It looks as if it could be real.
Five years. It’s been five years since Hyundai first revealed the Hyundai Cruz concept. This mid-size pickup truck is something we’ve long wanted to see become a reality. Hyundai has confirmed production with a 2021 production start time. The truck was seen late last year, and Hyundai has not provided any details. The leaked image that we shared earlier this week, which gave us a glimpse at the truck’s styling, has been transformed into a series renderings. This further cements the truck’s design.
Many of the truck’s more prominent styling elements have been revealed in spy photos. The leaked photo shows the truck’s naked body, with no cladding, camouflage or paint. There were no bumpers, wheels or lights. It was the shell. These renderings give life to the truck’s sharp profile and add a splash of color.
The sharp V-shaped crease of sheet metal at the front door can be seen. It extends down through the rear doors, along the bed and into the taillights. Silver molding runs along the trailing edge of cab and extends down to the A-pillar. It then returns to the C-pillar under the greenhouse. This adds an interesting touch of contrast.
The front and rear fascias are not visible in the renderings. Recent Hyundai models and Santa Cruz spy shots give us an idea of how they should look. The headlights will be low-set and have thin-slit daytime running lamps. With its stylish taillights, the rear doesn’t seem too unusual. For added ruggedness, there is plenty of gray plastic cladding on the bottom and around the wheel arches.
We don’t know much about the truck and we won’t find out until Hyundai provides more information. The automaker is known for constantly coming up with new models and designs, and the Santa Cruz seems to be no exception. Hyundai will begin production in 2021. It’ll also have many competitors once it arrives.