Hyundai teased the Santa Cruz just a few years in the past as a fast-paced, good-times-ready tiny truck. Whereas the idea was edgy and clearly unrealistic for the actual world, it set the tone for the manufacturing Santa Cruz that will observe. This manufacturing model delivers on the promise of enjoyable, good design, and magnificence.
Compact vehicles are making a comeback. Many People will fondly keep in mind the Subaru Baja with its bed-mounted rear seats and the enjoyable beach-going instances related to that little rig. Security guidelines meant that little truck was doomed, nonetheless, however we could also be set for a resurgence of car-based compact pickups. Though Ford is the one conventional truck maker to have entered the car-based truck (aka “ute”) area, we anticipate different makes to become involved because the phase grows. To date, the Santa Cruz is essentially the most enjoyable of the choices obtainable.
At a Look
- Huge variations between customary and turbocharged fashions
- Extraordinarily succesful for a compact pickup truck
- Good inside, however again seating is cramped
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz depends closely on the Santa Fe crossover mannequin for elements and inspiration, however diverges from it in a number of key methods. Thus the little pickup can’t be precisely described as a “chopped off Santa Fe.” The best and most evident distinction is in bodywork design. The place the Santa Fe has an arrow-point motif in its facet panels, the Santa Cruz has straighter traces with a extra ahead tempo to its look. Different modifications to accommodate the truck mattress and capabilities of the Santa Cruz are additionally current, however are extra beneath the pores and skin.
There are two engines obtainable, relying on the packaging chosen for the truck. These engines are key to the remainder of the Hyundai’s capabilities, so let's begin there. The bottom engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower (142.5 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245.4 Nm) of torque. It runs to an eight-speed computerized transmission in front-wheel drive (FWD), with an all-wheel drive (AWD) possibility. This engine is discovered within the first two of the 4 trim packages obtainable for the Santa Cruz.
The higher two trim ranges have a turbocharged model of the two.5L that outputs 281 hp (209.5 kW) and 311 lb-ft (421.7 Nm). On this package deal, AWD is customary, whereas the transmission stays the identical however with retuning for the upgraded energy output.
Engine selection straight impacts towing functionality, drive high quality, and package deal inclusions. The usual engine provides the truck a tow score of as much as 3,000 lb (1,360.7 kg) and the turbocharged engine has a tow score of as much as 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). It’s notable, nonetheless, that the tow packages for the Santa Cruz don't embody a trailer brake controller, however do add transmission cooling and different upgrades to deal with the added pressure on the drivetrain. We be aware that this towing capability is best than the Ford Maverick and equal to the bigger Honda Ridgeline.
To go along with towing, after all, is hauling functionality. The quantity of cargo the Santa Cruz can carry additionally takes under consideration the utmost tongue weight it may well take from an connected trailer. The Santa Cruz has a surprisingly good hauling functionality, rated at as much as 1,906 lb (864.5 kg). That's higher than the bigger Honda Ridgeline, which might deal with 1,530 lb (694 kg). These numbers are necessary to know as a 5,000-lb trailer might doubtlessly be placing 1,700 lb of weight onto the again of the truck. To not point out almost anybody pulling a trailer of stuff might be additionally filling the truck mattress with extra stuff.
The opposite benefit of the turbocharged engine possibility for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the way in which it drives. It feels virtually punchy, however not overpowered or an excessive amount of on the sporty facet. It’s assured and fast. It additionally provides a stage of stability because of the AWD system that it comes with. Gas financial system is sweet as properly, with the rated 22 mpg (10.7 l/100km) mixed being an attention-grabbing lowball for the truck. We achieved 29 mpg (8.1 l/100km) on the freeway fairly simply and had an general mpg common of 24 mpg (9.8 l/100km) in all.
Inside, there is a comfy entrance seating space with loads of headroom, shoulder room, and legroom. Controls are simply recognized and the infotainment system is properly finished. Many of the applied sciences current in different Hyundai autos are both customary or obtainable within the Santa Cruz – together with the helpful blind spot digicam within the dashboard when the flip sign is activated, and most collision mitigation methods.
The rear seats are, nonetheless, the place the compact within the compact truck’s moniker turns into noticeable. They're flat, a bit cramped, and never terribly comfy. For small folks on quick stints, they're effective, however they shouldn’t be thought of an everyday use merchandise. That mentioned, there are some helpful storage choices included, equivalent to lifting rear seats, added seat pockets, and within the higher trims, extra USB plugs. Below the cargo mattress is a small, lockable storage bin for additional objects and an built-in tonneau cowl can be obtainable.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a beginning value of about US$24,400, which is greater than the bottom mannequin Ford Maverick. However our take a look at mannequin, which was in direction of the highest finish of the Santa Cruz line, was priced close to $40,000 and was cost-equivalent to a similarly-outfitted Maverick.
All in all, the Santa Cruz provides type, functionality, and enjoyable not present in any of its rivals to this point.
Product Web page: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
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