Why the Hyundai Santa Cruz Is the Vehicle for Tallahassee Weekends

Hyundai calls the Santa Cruz a “Sport Adventure Vehicle,” and around Tallahassee, that name earns its keep. It drives like a comfortable compact SUV but comes with an open bed and serious towing capability — the ideal mix for hauling kayaks to St. George Island, towing a small boat to the coast, or just loading up muddy gear after a weekend outdoors. This guide breaks down the bed, the towing, and why the Santa Cruz fits the Big Bend lifestyle so well.

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If your weekends involve water, trails, or hauling something that shouldn’t go inside the cabin, the Hyundai Santa Cruz was practically made for you. It blends the easy daily-driver feel of a crossover with the do-anything utility of a compact pickup. Here’s why Tallahassee adventurers love it.

The Santa Cruz’s composite bed is the star of the show. At about 4.3 feet, it’s sized for real gear — a kayak or two, paddleboards, coolers, bikes, or a weekend’s worth of camping equipment — without packing it all into the cabin. Practical touches make it even better for an active Florida lifestyle:

When you need to bring more than the bed can hold, the Santa Cruz delivers. Equipped with the available 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5L engine and all-wheel drive, it tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped — enough for a small boat, a pair of jet skis, or a utility trailer. That turbo also makes 311 lb-ft of torque, so it feels confident getting up to speed on the on-ramp with gear in tow.

The best part? You don’t give up everyday comfort to get all that utility. The Santa Cruz seats five in a comfortable crew cab, drives and parks like a compact SUV, and offers available HTRAC all-wheel drive for added grip in Florida’s summer rain. Inside, you’ll find modern touchscreen tech with smartphone connectivity, so daily commutes and weekend road trips are equally easy. It’s a true do-it-all vehicle — civilized Monday through Friday, adventure-ready on Saturday.

Think about how North Florida actually spends its weekends. Kayaking or paddleboarding at Wakulla Springs or St. George Island? Toss the boards in the bed. Heading to the Gulf with a boat? Hitch it up. Tailgating an FSU or FAMU game, making a hardware-store run, or hauling mulch for the yard? The Santa Cruz handles it without the bulk of a full-size truck — and slips into a normal parking spot when you’re done.

How much can the Hyundai Santa Cruz tow?
With the available 281-hp turbocharged engine and proper equipment, the Santa Cruz tows up to 5,000 pounds — enough for a small boat or utility trailer. Always follow the Owner’s Manual and never exceed the rated capacity.

Can the Santa Cruz carry kayaks and paddleboards?
Yes. Its roughly 4.3-foot composite bed, cargo rails, and tie-down anchors are well suited for kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes, and an available tonneau cover helps keep gear secure and dry.

How many people does the Santa Cruz seat?
Five, in a comfortable crew-cab layout with rear doors and a usable back seat — so it works as a daily driver and a family-friendly adventure vehicle.

Does the Santa Cruz come with all-wheel drive?
Yes — available HTRAC all-wheel drive adds traction for wet roads and light off-pavement use, and it comes standard with the turbocharged engine on upper trims.

Is the Santa Cruz a truck or an SUV?
A bit of both — Hyundai designed it as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle” that drives like a compact SUV but has an open truck bed. See current options on the Santa Cruz inventory page.

Ready to make your weekends bigger? Explore the Santa Cruz, schedule a test drive, or check current new vehicle specials. Werner Hyundai is at 252 Capital Circle SW in Tallahassee, proudly serving the Big Bend, Panama City, and Valdosta. Call (833) 829-5159 to get started.