2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz shaping up as the 'segment-shattering' Tucson ute you thought you'd never see

The Hyundai ute is nearly here. No, not that one. The body-on-frame model is still in the works, but the unibody Santa Cruz is just two weeks away from its big debut. And yes, it’s based on the soon-to-be-released fourth-generation Tucson mid-size SUV.

Described by Hyundai as a “segment-shattering” model, the Santa Cruz is currently off the table for Australia due to a lack of right-hand-drive production, with the new ute to instead be produced in Montgomery, Alabama, for the North American market from mid-year.

Set to be revealed at 3.00am on Friday, April 16, the Santa Cruz’s exterior has been teased in a series of darkened sketches, although it is clearly aligned with the Tucson up front.

Read More About Hyundai

"We're interested in the Santa Cruz": How Hyundai's mini-HiLux is still a chance for Australia

From the side, the Santa Cruz also embodies Hyundai’s new Parametric Dynamics design language, with plenty of sharp lines featuring prominently alongside chunky alloy wheels.

However, it’s at the rear where the Santa Cruz makes a unique statement, with its flat tailgate embossed with ‘SANTA CRUZ’ lettering, while the tail-lights have a hammer-like signature.

Read More About Hyundai

Why Australia's case for Hyundai's Santa Cruz 2021 ute rests on the new Palisade's success - but is it a modern Subaru Brumby or a softer Toyota HiLux?

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

1 / 2

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2 / 2

Hyundai North America president and CEO Jose Munoz said: “Santa Cruz, with its bold styling, breaks open all-new segment territory, both for Hyundai and the industry as a whole.

“Open-bed flexibility coupled with closed-cabin security meets the changing everyday needs of its adventure-oriented buyers, while powerful and efficient engines and superb manoeuvrability ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments.

Read More About Hyundai

Hyundai ute's diesel engine would dominate HiLux and Ranger: All-new dual-cab could be crowned Australia's most powerful ute!

“Our customers will wonder just how they managed before owning one.”

Stay tuned for more details on the rival for the upcoming Ford Maverick as they come to hand, including its interior and engine options as well as the specifics of its all-wheel-drive system.