the breakdown
- Hyundai is ending production of the Santa Cruz pickup later this year.
- Production was supposed to end later in 2027.
- Hyundai will make a bigger mid-size, body-on-frame pickup in 2029.
Pour one out for the Hyundai Santa Cruz. After just four years in production, Hyundai is reportedly pulling the plug on its Ford Maverick rival—and we can’t say we’re all that surprised.
According to a report from Automotive News, Hyundai will wrap up production of the Santa Cruz pickup later this year. Production was originally scheduled to run through the second quarter of 2027, but the automaker is reportedly moving up that timeline by about a year.
The decision is said to be driven by weak sales and high inventory. In its best year—2023—Hyundai sold just 36,675 Santa Cruz models. Last year, that figure dropped to just 25,499 units, a 29 percent decrease year over year. By comparison, Ford sold 155,051 Mavericks during the same period.
Hyundai Has Bigger Truck Plans
Truck fans need not worry, though—Hyundai still has plans for a pickup. The company has already confirmed that it will replace the pint-sized Santa Cruz with a larger, more traditional truck.
Last September, Hyundai CEO José Muñoz confirmed that the automaker is developing a 'mind-blowing' mid-size, body-on-frame pickup for the US market—think Chevrolet Colorado or Ford Ranger rival. Production is expected to begin in 2029, with an on-sale date targeted for 2030. The new truck will focus on durability and off-road capability.
That pickup will be joined by a rugged, body-on-frame SUV designed to compete with the Toyota 4Runner. Muñoz previously said the new truck and SUV will “allow us to broaden our reach and connect with customers at the heart of the US market.”
For now, the handful of Santa Cruz fans will have to say goodbye to Hyundai’s tiny ute. Rust in peace.
Motor1's Take: The Santa Cruz was a fine little pickup, but we’re not surprised to see it go so soon. Sales languished, and it was never nearly as good as the Maverick. Here’s hoping Hyundai’s next pickup is a serious competitor.
Source: Automotive News
