Hyundai Santa Cruz
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Scottsdale, AZ
MSRP
$24,440
MPG
21 City
27 Highway
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review | New Compact Truck
If you can’t decide between an SUV and a truck, you definitely need to see the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This new compact truck has the spacious cabin you need and the truckbed you have been wishing you had.
In this New Santa Cruz review, we’ll offer details about size, capability, trim levels, performance and technology. We’ll also try to give you an idea of how this Hyundai truck can fit your busy lifestyle. For instance, this midsize truck offers ventilated seats, unlike many rivals in Phoenix AZ.
Keep scrolling to discover the details important to you. This review includes a comparison of the truck with its most direct rival, the 2022 Ford Maverick.
Rugged Styling and Fun Exterior Colors
While it looks like a truck, the Santa Cruz Hyundai has also been compared to muscle cars. The truck’s nose with its expansive grille and integrated lights seems to announce its athletic intentions. The Car Connection review calls it a “unique bulldog look.”
From the curb, the truck appears shorter and lower than typical midsize trucks. The planted, wide stance gives it more muscles when hauling.
Handsome styling lines make it seem like the cabin just flows into the bed. The tailgate is easier to use with its open-or-close assist, including a remote release function. The bed can grow in length with a special extension.
2022 Santa Cruz colors start with Ice White and Phantom Black, but Hyundai doesn’t stop there. It offers Sage Gray, Hampton Gray, Mojave Sand, and a colorful Blue Stone. There are many ways to personalize these mid size pickups.
Bed Specifications
The gate is extra wide to allow drivers to haul 4x8 plywood. The box boasts 27 cubic feet of walled space. Rear bumper steps make it easy to get in and out even when moving heavy items. You won’t find standard steps on most rivals, including the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline.
Owners can strap down cargo utilizing heavy duty D rings and organize it with dual-c channel utility tracks and cleats. That’s a good thing since this pickup truck can handle a maximum payload of 1,753 pounds.
Shoppers should remember that payload differs by drivetrain and trim level when they are choosing their Hyundai truck. Other Santa Cruz payload limits include 1521, 1532 or 1609 pounds.
Bed Organization
Hyundai simplifies security and organization by providing sidewall storage compartments. It has a bed floor compartment with a drain plug, making it easy to watch out or simple to use as a cooler.
The SEL Activity Package adds T-slot utility tracks to the brand’s bed rail system. This package includes LED bed lighting and a tonneau cover to protect the bed and its contents. Shoppers will find all of these items standard on the SEL Premium trim.
Capable Performance
How capable is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz? Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds with the base engine, front wheel drive and available trailer brakes. It can pull up to 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine and all-wheel drive. In other words, this small truck is tough enough for big jobs.
The base engine utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission. Shiftronic technology assists the driver by providing better torque at low speeds. Engine output is 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Trailering standards include trailer sway control, a heavy duty transmission oil cooler, and pre-wiring connections.
The Santa Cruz SEL Premium driver commands a high-torque turbo. A wet dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures that the 281-horsepower output is well controlled. The torque rate is a V6-worthy 311 pound-feet.
Off Road Specifications
Ground clearance is ample at 8.6 inches. With HTRAC technology, the all-wheel drive system can send torque forward for normal travel. It can also split it from 80/20 to 50/50 to give the Hyundai truck driver control over poor roads. This allows the Santa Cruz AWD models to do some light off roading.
The small size makes this truck more maneuverable in parking lots and off road spots. Specifications include a 17.5 approach angle, 23.2 departure angle, and 18.6 brake over angle
Ride Quality and Handling
Assisting every Santa Cruz driver, a self-leveling rear suspension is one of this Hyundai truck’s most desirable standard features. This self-adjusting rear shock system is one big reason that the small truck accommodates payload and towing weight better than many would expect.
Driving enthusiasts will appreciate the vehicle’s sharp reflexes, tight turning circle, and smooth acceleration. There’s plenty of pick-up with either engine. The turbo produces instant torque to dispute those who expect some torque lag.
This responsive handling may be most noticed as pleasant ride quality by the truck’s occupants. It doesn’t bounce around like a typical pickup might. Furthermore, the ride is kept quiet by the truck’s acoustic windshield and well-padded insulation.
Size, Style and Technology
These truck cabins are bigger than many compact SUVs. The passenger volume is rated at 101.8 cubic feet in this large crew cab. Legroom is 41.4 (front) and 36.5 (rear) inches.
The Santa Cruz SE packs everything one might need for daily travel. The high tech cockpit has a 4.2-inch information display to keep the driver informed. A tilt-and-telescopic four-spoke steering wheel handles multiple duties with audio controls and Bluetooth controls. The electronic parking brake includes an automatic hold function.
Seats are covered in a special cloth upholstery. It resists stains and odors, helping owners maintain the car’s interior. Second row storage area can be created with the tip-up lower seat cushions. The rear seats are split 60/40 to allow for seating and cargo.
The 8-inch color display includes HD radio reception. For map apps and more, the system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both are wireless with this system. Two USB ports let you plug in smart devices to stream or charge.
SEL Trim Levels
The SEL cockpit has push button start and an 8-way power adjustable chair. Power-adjust lumbar support helps the driver stay comfortable on long trips. The front seats have individual power-heat functions.
To access the car, the driver has a remote starter and a Proximity Key. Infotainment is expanded with the addition of Blue Link and SiriusXM connectivity. A 3-month subscription to satellite radio comes with your purchase. The SEL Activity Package adds bed organization features.
The SEL Premium trim level has digital instrumentation and a wireless charger. Hyundai Digital Key allows you to use an App instead of your physical key.
It also adds Hyundai’s unique multi-air mode to the automatic air conditioning system. Both the front seat occupants can control their temperature settings automatically. Console-mounted rear AC vents are added to help second row passengers stay cool.
The rear window now slides open, and a sunroof is added, providing more ways to enjoy the open air. Roof rails are added, permitting up to 220 pounds of cargo.
Santa Cruz Limited Trim Level
With leather seats and ambient lighting, the Santa Cruz Limited sets itself apart. Ventilated seats will certainly please Phoenix AZ drivers. The Limited cockpit has two large screens, measuring over 20 inches in total.
The first is its digital gauge cluster, and the second is the largest touch screen with navigation. HD Radio traffic information is available via the HERE app. The navigation system coordinates with Smart Cruise Control. Second-row passengers benefit from two USB ports.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Standard driver assistance is important in today’s high-tech Hyundais. While the Santa Cruz SE is offered at a low price, the brand still supplies the high-value standards that can keep the pickup truck out of harm’s way. This includes the lane keeping assist, the emergency autobrake, forward collision watch, pedestrian watch, rearview camera, and driver attention warning.
A blind spot system is added to the SEL trim level. It can warn you when it isn’t safe to change lanes. The rear cross traffic alert does something similar in parking lots and as you back out of your driveway. It includes an avoidance assist brake to reduce the chances of a fender bender or worse incident.
The top system is Highway Driving Assist. Standard on the Limited, this automated system pairs smart cruise control and lane keeping for highway cruising on marked interstates. For off-road use and parking, nothing can beat the 360-degree views from the Limited SurroundView Monitor.
2022 Ford Maverick vs Santa Cruz Performance
In a towing contest, the Santa Cruz comes out ahead. As mentioned, it tows 3,500 or 5,000 pounds maximum. The 2022 Ford Maverick tows 2,000 or 4,000 pounds maximum. The Hyundai truck can carry more payload than the Ford truck, despite the Ford bed’s larger dimensions.
Engine capability is greater too. The Maverick Hybrid powertrain produces 191 horsepower to match the Santa Cruz. However, the hybrid produces only 155 pound-feet of torque. The Hyundai pickup beats that by 26 pound-feet of torque.
As for the turbo, the Ford Ecoboost falls short by 27 horsepower and 34 lb-ft of torque when compared with the Santa Cruz turbo. In terms of fuel economy, the Ecoboost doesn’t offer significant savings over the Hyundai engine.
Maverick vs Santa Cruz Value
When it comes to size, the Ford cabin has less headroom and shoulder room than the Hyundai cabin. Furthermore, it is rated at almost a cubic foot less passenger volume.
Only the Hyundai has stain-resistant cloth upholstery, the available Digital Key or the special multi-air cooling system. The Maverick also doesn’t have a self-leveling rear suspension, standard bed steps, or standard bed compartments.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries its limited warranty for up two more years and its powertrain warranty for up to five more years than the Ford. Furthermore, Hyundai vehicle purchases have free scheduled maintenance for the first three years of ownership.
Check out our inventory to discover more about the Hyundai midsize pickup. Then take a test drive to see if it fits your lifestyle.
Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
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$55,470 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $55,470
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$55,470 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $55,470
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- Bluetooth®
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
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$3,624 SAVINGS$36,830 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $40,454
- Dealer Discount: -$1,124
- INTERNET PRICE $39,330
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- No Bull Price: $36,830
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$3,624 SAVINGS$36,830 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $40,454
- Dealer Discount: -$1,124
- INTERNET PRICE $39,330
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- No Bull Price: $36,830
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Features
- Bluetooth®
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
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$3,526 SAVINGS$36,259 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $39,785
- Dealer Discount: -$1,026
- INTERNET PRICE $38,759
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- No Bull Price: $36,259
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$3,526 SAVINGS$36,259 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $39,785
- Dealer Discount: -$1,026
- INTERNET PRICE $38,759
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- No Bull Price: $36,259
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Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
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$1,504 SAVINGS$44,815 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $46,319
- Dealer Discount: -$1,504
- No Bull Price: $44,815
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$1,504 SAVINGS$44,815 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $46,319
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Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
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$2,023 SAVINGS$32,067 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $34,090
- Dealer Discount: -$1,023
- INTERNET PRICE $33,067
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- No Bull Price: $32,067
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$2,023 SAVINGS$32,067 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $34,090
- Dealer Discount: -$1,023
- INTERNET PRICE $33,067
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- Bluetooth®
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
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$2,433 SAVINGS$31,082 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $33,515
- Dealer Discount: -$933
- INTERNET PRICE $32,582
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- No Bull Price: $31,082
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$2,433 SAVINGS$31,082 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $33,515
- Dealer Discount: -$933
- INTERNET PRICE $32,582
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- No Bull Price: $31,082
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- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- 4WD/AWD
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Keyless Entry
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$2,748 SAVINGS$35,232 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $37,980
- Dealer Discount: -$748
- INTERNET PRICE $37,232
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- No Bull Price: $35,232
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$2,748 SAVINGS$35,232 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $37,980
- Dealer Discount: -$748
- INTERNET PRICE $37,232
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- No Bull Price: $35,232
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Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- Android Auto
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$1,480 SAVINGS$44,609 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $46,089
- Dealer Discount: -$1,480
- No Bull Price: $44,609
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$1,480 SAVINGS$44,609 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $46,089
- Dealer Discount: -$1,480
- No Bull Price: $44,609
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Features
- Bluetooth®
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Heated Seats
- Keyless Entry
- Keyless Ignition System
More Details
- MSRP: $26,790
- Dealer Discount: -$716
- INTERNET PRICE $26,074
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- No Bull Price: $24,574
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- MSRP: $26,790
- Dealer Discount: -$716
- INTERNET PRICE $26,074
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- No Bull Price: $24,574
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Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Bluetooth®
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- 3rd Rear Seat
- 4WD/AWD
More Details
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$1,751 SAVINGS$52,543 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $54,294
- Dealer Discount: -$1,751
- No Bull Price: $52,543
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$1,751 SAVINGS$52,543 No Bull Price
- MSRP: $54,294
- Dealer Discount: -$1,751
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