Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Work Truck Disguised as a Crossover

So the Hyundai Santa Cruz didn’t make the Nielsen Editorial’s list of top NJ work trucks — but let’s be honest, it could’ve held its own with the best of them. In fact, for solo operators and small biz owners, it might just be the smartest choice of the bunch.
Why? Because this compact trucklet blends pickup practicality with crossover comfort — a rare combo when your office is also your daily driver. You get a legit open bed (perfect for mulch runs, tool bins, or that oversized coffee order for the crew), plus clever built-in storage and a towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
But here’s the kicker: the Santa Cruz doesn’t feel like a work truck. It feels like a crossover with hustle. Touchscreen tech? Yep. Available wireless charging? Of course. And the HTRAC All-Wheel Drive? It’s clutch when Route 206 turns into a slushy mess or a gravel job site throws you a curveball.
If your daily grind demands versatility, comfort, and a little outside-the-box thinking, the Santa Cruz checks every box — even the ones the big trucks can’t reach.
Check out the Hyundai Santa Cruz at our NJ Hyundai dealership — and find out why this little powerhouse deserves a seat at the big table.
Read the full Nielsen article: Best Work Trucks for NJ Drivers
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