As promised, Roman and Tommy give us a hands-on detailed look at the all-new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The questions we are trying to answer is… Is this a Sport Adventure Vehicle (SAV, as Hyundai calls it)? Is it a Ute (as it may be called in Australia)? Is it a mini truck? Let’s find out.
The Santa Cruz is based on the platform that underpins the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. It’s a front-wheel-drive based platform that can be configured with an HTRAC AWD system. This compact crossover pickup is way shorter than a Toyota Tacoma or a Honda Ridgeline, so it does not have any direct competitors in the United States at this time.
It can be configured with two powertrain options: 2.5L I4 with 190+ hp and 180+ lb-ft of torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission; or a 2.5L turbocharged I4 with 275+ hp and 310+ lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The bed has a lockable in-floor trunk that is significantly smaller than that in the Honda Ridgeline. The truck comes with a roll-up tonneau cover that covers this 4-foot bed. The total payload is rated at an impressive 1,700 lbs, while the bed itself is rated at 660 lbs. The less powerful engine comes with a 3,500 lbs towing rating, but the turbo AWD model is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Check out the video below as Roman and Tommy give us a personal tour on the new mini truck! I am surprised by the amount of rear seat room when Roman gets in the back.
