Hyundai is revving up its presence at this year’s Rebelle Rally with a modified Santa Cruz pickup, showcasing off-road enhancements and a distinctive custom livery.
In preparation for the rally, Hyundai made only “minimal” modifications to the Santa Cruz. The key upgrades include fitting larger 17-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T3W off-road tires, which not only provide enhanced ground clearance but also give the truck a more rugged look. To further boost its off-road capabilities, a Truxxx lift kit was added, raising the front and rear of the truck by 1.5 and 1.0 inches, respectively.
The Santa Cruz for the rally features a skid plate and a customized front bumper, which supports the Rally Innovations front recovery mount equipped with auxiliary lights. On top of the truck, cross bars and a roof-rack-mounted light bar have been added, providing additional utility and illumination. The eye-catching custom livery was designed by Hyundai Design North America’s Matt Marble, senior graphic designer, and Kellen Gustine, junior exterior designer.
This toughened-up Santa Cruz will compete in the X-Cross class, facing off against other formidable contenders, including the recently unveiled Kia Telluride X-Pro. Kia’s offering boasts a 1.5-inch suspension lift, BFGoodrich T/A K02 tires, 18-inch wheels, and tow hooks, providing it with nearly 10 inches of ground clearance.
Hyundai had previously emphasized the Santa Cruz’s ruggedness by introducing the new XRT trim for the 2024 model year, featuring fender flares, side steps, bed rails, and trim garnishes.
Under the Santa Cruz’s hood, you have two powertrain options. The more powerful choice is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It comes with an all-wheel-drive system and Hyundai’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Alternatively, you can opt for the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine producing 191 hp.
Hyundai also participated in last year’s Rebelle Rally with a modified Santa Cruz. This year, the truck will be driven by veteran auto journalists Jill Ciminillo and Kristin Shaw, who partnered up last year to compete in the same model.
The Rebelle Rally, an all-women, off-road navigational challenge, is now in its eighth year since its inception in 2016. It commences on October 13, with competitors navigating 1,500 miles of California desert using only compasses and paper maps. The rules require participating vehicles to disconnect their antennas to eliminate GPS technology, and any internet-enabled devices are strictly forbidden.
