The low beams never exceeded glare limits. To find out if the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is as slick as it looks on paper, we headed where else to the eponymous town in California to take it for a spin. You must be logged in to perform that action. The same applies to the genteel automated transmission, which dispatches shifts well, but doesnt throw much emotional heat. Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side, How the driver-side small overlap front test is conducted, Tested vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz crew cab 4wd. However, the Santa Cruz has one ace in the hole that were sure has Blue Oval engineers smacking their foreheads. If you can find either one of them, it's definitely worth checking out both to see which might be a better alt-SUV for you. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2022? A vehicle's verdict is relative only to its own segment and not the new-vehicle market as a whole. It also makes it less robust for off-roading and towing (even if its ground clearance and 5,000-pound max are better than the average crossover), while its diminutive size can best be seen in its small 4.3-foot bed length. Think of it as an alternative to compact SUVs, which swaps in a pickup bed in place of the usual cargo area. Broadcast-standard video, remote interviews and media info, An educational resource for students and teachers. If those features sound familiar, thats because we first encountered them in our time with the Ford Maverick, whose bed is 2 inches longer. Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an entirely different type of vehicle. It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only. Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s). A squad of four adults could get comfortable if the front-seat occupants are willing to skootch forward a bit, but if not, rear-seaters should get accustomed to their knees brushing those seatback map pockets. Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available on this vehicle. When it does, the Hyundai's 19 city/27 highway rating will have some very compelling competition. Meanwhile, all-wheel drive and the 2.5-liter turbo engine are standard on the SEL Premium ($35,680) and Limited ($39,720). The mid-level SEL adds blind-spot monitoring, a power drivers seat, and other goodies for $27,190. As such, our praise and condemnation for the Tucsons interior carry over almost unscathed. Performance is appropriate to the Santa Cruzs mission as a commuter pickup, but the numbers had us expecting a little more sizzle (and excited for the prospect of an N or N-Line model). The pickups hidden-LED front end treatment is similar, but a higher hood and blockier fenders subconsciously mark it as the more rugged offering. Get upfront price offers on local inventory. Even in its priciest form, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz left us with a newfound appetite for small pickups. This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz had us won over within a few miles of setting off in the morning, and that appreciation only grew over the course of our day with the trucklet. High beams On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. Instead of those engineering-heavy solutions, the automaker instead demands that owners drop the tailgate if they want to haul longer cargo like lumber or dirt bikes. Ratings are given for 2 different trim variations available on this vehicle. And the touch-sensitive volume sliders and climate control buttons are impossible to use without looking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers and safety professionals. An under-bed trunk provides waterproof, locking storage for a duffel bag or a few backpacks, and it has drain plugs that allow it to serve as a cooler fill it with ice, then just let it melt out. That means it's lighter, more agile and more efficient in terms of both fuel consumption and interior space. The Hyundai also offers an integrated tonneau cover thats factory-installed, while the Mavericks is a dealer accessory instead. A smooth, quiet ride is another byproduct of the robust platform, allowing the suspension to provide comfort without sacrificing body control or handling. In the 25 mph IIHS test, this vehicle avoided a collision. The Santa Cruz interior has a more premium look and feel than average for a compact crossover, owing to the fact everything forward of the B-pillar is shared with the impressive new Hyundai Tucson. In the 12 mph IIHS test, this vehicle avoided a collision. Whatever the outcome of that particular matchup, the Santa Cruz is an exemplar of adventuring versatility and everyday usability, and the whole truck market should take notice. Count us in the first camp; we never got tired of admiring the little trucks curves and edges. Except for needing slightly more space when parallel-parking, the Santa Cruz felt very similar to the Tucson one of our favorite crossovers on the market right now with accurate steering and a light-on-its-feet nimbleness heretofore unseen among pickups.

Its also reasonably efficient, achieving at least 23 miles per gallon combined in EPA testing getting that number in an currently available pickup would require sacrificing four-wheel drive or resorting to a pricey diesel engine, though the Maverick is coming soon and will offer up to 40 mpg. Verdict updated following seven-day loan. And free is good, right? Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Hyundai also missed an opportunity to dial in some utility via a Toyota Tundrastyle roll-down rear window or a folding bulkhead a la Chevrolet Avalanche. Please follow the instructions below to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Nowhere is the Hyundai Santa Cruzs shared Tucson lineage more obvious than in the cabin, with a waterfall-style center stack rendered in fingerprint-prone glossy black plastic. This body style definitely has potential. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, the first pickup in Hyundai's lineup, was introduced for the 2022 model year. In this setting, the dont-call-it-a-truck does very well. Improving matters more is a front cabin thats spacious and comfortable. You must have JavaScript enabled to experience the new Autoblog. Based on a beefed-up version of the Hyundai Tucsons platform, the Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches from bumper to bumper, nearly 15 inches shorter than the new Nissan Frontier and exactly 4 inches shorter than the Ford Maverick. Others range from Basic to Superior. At the same time, its clever available cargo cover that rolls back like a garage door maintains the sort of security and all-weather protection provided by an SUV. While the Santa Cruzs bed is undoubtedly rather small, it makes exceptional use of that space, and Hyundai says it can accommodate a 250cc motorcycle or two mountain bikes with the tonneau removed. Many folks might be better served by the Santa Cruz over a similarly priced crossover given its added cargo versatility as long as theyre willing to miss out on some backseat space. The Santa Cruz isnt a hot hatch, but it drives with more authority on a winding road than any other vehicle with a cargo box on the market. Ratings are given for 2 different systems available on this vehicle. When discussing the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, the automaker is very careful not to call it a truck outright, preferring the term Sport Activity Vehicle instead. However, the Santa Cruz merely offers better-than-average performance. Tidy proportions were yet another boon in our commute-imitating drive loop. We get it. The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well. Ads can be annoying. However, the pickup does get a traditional shifter with a manual gate instead of push-button transmission controls. Luckily, there are a number of neat tricks on the back of the Santa Cruz to make those jobs easier. Vehicle Imagery licensed from EVOX Images, 2021 Honda Ridgeline Camping Test: Great Truck For The Great Outdoors, Ford Bronco Sport Badlands Vs. Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Comparison: Brute Utes, our comparison of the Tucson and Nissan Rogue. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz conducted by Hyundai/Kia as part of frontal crash test verification. And thanks for reading Autoblog. Really, it's best to view the Santa Cruz as an alternative to compact crossover SUVs rather than midsize pickups. A warning was issued 1.9 seconds before impact. Standard heating and ventilation on the top trim adds to the appeal, particularly for those whose outdoor activities find them in extreme climates. This rating applies to 2022 models of the following trim lines: Limited trim, This rating applies to 2022 models of the following trim lines: SE trim, SEL trim, SEL Premium trim. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

Tested vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Tucson SE 4-door 4wd. There are notches in the composite bed that can host 2x4 or 2x6 pieces of wood, allowing owners to create their own tiered storage solutions. In the 37 mph IIHS test, impact speed was reduced by 36 mph. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone. Alas, rear-seat passengers get the short shrift almost literally. The Santa Cruz also marks the return of the truly compact pickup to the US market. A torque plateau between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm offers plenty of grunt for a right turn into traffic or a freeway merge. At 4-foot-4, the cargo box is definitely short, limiting its usefulness. The Ford Maverick is similarly a compact crossover pickup and there are certainly similarities because of that, but the two execute that general concept in vastly different ways. Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side, How the passenger-side small overlap front test is conducted, Tested vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE crew cab 4wd. The headlight nacelles and lower air intake are also squared off on the Santa Cruz, and the round wheel arches get plastic cladding that angles in, not out unusual for a truck. In the 12 mph IIHS test, this vehicle nearly avoided a collision. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shares and supports this mission through scientific studies of insurance data representing the human and economic losses resulting from the ownership and operation of different types of vehicles and by publishing insurance loss results by vehicle make and model. Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test. Unfortunately, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the 8.0-inch display but inexplicably unavailable with the larger screen, which requires a wired connection. Generally though, the Santa Cruz is an easy vehicle to operate. The seat bottoms are a bit thin on support (as we noted in our comparison of the Tucson and Nissan Rogue), but otherwise, the front seats of the Santa Cruz Limited adjust to a variety of frames thanks to eight-way power adjustability and four-way lumbar support.

The Maverick comes standard as a hybrid, is considerably cheaper and although its interior is highly functional and characterful, it's also of a much lower-quality than the near-lux Santa Cruz. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual left and both right curves and fair on the sharp left curve. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz conducted by Hyundai/Kia as part of side crash test verification. In other words, it's a crossover pickup. As for the tech, Hyundai's infotainment systems, whether the standard 8-inch unit or the 10.25 widescreen one shown below, . Select the option to run ads for autoblog.com, by clicking either "turn off for this site", "don't run on pages on this domain", "allow this site" or similar. That could make it more useful for certain buyers. You still haven't turned off your adblocker or allowed our site. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, the first pickup in Hyundai's lineup, was introduced for the 2022 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2022 Santa Cruz conducted by Hyundai/Kia as part of frontal crash test verification. While it's relatively thrifty, Hyundai also claims the Santa Cruz can really tow and haul. Low beams On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests. High beams On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. Thanks for that. Thats because Hyundai would rather compare the funky little pickup with the likes of the Subaru Forester than the Nissan Frontier, with crossover-like drivability and fuel economy to go along with its miniature cargo box and techno-chic styling. The automaker also brags that a pair of snowboards and related gear will fit in the box with the tonneau in place, leaving your stuff snow-free until its time to ride perfect for the weekend adventurer. Low beams On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. High-class cabin, exceptional tech and surprisingly fun to drive. Ratings apply to the Hyundai Tucson (tested) and the structurally similar all new 2022 Santa Cruz.

Little notches right above the wheel wells feature a cute little Santa Cruz silhouette that also appears on the bumper step and bed rails. Bumps do little to upset the chassis, which feels stiff, sturdy, and up to the task of those aforementioned capability numbers. Both organizations are wholly supported by these auto insurers and insurance associations. But in spite of an output that shames the sporty Veloster N, this trucklet never feels very frenetic, serving up power in easy-to-digest doses. Of course, it's only just gained a competitor, and it's even more in demand. Information from the digital gauges is easy to scrutinize as well. That trim gets a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft, as well as standard forward collision monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and wireless smartphone integration. Triangular bodyside surfacing is a clear callback to the Elantra, giving the Santa Cruz a personality all its own. This Is The Last Chance To Win This Custom "T-Rex" Ram TRX Plus $25,000, 2023 Honda Civic Type R Debuts As Most Powerful Model Ever For US Market, Ford Could Cut 8,000 Jobs By The End Of Summer: Report. High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and on both left curves. How the head restraint & seat test is conductedCurrently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats. You may order presentation ready copies to distribute to your colleagues, customers, or clients, by visiting https://www.parsintl.com/publication/autoblog/.

The company says its able to tug a compact travel trailer with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, and its 660-pound bed rating is enough for about 30 bags of mulch, both well within the parameters of what most pickup customers haul around on a regular basis. Its open bed, despite being small for a pickup, is still far longer than an SUV's cargo area and obviously offers infinite height. In the Limited trim, the leather upholstery, extra-mile luxury features like ventilated seats and heated steering wheel, widescreen infotainment system and fancy-looking capacitive touch controls step things up even further. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, the first pickup in Hyundai's lineup, was introduced for the 2022 model year. 1996-2022, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, 501(c)(3) organizations | Copyright information and privacy policy. Speaking of price, the Hyundai pickup starts at $23,990 (plus $1,185 destination) in SE form with front-wheel drive. Award applies only to vehicles with specific headlights. Ditto the un-trucklike C-pillar that blends into commendably low bed rails, which make reaching into the cargo box very easy. no other hardware could be confused for anchor, Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle, Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-pedestrian, these auto insurers and insurance associations, Background cabin sound pressure level at 24 km/h, Audible signal sound pressure level at 24 km/h, Background cabin sound pressure level at 40 km/h, Audible signal sound pressure level at 40 km/h. It only takes a few seconds. This gives the Santa Cruz a leg up on the Ford Maverick and justifies, at least to some extent, its higher price. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 proposition on either. For more on how Motor1.com rates cars, click here. How the moderate overlap front test is conducted, Tested vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL crew cab 4wd. This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware. The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury. On curves, visibility was good on the sharp left and both right curves and inadequate on the gradual left curve. If you'd be so kind as to allow our site, we promise to keep bringing you great content. Rather than a truck's usual body-on-frame setup, it has a car-like unibody. Tested vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL crew cab 4-door 4wd. The driver's space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low. Our top-dog testers only options were $400 Sage Gray paint and $185 floor mats, bringing the total to a pretty gasping $41,500, uncomfortably close to the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and more than the Taco TRD Off-Road.

Our Limited HTRAC tester came with all-wheel drive and a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four, pushing a healthy 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The swooping dash design is also common between the two, as are a standard 8.0-inch or optional 10.3-inch infotainment display, available 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and capacitive-touch climate controls and audio buttons. It all sounds like the perfect recipe for turbo-whistling, sideways-sliding, rally-style hilarity. Optioned with a bit more restraint, a $38,000 SEL Premium would be a better buy, and a $28,000 SE with all-wheel drive should be a no-brainer to shoppers whod otherwise be stuck in a boring crossover with limited versatility. 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross Review: Whats In A Name? No, its not much of an off-roader, and no, it cant tow a pleasure yacht. Unfortunately, we didnt get the chance to sample the Santa Cruzs towing or payload numbers, spending our day behind the wheel using it as most consumers will driving nearly unladen through narrow city lanes and wide-open highway traffic. For starters, the tailgate itself can lock into a partially up position, aligning with the tops of the wheelhouses so that 4x8 sheets of plywood lie perfectly flat (though they extend out the back by about 3 feet). Not only is it a compact pickup, measuring far smaller than the Toyota Tacomas of the world, it's of a totally different construction. On the plus side, the infotainment is responsive and simple to use, with intuitively stacked menus and a short learning curve. Ford Escape Active Spied Revealing Uncamouflaged Body, Hurry! A warning was issued 1.9 seconds before impact. Part of that comes down to global supply shortages, but the Santa Cruz is at least good enough to warrant the interest. A drop down menu will appear. Instead, it offers excellent road manners and computer-indicated fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon in hilly driving, with clever storage solutions that make the most of its city-friendly proportions. The Santa Cruz is an all-new model.

The Santa Cruz is already for sale, but demand has been very strong, so you may struggle to find one on a dealer lot (or at least one without a hefty dealer markup). In the 37 mph IIHS test, impact speed was reduced by 34 mph. The exact text will differ depending on the actual application you have running. Two small bins, one on each side of the bed, are great for tie-downs and other small items, and the SEL Premium and Limited trims add a 115-volt outlet in the passenger-side cubby for camp- or worksite appliances. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, the first pickup in Hyundai's lineup, was introduced for the 2022 model year. To Hyundais credit, the rear backrest is set at a much more comfortable angle than that of the larger Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma, but theres not much space for this 6-foot author to sit behind himself, as it were. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz takes clear design inspiration from the Tucson, but the two share precious few visible parts. High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway, on both left curves and on the gradual right curve. Click on the icon for your Adblocker in your browser. LED taillight accents stretch almost all the way across the tailgate, which imparts more visual width than boxier truck designs according to Hyundai. This page is for personal, non-commercial use. We cant wait to see how it stacks up against the similarly sized, 40-mpg-estimated Ford Maverick Hybrid FWD or 250-hp Maverick EcoBoost AWD. Still, we couldnt help but appreciate the pickups excellent road manners, even over rough and uneven pavement. What are the Santa Cruz interior and in-car technology like? Indeed, the Santa Cruz is unlike any other pickup ever sold, with styling that onlookers will either love or hate. Were going to get the obvious complaints about the party end of the 2022 Santa Cruz out of the way now. While the Tucson offers surprisingly good legroom, the Santa Cruz isnt nearly as spacious back there.