LOOK! Out on the road! Is it a truck? Is it an SUV? It’s the Hyundai Santa Cruz!
You spot it through your rearview mirror on Beach Road — the front of a stylish SUV. Let it pass, and you’ll be looking at the back of a sporty pickup truck. That’s because the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a clever mashup of both: the island’s newest sport adventure vehicle.
Now available at Triple J Motors, the Hyundai Santa Cruz was one of the standout vehicles seen cruising down Beach Road during the Liberation Day Parade on July 4, 2025.
Santa Cruz offers the comfort and convenience of an SUV, paired with the style, durability, and versatility of a pickup. It features a utility bed equipped with a tonneau cover, sidewall storage, and an under-bed compartment — perfect for island errands and outdoor adventures.
The entry-level SE model is now available at Triple J Motors starting at $38,995 and comes with nearly $1,000 worth of promotional add-ons. “The price is very competitive for an entry-level pickup truck,” said Triple J Motors General Manager Sean Ficke.
The 2025 Santa Cruz features a turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain that’s powerful and easy to maintain. It has a 1,400-pound payload capacity and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. “It drives smoothly and comfortably,” Ficke said, “whether you’re picking up groceries, loading up at the hardware store, or towing a boat.”
Need to go off-road? Just press a button to activate the all-wheel-drive system.
“It’s exactly what people here on the island are looking for,” Ficke added. “We’re excited to bring this incredibly versatile vehicle to the CNMI. And if you’re towing a boat or trailer, Santa Cruz makes life easier with its backup assist system.”
Inside, the Santa Cruz feels more like a luxury SUV. The interior includes a new infotainment touchscreen with advanced driver-assistance features, leather-trimmed and air-conditioned seats, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, sunroof, wireless phone charging, and more. “It’s got everything a truck has — and more,” Ficke said.
Fuel economy and warranty
Along with all its features, Santa Cruz is fuel efficient. Ficke noted that it gets between 22 and 25 miles per gallon. The higher-end XRT and Limited models offer even better fuel efficiency — ideal for Saipan’s stop-and-go driving.
Then there’s the unbeatable warranty: a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. “It’s Saipan’s best warranty,” Ficke said. “When you buy your Santa Cruz at Triple J Motors, you’re not just getting a vehicle — you’re getting peace of mind.”
The Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Contributed photos
The touchscreen display of the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
