A Look at the All-New 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes packed with exciting new features and options. Learn about this compact pickup/SUV hybrid and whether it's right for you.

 

 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is Hyundai's first pickup truck offering to come to the United States. It's a member of the compact truck category, a segment of the automotive market that's growing increasingly popular.

 

The Santa Cruz aims to provide the practicality of a truck and all the comforts of an SUV. It offers bold styling, a pleasant ride, and a short bed that will certainly come in handy hauling groceries and other light loads around town. 

 

What else does this compact pickup have to offer? Read on to learn all about it.

 

Santa Cruz Platform

 

If the size and profile of the Hyundai Santa Cruz seem familiar to you, you have a keen eye for Hyundai cars. The Santa Cruz shares a platform with the Hyundai Tuscon, a crossover SUV.

 

This means that the Santa Cruz is constructed with a unibody design instead of the body-on-frame layout of other trucks. Its construction allows the Santa Cruz to drive more like an SUV. 

 

It's also around a foot shorter than other pickups. This won't make much of a difference to the average consumer, but it's worth mentioning for those who find that the length of pickups makes them difficult to maneuver. 

 

Santa Cruz Specifications

 

The Santa Cruz comes equipped with a 2.5 L inline four-cylinder engine. In its base configuration, it makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Those looking for a bit more pep can opt for the turbocharger and see the Santa Cruz's performance ratings climb to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

 

An 8-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission puts that power to the road. 

 

Those that plan to use their compact pickup to tow trailers or small RVs should consider the turbo upgrade. They'll enjoy a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, up from the 3,500 lb capacity offered by the base engine.

 

The base models of the Santa Cruz are front-wheel drive, but all-wheel-drive options with Hyundai's HTRAC technology are also available.

 

This compact truck boasts a very respectable payload capacity. You'll be able to haul up to 1,609 lbs in its four-foot bed. That's more than enough for your average trip to the hardware store.

 

As far as fuel economy is concerned, the base engine gets 23 miles-per-gallon in combined driving (21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway) and the turbocharged engine gets 22 MPGs combined (19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway).

 

Santa Cruz Configurations

 

The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with four different trim levels to choose from. They are the SE, the SEL, the SEL Premium, and the Limited.

 

SE Trim

 

This is the base trim level. It comes equipped with front-wheel drive and a 191 horsepower engine. 

 

Inside the cabin, you'll find two bucket seats up front and a rear bench that seats three. 

 

Another standard feature is the tonneau cover for the Santa Cruz's bed. It'll roll over the top of your cargo, protecting whatever you're hauling from the elements.

 

You'll also find another storage area built into the bed. It's the perfect place to stow emergency gear like jumper cables.

 

Even though the SE is the base trim, it still offers its fair share of technological features. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard. It interfaces with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

 

This Santa Cruz also has driver assistance features like lane departure and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

 

SEL Trim

 

The SEL trim is a step above the SE. It offers everything the SE does but features even more high-tech options that'll keep you comfortable and make driving easier and more enjoyable.

 

You'll enjoy a heated, power-adjustable driver's seat with additional lumbar support. 

 

It also has upgraded side-view mirrors. The SEL's mirrors are heated and feature built-in turn signal indicators.

 

With this trim level, you'll find an even more robust collection of driver assistance features. Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring join the ones offered on the SE.

 

SEL Premium

 

Those that want to cruise in style and comfort should opt for the SEL Premium. In addition to the features found on the SEL, you'll find leather touches all over the interior. You'll also get dual-zone climate control and the Hyundai Digital Key system, which allows you to unlock your car with an Android phone.

 

The SEL Premium trim also offers Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. Those who want the extra grip will need to spring for this trim level.

 

Limited

 

The Limited Trim is the top-of-the-line Santa Cruz trim. It's the only configuration that offers the turbocharged engine. 

 

In addition to the features found on the SEL Premium, the Limited comes equipped with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, leather upholstery on the front bucket seats, and an upgraded Bose sound system.

 

Key Santa Cruz Features

 

Compared to many other cars on the road, the Santa Cruz is a unique offering. These features set it apart from the competition and make it a great choice for anyone considering a new pickup or compact SUV.

 

Fun to Drive

 

The Santa Cruz's unibody construction means it handles much better than other pickups. It's quick through corners and comfortable to ride in. Pair it with the turbo option for maximum performance.

 

Tonneau Cover

 

A bed cover is a huge perk for a pickup. Those looking to cover their cargo often have to pay extra, but the Santa Cruz's tonneau cover is standard.

 

Good Gas Mileage

 

Compared to other pickups, the Santa Cruz gets very respectable gas mileage. It outperforms many other compact trucks when it comes to fuel efficiency. 

 

Get the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is Hyundai's entry into the exciting compact pickup market. It combines the comfort and agility of a compact SUV with the utility of a small pickup.

 

The Santa Cruz is a capable hauler and comes with plenty of interior comforts that will satisfy the modern driver. Those looking for even better performance can opt for all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine.

 

Ready to get behind the wheel? Taylor Hyundai has plenty of Hyundai Santa Cruz models for sale. Check out our listings today.