Let's dive deep into the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz interior! This vehicle isn't your grandpa's pickup truck; it's a Sport Adventure Vehicle that blurs the lines between a compact SUV and a pickup. So, naturally, the interior had to be something special, and Hyundai mostly delivered. We will explore the design, comfort, technology, and overall feel of the 2021 Santa Cruz's cabin.

Interior Design and Layout

The interior design of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz is modern and car-like, drawing heavily from the Hyundai Tucson. This isn't a bad thing at all; it gives the Santa Cruz a more refined and upscale feel compared to traditional trucks. Forget the rugged, utilitarian interiors of the past. Hyundai aimed for sophistication here, and it shows.

Dashboard and Center Console

The dashboard layout is clean and well-organized, with a focus on horizontal lines that create a sense of spaciousness. The center console is nicely integrated and houses the gear shifter, drive mode selector, and various controls. Depending on the trim level, you'll find either an 8-inch or a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display taking center stage. The larger screen blends seamlessly into the dashboard, giving it a high-tech look. The materials used are generally good for the class, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. However, some hard plastics are present, reminding you that this isn't a luxury vehicle.

Seating and Upholstery

The Santa Cruz offers comfortable seating for five, although the rear seat is best suited for two adults on longer trips. The front seats are supportive and well-bolstered, making them comfortable for long drives. Cloth upholstery is standard on the base SE trim, while higher trims get upgraded to leather or a combination of cloth and leather. The leather seats add a touch of luxury and are available in various colors, including black, gray, and beige. The seat design contributes significantly to the overall comfort and aesthetic appeal of the interior.

Interior Space and Storage

While the Santa Cruz isn't designed to be a full-size pickup, it offers decent interior space for its class. Front-seat passengers have plenty of headroom and legroom, while rear-seat passengers have adequate space, though it can feel a bit tight for taller adults. Storage is also well thought out, with a center console storage bin, door pockets, and a glove compartment. There's also a hidden storage compartment under the rear seat, which is a useful feature for stashing away valuables or smaller items. This thoughtful use of space enhances the practicality of the Santa Cruz as an everyday vehicle.

Technology and Features

Hyundai packed the 2021 Santa Cruz with a range of technology features, making it a very appealing option for tech-savvy buyers. Infotainment, connectivity, and driver-assistance tech are all well-represented.

Infotainment System

The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, with intuitive menus and sharp graphics. The standard 8-inch touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a huge plus. The upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen adds navigation, enhanced voice recognition, and a customizable split-screen display. Both systems are easy to use and integrate seamlessly with your smartphone. The availability of wireless connectivity is a standout feature, reducing clutter and enhancing convenience.

Connectivity

The Santa Cruz offers a range of connectivity features, including Bluetooth, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad (available on higher trims). Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system is also available, allowing you to remotely start the engine, lock/unlock the doors, and monitor vehicle status via a smartphone app. Blue Link also provides access to emergency services and roadside assistance, adding an extra layer of security and convenience. These features make the Santa Cruz a truly connected vehicle, enhancing the overall ownership experience.

Driver-Assistance Features

Hyundai takes safety seriously, and the Santa Cruz comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. The adaptive cruise control, in particular, is a great feature for long highway drives, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

Comfort and Convenience

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz prioritizes comfort and convenience, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive and ride in every day. From the seats to the climate control, every detail is designed with the occupants in mind.

Climate Control

The Santa Cruz features a dual-zone automatic climate control system, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures. Rear air vents are also available, ensuring that rear-seat passengers stay comfortable. The climate control system is effective and easy to use, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cabin. This is especially important in extreme weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable driving experience for all occupants.

Sound System

The standard sound system is decent, but audiophiles will want to upgrade to the available Bose premium sound system. The Bose system includes eight speakers and a subwoofer, delivering clear and powerful sound. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the Bose system enhances the audio experience. The strategic placement of the speakers ensures that the sound is evenly distributed throughout the cabin, creating an immersive listening environment.

Other Convenience Features

The Santa Cruz offers a range of other convenience features, such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a sunroof. These features add to the overall comfort and convenience of the vehicle, making it a more enjoyable place to spend time. The power-adjustable driver's seat allows you to find the perfect driving position, while the heated front seats keep you warm on cold days. The sunroof adds a touch of luxury and allows natural light to flood the cabin.

Trim Levels and Interior Options

The interior of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz varies depending on the trim level. Let's take a look at the key differences:

SE

The base SE trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and basic driver-assistance features. It's a good value for the money, but it lacks some of the more desirable features.

SEL

The SEL trim adds heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and blind-spot monitoring. It's a good step up from the base model and offers a better balance of features and price.

SEL Premium

The SEL Premium trim includes leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and adaptive cruise control. It's a more luxurious option and adds a lot of desirable technology features.

Limited

The top-of-the-line Limited trim comes standard with all the bells and whistles, including a Bose premium sound system, a sunroof, and a 360-degree camera system. It's the most luxurious and well-equipped Santa Cruz available.

Pros and Cons of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior

To summarize, here are the key pros and cons of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz interior:

Pros:

• Modern and stylish design
• User-friendly technology
• Comfortable front seats
• Available premium features

Cons:

• Limited rear-seat space
• Some hard plastics
• Base trim lacks features

Final Thoughts

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz interior is a pleasant place to be, offering a blend of style, comfort, and technology. While it's not perfect, it's a solid offering in the compact pickup truck segment. If you're looking for a vehicle that's both practical and comfortable, the Santa Cruz is worth considering. Its car-like interior and modern features make it a standout choice in its class. Hyundai has successfully created a vehicle that appeals to a wide range of buyers, blending the functionality of a truck with the comfort and convenience of an SUV. So, if you're in the market for something different, the Santa Cruz might just be the perfect fit. The interior is a key selling point, offering a comfortable and tech-filled environment that sets it apart from more traditional trucks.