By The all-new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is here and it brings a completely new design in the class of compact pickup. After a couple of years of waiting, it has just debuted and it is expected to be a more refined alternative to traditional pickups. We like how it looks and how it rides and we have no doubt it will find the way to many drivers, especially those who need a versatile daily driver.
The first impressions are really good. We are talking about a pickup that takes a little bit different approach and rides on a unibody platform. That’s why it brings benefits regarding comfort, ride quality and handling. On the other hand, such a platform is also a limiting factor, considering that Santa Cruz can’t tow as much as rivals.
Another strong selling point should be the price, considering that base models start under 25.000 dollars for the crew cab model.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Design
As we already mentioned, the most interesting part of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the platform. This is a rather untypical pickup, which rides on a unibody platform. It’s the same design approach Honda has been practicing for more than 15 years but the Santa Cruz is smaller and more maneuverable.
Such a platform design has both positive and negative sides. The best thing of all is the ride quality. This pickup acts as any crossover of this size, and if we consider that most parts are shared with Tuscon, you probably know what to expect regarding ride quality. We like the responsive handling, which makes this pickup pretty easy to drive.
On the other hand, Santa Cruz is less capable because of its unibody design. The max towing capacity is limited, but it isn’t any lower compared to Honda Ridgeline, which means that certain versions can deal with up to 5.000 pounds. Base models with the naturally-aspirated engine can tow up to 3.500 pounds.
Exterior
With 118.3 inches in wheelbase and just 196 inches in total length, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the smallest pickup in the segment. Despite the modest dimensions, it actually comes with a crew cab only, with plenty of interior space. The catch is in a pretty small cargo bed, which is only four feet long. That’s the shortest carbo bed in the class, but we still like its functionality and have no doubt that most drivers will be happy with it.
On the other hand, the styling is where this pickup really stands out. The front end is easily recognizable, as it features the same grille design as Tucson, with a futuristic 3D pattern and integrated lighting elements. The rest of the truck looks as attractive, with curvy lines, aerodynamical shapes and pretty aggressive bumpers and wheels.
Interior
This will certainly be one of the strongest selling points of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. While most trucks look pretty rudimental from the inside, this pickup comes with an elegant and pretty refined interior design – car-like, some would say. The materials are really nice, while the dashboard looks pretty futuristic. Things like a digital instrument cluster are standard and while base models come with an 8-inch touchscreen, you can also get a bigger 10.3-inch unit.
As we already mentioned, a crew cab style is the only version available and you may count on two quite spacious rows of seats, which accommodate adults pretty easily. On the other hand, a short 4-floor bed is the only one you can get.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engines
Two engine options will be in the offer for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Base models will come with a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four, which puts put around 181 horsepower. That’s not much but should satisfy most drivers. On the other hand, those who are looking for something more capable may choose a 2.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Another big difference is the transmission. While the base engine comes with a traditional 8-speed automatic, the turbo-four comes coupled with a dual-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission. Models with the base engine can to around 3.500 pounds, while the models with turbo-four are good for about 5.000 pounds.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pricing
The base 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts around 25.000 dollars. On the other hand, range-topping models can cost you more than $40.000.
Comments