designed it from the ground up to be a sport adventure vehicle — not quite a traditional pickup truck, and far more capable than a standard crossover. The result is a crew-cab body style with seating for five adults, a spacious and functional open cargo bed, and a low, athletic stance that makes it feel agile on city streets and confident on the highway.
Two powertrain options give buyers the flexibility to choose the performance level that best fits their needs. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard on lower trims, with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive available as an upgrade. Upper trims step up to a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering a substantial 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard HTRAC AWD.
Towing capacity varies by configuration. The naturally aspirated FWD model can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD-equipped models with the turbocharged engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped — plenty of capacity for a boat, small camper, or utility trailer. The Santa Cruz also offers a maximum payload of 1,411 pounds, a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall bed storage compartments, and heavy-duty cargo D-rings — all standard across every trim. With a bed length of 52.1 inches, 19.2 inches of depth, and 27.0 cubic feet of total bed volume, this compact truck packs serious hauling versatility into a nimble footprint.
Safety is built in from the start. Every Santa Cruz comes with Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance technology including forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, and high beam assist — making it one of the most safety-equipped vehicles in its class. Hyundai also backs the Santa Cruz with America’s Best Warranty, including a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. You can learn more about that coverage on our America’s Best Warranty page.
The Santa Cruz is available in five distinct trim levels, each designed to match a different kind of driver. From the well-equipped base SE to the adventure-ready XRT and the fully loaded Limited, there’s a configuration for everyone.
The SE is the entry point into the Santa Cruz lineup, and it arrives with more equipment than you might expect. Standard features include projector bi-LED headlights with automatic activation, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a proximity key with push-button start, remote start, 18-inch alloy wheels, the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite, rear view monitor with parking guidance, and a full suite of active safety technologies including blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic avoidance. The SE is the ideal starting point for buyers who want maximum value without sacrificing technology or safety. It’s the right pick for drivers in Frankfort or New Lenox who want an efficient, capable commuter that can handle weekend hauling duties without a premium price.
The SEL builds meaningfully on the SE with comfort-focused upgrades that make a real difference on longer drives. It adds heated front seats, dual automatic temperature controls with auto defogger and multi-air mode capacitive touch HVAC controls, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, H-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, heated and power-folding side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, illuminated sun visors, roof side rails, and power windows with front auto-down and auto-up. Drivers who spend time commuting from Homer Glen or Bolingbrook will appreciate the added comfort, and the SEL’s smoother daily-driving experience makes it one of the most popular configurations we see at Watson Family Hyundai.
The SEL Activity is purpose-built for buyers who want to do more with their Santa Cruz without jumping all the way to the turbocharged trims. It adds an integrated factory-installed tonneau cover with T-slot utility tracks capable of supporting up to 440 pounds with optional accessories, a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, a 115V household-style power outlet in the sidewall storage compartment, LED bed lights, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, a rear sliding glass window, floor console-mounted rear A/C vents, and upgraded second-row USB-C ports. AWD is also available on this trim, enabling up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. For buyers in Downers Grove or Chicago Ridge who want serious cargo versatility with active-lifestyle capability, the SEL Activity strikes an outstanding balance.
The XRT is the trail-ready, adventure-first trim that transforms the Santa Cruz into something far more capable off the beaten path. It’s powered exclusively by the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft) and comes with standard HTRAC AWD, a distinctive XRT design dark grille, XRT fender flares, dark chrome front and rear bumper trim, dark chrome tailgate handles, Continental TerrainContact tires on rugged 18-inch XRT-specific wheels, red recovery hooks, an enhanced Tow Mode, and Terrain Mode Select. The XRT also gains a full suite of advanced driver assistance features including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot View Monitor cameras, Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, and a built-in 12.3-inch navigation display. For Tinley Park and Matteson area drivers who want maximum towing capability and trail-ready styling in one complete package, the XRT is the one to beat.
The Limited is the flagship of the Santa Cruz lineup, delivering a refined, premium experience without compromising any of the model’s core utility. Exclusive features include genuine leather-trimmed seating with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose Premium Audio System, 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, ambient interior lighting with 64 selectable colors, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, and a dark chrome accent grille. Like the XRT, the Limited comes standard with the turbocharged engine, HTRAC AWD, and the full suite of SmartSense driver assistance technology. If you’re coming from Palos Heights or Midlothian and want the most complete Santa Cruz experience available — with luxury appointments and maximum capability — the Limited is your vehicle.
At Watson Family Hyundai, we’ve built our reputation on providing an exceptional car-buying experience for drivers throughout the southwest Chicago suburbs. Our team is deeply familiar with the Hyundai lineup and takes the time to understand your needs before recommending a trim or configuration. We’re not just a dealership — we’re a family business invested in the communities of Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, and Mokena, and we’ve earned the loyalty of customers who return to us time and again because of how we treat them.
Our Finance Center works with a wide range of lenders to help shoppers secure competitive rates, whether you’re purchasing or leasing. If you know what you want, you can even apply for financing online before you set foot in our showroom. Have a vehicle to trade in? Our team will give you a fair market assessment with our Value Your Trade tool. We also offer some of the best new vehicle deals in the region — check our New Vehicle Specials page for current offers on the Santa Cruz and other models. When you choose Watson Family Hyundai, you’re choosing a partner for the long haul — backed by Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty and our own commitment to your satisfaction. Find out more about our values and standards on our Why Buy From Us page.
The Santa Cruz is just one of the outstanding vehicles in the Hyundai lineup available at our Tinley Park dealership. If you’re weighing your options between a compact truck and a traditional crossover, we encourage you to also explore the new Hyundai Tucson, which offers similar fuel efficiency and SUV versatility in a more traditional form factor. For those who need more passenger space and three-row capability, the new Hyundai Santa Fe is a strong choice. You can also browse our full Crossovers & SUVs inventory to compare the entire Hyundai lineup side by side. And if you’re open to a pre-owned vehicle, our Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai inventory offers like-new quality with the backing of Hyundai’s CPO warranty program. Our Service Center is ready to help keep your vehicle in peak condition long after the sale — staffed by Hyundai-trained technicians using genuine OEM parts. Watson Family Hyundai is your complete resource for everything Hyundai in the southwest suburbs.
Watson Family Hyundai is conveniently located at 8101 W 159th St in Tinley Park, Illinois, making us one of the most accessible Hyundai dealerships for drivers throughout the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago. We welcome customers from across the region who are looking for a new Hyundai Santa Cruz or any other vehicle in our inventory. Our knowledgeable team is proud to serve drivers from all nearby communities, and we go out of our way to make every visit worth the drive. Visit our Hours & Directions page for detailed maps and current hours before your visit.
We proudly serve drivers from Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Mokena, Matteson, Joliet, New Lenox, Frankfort, Homer Glen, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, and Midlothian.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is classified as a sport adventure vehicle rather than a traditional pickup truck. While it features an open cargo bed for hauling, the Santa Cruz is built on a unibody platform that delivers a car-like ride quality, superior fuel efficiency, and a much more maneuverable footprint than full-size trucks. With seating for five, an interior that rivals compact crossovers, and standard driver assistance technology across all trim levels, it appeals strongly to buyers who want utility without sacrificing everyday comfort. It’s an ideal choice for buyers who don’t need a full-size truck but want more cargo flexibility than a standard SUV provides.
Towing capacity on the Santa Cruz varies by trim and drivetrain. SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive can tow up to 3,500 pounds. When the SEL Activity is configured with available AWD, and on XRT and Limited trims with the standard turbocharged engine and HTRAC AWD, towing capacity rises to up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s enough capability for a small powerboat, a personal watercraft trailer, or a lightweight camper. The XRT and Limited both also include a dedicated Tow Mode that optimizes transmission behavior for towing scenarios.
Even the base SE trim arrives with an impressive array of standard equipment. Highlights include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, projector bi-LED headlights with automatic activation, 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity key with push-button start, remote start, rear view monitor with parking guidance, the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite (including forward collision-avoidance, blind-spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic avoidance, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert), a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall bed storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, and an acoustic-laminated windshield for a quieter cabin. It’s a well-equipped package that represents outstanding value in the compact truck segment.
Yes. HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available on the SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims as an upgrade from standard front-wheel drive, and it comes standard on the XRT and Limited trims. Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear axles in response to road conditions, improving traction on wet roads, light snow, and loose surfaces. AWD-equipped Santa Cruz models also unlock up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity on eligible trims, making the AWD upgrade a smart choice for buyers who need maximum capability from their vehicle.
Watson Family Hyundai is your closest authorized Hyundai dealer for the Santa Cruz in the southwest Chicago suburbs. We’re located at 8101 W 159th St in Tinley Park, IL 60477, and we serve drivers from across the region including Orland Park, Frankfort, Mokena, Joliet, New Lenox, Homer Glen, and beyond. You can schedule a test drive online at any time, or simply call our sales team at 708-726-4119 to set up an appointment. We’d love to put you behind the wheel of the Santa Cruz and show you everything that makes it one of the most exciting vehicles Hyundai has ever built.
Ready to explore the new Hyundai Santa Cruz in person? Our team at Watson Family Hyundai is here to answer your questions, walk you through our current inventory, and help you find the right trim and configuration for your needs.
Sales: 708-726-4119
Service: 708-742-7612
Parts: 708-773-6254
Watson Family Hyundai
8101 W 159th St
Tinley Park, IL 60477
