The all-new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup truck is finally here. This crossover pickup is smaller than a Honda Ridgeline or the Toyota Tacoma. It comes with a choice of two engines. It has Hyundai’s latest all-wheel-drive system, and it is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs. Here is all of the official information, and how this new mini-truck compares to the likes of the Toyota Tacoma and the Honda Ridgeline.
This is the first time we get to see Hyundai’s latest design up close. The front of the Santa Cruz is very unique with the daytime running LED lights incorporated into the grille. You will not mistake this mini-truck for anything else on the road. The profile is very sleek. It is a crew cab with seating for five. In the back, there is an approximately 4-foot long cargo bed. The bed area offers an in-floor lockable trunk (very similar to the one in the Honda Ridgeline). The bed can be covered by a roll-up tonneau cover that can retract with a simple flip of a latch.
Here is precisely how the new Santa Cruz compares against some of the midsize pickup trucks in size.
The Santa Cruz is significantly shorter and lower than most midsize pickup trucks. It can be configured with a choice of two powertrains. The entry-level power comes from a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a rating of 190+ hp and 180+ lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This power option can be configured to tow up to 3,500 lbs.
If that is not enough power for capability, the premium engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 275+ horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. These are big numbers for a small pickup. This is about the same output as you can find from a 2.3-liter turbo in the Ford Ranger. This Santa Cruz turbo engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters. This setup is the one that is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs. This is still less than a Toyota Tacoma is able to pull, but it is the same tow rating as the Honda Ridgeline and many midsize crossovers or SUVs.
Both engines can be mated to Hyundai’s latest HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. This system allows the driver to select a center locking differential feature and send equal power front and rear.
On the inside, the new Santa Cruz largely resembles the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson (with which it shares many components). This includes the shaped dash and the digital displays. The Santa Cruz is using a 10-inch center infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The suite of SmartSense driver assistance technologies offers standard Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian and cyclists detection, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Optional technologies include the ones listed in the table below. Smart Cruiser Control (adaptive cruise control) is also available.
The Santa Cruz also offers Hyundai Digital Key and BlueLink features that allow you to monitor or control certain vehicle features remotely. The Santa Cruz offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty on the vehicle.
Santa Cruz pricing is not yet available, but the company says that production is scheduled to start at the Montgomery, Alabama factory in June 2021. This new Sport-Adventure-Vehicle is said to go on sale in the summer 2021.
Take a look at the world premier video below for many more images and video clips featuring the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
