2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD: The Brand’s First Lifestyle Truck

 

Highlight: This is Hyundai’s answer to Honda’s Ridgeline.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $41,100 (Base SE Model: $25,385)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; automatic headlights; automatic high beam assist headlights; a hillstart assist system; rear view camera; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; leading vehicle departure alert; and a driver warning assist system; a LED roof mounted cargo lamp; and a temporary spare tire

Standard Equipment (SE): 18-inch wheels; an 8-speed automatic transmission; LED headlights; LED daytime running lights; manual operated front seats; cloth seats; 60/40 split tip up – lower seat cushions; underfloor storage tray; and a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; trailer pre-wiring; a lockable under bed storage compartment; sheet molded composite bed; heavy duty cargo D-rings; a dual channel adjustable utility track rail; a multifunction tailgate; integrated rear bumper side steps; an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a manual control ventilation system; a partial defogging capabilities; remote keyless entry; a 360-degree camera; a blind view monitor; and intelligent speed limit assist

Standard Equipment (Test Vehicle- Limited): 20-inch wheels; 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder; 281-horsepower engine; heated outside mirrors; an electronic blind spot mirror with rear cross traffic avoidance; premium front and rear fascias; dark chrome accent grille and tailgate handles; rear sliding class windows with defroster; a power sunroof; roof side rails; 115v power outlet in sidewall storage; steering wheel paddle shifters; leather seats; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated and ventilated front seats; a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a Bose radio with SiriusXM; navigation and traffic information included with vehicle; second row USB outlets;  a rearview camera with dynamic parking guidelines; automatic up and down windows; illuminated sun visors; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a dual automatic ventilation system; full auto defogging capabilities; a rear window defogger; a heated steering wheel; a radar activated stop-and-go cruise control system; keyless entry; an illuminated push button ignition starter; a remote engine start; an illuminated glove compartment; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; rain-sensing wipers; front and rear LED lights; limited vehicle operation capabilities with a smartphone;

Options: 

Carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker touchscreen AM/FM/HD audio system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine/191-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/26-hwy

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs (without trailer brakes)

What’s New: This is an all-new vehicle and segment the brand has decided to play in. We do know that Hyundai has been teasing us with this vehicle, since it first prototype made its Detroit auto show debut in 2015.

Pros:

Looks like a truck, but rides like a car

Offers many of the light carrying components of a truck

Two powertrains available

Front wheel drive or all-wheel drive

Easy-to-maneuver

Great road vehicle

Good family vehicle

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Optional Bose system produces a great quality sound

Great for hauling light item

A sliding cargo cover

Lower and tip-up rear 60/40 seating for additional storage

A high level of safety driving aids

A high level of car-like luxury features depending on trim

5,000-lb towing capacity with 2.5-liter turbo, trailer brakes and all-wheel drive configuration

But: 

The vehicle still seems underpowered with the 4-cylinder turbo… A 6-cylinder needs to be added to the vehicle.

Futuristic design grille

Limited legroom in rear seating area

Doesn’t offer the towing and/or off-road capabilities of a traditional body-on-frame truck

The sliding cargo cover and the tailgate are both unlockable

Verdict:  While we might be dating ourselves, the Santa Cruz reminds us of Chevy’s El Camino, which was around from 1959 until about 1987. However, unlike the two-door El Camino, the Santa Cruz is a four door lifestyle utility vehicle. The Santa Cruz, which plays in the same lane as the Honda Ridgeline, is based off of a unibody design. Thus, this means the Santa Cruz is not in the same league as a Toyota Tacoma or GMC Canyon being that the vehicle lacks the same towing, hauling and off-road capabilities despite the truck-like vehicle being outfitted with an optional all-wheel drive configuration. The upside is that the all-new Santa Cruz rides more like a car and produces better gas mileage too.

However, just like many of its midsize truck competitors, the Santa Cruz offers a host of car-like amenities ranging from leather seats to an automatic climate control system to a heated steering wheel.

Overall, the Santa Cruz is a perfect alternative for those seeking additional utility, but has no plans of vigorous towing or performing off-roading tasks.

Nearest Competition: Honda Ridgeline