Again in April, Hyundai launched the Santa Cruz, a Tucson-based unibody pickup truck. Since then, we’ve seen a couple of walkarounds in a studio setting, however now, the real-world evaluations have arrived.

The Santa Cruz is obtainable with a selection between naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants of the identical 2.5L inline-four. The naturally aspirated model makes 191 hp (194 PS / 142 kW) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, whereas the turbocharged model makes 281 hp (285 PS / 210 kW) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque.

Learn Extra: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Half Tucson SUV, Half Small Pickup Truck

FWD is customary with AWD as an choice, however all Santa Cruz fashions ship their energy to the wheels by way of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Relying on trim, you possibly can haul as much as 1,500 lb (680 kg) and tow as much as 5,000 lb (2,268 kg). As for pricing, after vacation spot costs, it ranges from $25,175 for the bottom SE with FWD and the naturally aspirated engine all the way in which as much as $41,500 for the range-topping Restricted with AWD and the turbocharged engine.

The final consensus throughout all of the evaluations appears to be that the Santa Cruz is the proper truck for non-truck individuals. It’s for individuals who like their SUV, but additionally need an open mattress. One factor that was identified in nearly each evaluation was that due to its unibody platform, not solely does it drive like a automotive, however a well-sorted one at that.

Lastly, one other factor touched on in fairly a couple of of the evaluations is that this truck should be careful for the Ford Maverick, which gives comparable capabilities at a comparable (and in some instances decrease) value level.