When is a truck, not a truck? When it’s the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. That’s not an insult as the corporate calls the mannequin a “sport journey automobile” and refers to it as a “life-style crossover with an open mattress.”

Regardless of the linguistic gymnastics, the Santa Cruz is by all intents and functions a pickup. Nonetheless, it’s a lot greater than a truck because it’s Hyundai’s first North American particular automobile in addition to one which was designed, engineered and in-built the USA.

Hyundai Santa Cruz idea

It’s additionally been a very long time coming because the Santa Cruz idea initially debuted on the 2015 North American Worldwide Auto Present. It was an immediate hit, however the truck had an extended highway to manufacturing because it wasn’t possible till Hyundai redesigned the Tucson and began constructing it in Montgomery, Alabama.

Fortunately, the wait appears to have been price it because the Santa Cruz options an eye catching design, an upscale inside and the driving dynamics of a crossover. It’s a real phase bender and one that can probably appeal to loads of consideration.

Designed To Stand Out

Most conventional pickups have a somewhat boring design, however the identical can’t be mentioned in regards to the Santa Cruz because it boasts an angular and edgy aesthetic. The design instantly stands out, though it’s not as refined and chic as the unique Santa Cruz idea.

One other notable change is that the Santa Cruz is now a crew cab pickup with 4 correct doorways. This was undoubtedly a good move because it makes the mannequin much more sensible and interesting to prospects.

Sticking with the design, the truck incorporates a daring grille with signature lights which can be solely seen when illuminated. They’re joined by halogen or LED headlights in addition to commonplace LED daytime operating lights.

Different notable options embrace 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels, commonplace privateness glass and an acoustic laminated windshield. Clients also can get an influence moonroof and a sliding rear window. The latter helps for hauling longer gadgets, however the opening is fairly small.

Since discuss in regards to the exterior wouldn’t be full with out mentioning dimensions, we’ll remind you the Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches (4,971 mm) lengthy, 75 inches (1,905 mm) broad and 66.7 inches (1,694 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 118.3 inches (3,005 mm). To place these numbers into perspective, the Santa Cruz is 16.5 inches (419 mm) shorter, 0.2 inches (5 mm) narrower and 4 inches (102 mm) decrease than the Toyota Tacoma with a wheelbase that’s 9.1 inches (231 mm) smaller.

That being mentioned, the Santa Cruz’s hardest competitors will come from the upcoming Ford Maverick. The 2 vans are equally sized, however the Hyundai is 4 inches (102 mm) shorter and a pair of.4 inches (61 mm) wider than the Blue Oval’s entry-level pickup. The Santa Cruz can also be 2 inches (51 mm) decrease and has a 2.8 inch (71 mm) smaller wheelbase.

A Bedtime Story

Probably the most notable factor in regards to the Santa Cruz is its sheet molded composite mattress, which measures 52.1 inches (1,323 mm) lengthy at its base. That’s considerably shorter than conventional mid-size vans, however roughly on par with the Maverick.

Whereas the small dimension limits the mattress’s practicality, the mannequin has an adjustable tailgate that aligns with the rear wheel wells to allow house owners to haul 4’ x 8’ sheets of plywood. Talking of the tailgate, it’s dampened by a gasoline strut and may be opened manually or by way of the important thing fob.

One of many extra attention-grabbing issues in regards to the Santa Cruz is that it presents an built-in tonneau cowl, which comes commonplace on the SEL Premium and Restricted. It’s an OEM design, which options prime quality building and a flush look.

Moreover wanting good, it’s lockable and appears fairly safe when closed. Whereas it most likely wouldn’t cease a decided thief, it retains the sincere individuals sincere whereas additionally serving as a deterrent to these with extra questionable morals. Alternatively, the duvet may be a pleasant addition, however its mechanism takes up a very good little bit of room within the mattress. It may be eliminated, though the method appears a bit concerned.

Getting again to the mattress, it options aspect storage bins and an underfloor cargo space. The latter is lockable and options drain plugs, so you’ll be able to throw moist gadgets in there or use it as a cooler at your subsequent bonfire.

Increased-end variants have a hidden 115V energy outlet within the mattress, whereas all fashions have D-rings and an adjustable rail system with cleats for securing cargo. The molded mattress additionally guarantees to be dent and scratch proof, whereas entry is improved by an built-in rear bumper with aspect steps. Final however not least, there are as much as three LED lights that enable you see what’s within the mattress at evening.

A Crossover-Like Cabin

Whereas the Santa Cruz is unmistakably a pickup, you’d be arduous pressed to inform by wanting on the inside because it largely carries over from the Tucson. As you’ll be able to see, the cabin options an upscale design that simply outclasses conventional pickups such because the Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Ranger.

That’s very true within the range-topping Restricted trim, which embarrasses the GMC Canyon Denali with a greater design, trendy know-how and extra high-end options. Talking of the latter, the truck has heated and ventilated leather-based entrance seats with 8-way energy adjustment on the motive force’s aspect.

Those that go for the Restricted trim may also discover a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an identical 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation in addition to visitors data. Different highlights embrace a heated leather-based steering wheel, a wi-fi smartphone charger, capacitive-touch controls and a Bose premium audio system. They’re joined by a dual-zone automated local weather management system, digital key know-how, and a proximity key with distant engine begin.

On high of that, there’s an alphabet soup of driver help techniques together with Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Help and Rear Cross-Site visitors Collision Avoidance Help. Different highlights embrace a Encompass View Monitor, Lane Conserving Help, Lane Following Help, Excessive Beam Help, Protected Exit Warning and Navigation-Primarily based Good Cruise Management with Curve Management.

Nonetheless, essentially the most notable options are Blind-Spot View Monitor and Freeway Driving Help. The previous reveals a stay video feed of what’s in your blind spot everytime you use your flip sign. It’s a kind of options that’s merely good and I want it might present up on extra fashions.

The opposite large information is Freeway Driving Help, which is a semi-autonomous driving system that makes touring on the freeway extra enjoyable. It combines adaptive cruise management with a lane centering operate, so all you have to do is calmly maintain the steering wheel and take note of the highway forward. As in different Hyundai Motor Group autos, the system works nicely and didn’t have any issues preserving the truck centered in its lane even in curves.

Placing the know-how apart, it’s straightforward to get snug within the Santa Cruz because the mannequin options supportive entrance seats with loads of head and legroom. Regardless of the truck’s compact dimensions, the rear seats promise to be fairly accommodating as there’s 36.5 inches (927 mm) of legroom. Nonetheless, knee room is tight for adults and the entrance seat backs are coated in arduous plastic. That being mentioned, you’ll be able to simply unfold your legs and get snug.

Talking of the rear seats, the underside cushions flip as much as reveal a hidden storage compartment. Rear seat passengers may also discover cup holders on the door panels in addition to USB ports and air vents on higher-end variants.

Total, the cabin feels extra like a crossover than a pickup. Whereas there may be plenty of arduous plastic, it’s properly grained and has a premium look. Consumers may also discover gloss black trim and metallic accents, which assist to spruce issues up.

Two Engines Together with A Turbo

Beneath the hood, there are two totally different engines together with an entry-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque. It’s linked to an eight-speed automated transmission, which may energy both the entrance or all 4 wheels.

Whereas we didn’t have the chance to check the bottom engine, most consumers will probably wish to improve to the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 281 hp (210 kW / 285 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to a superb eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and this setup provides the Santa Cruz easy acceleration.

It’s additionally price mentioning the turbocharged engine outshines the elective 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder within the Maverick. That engine produces 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 277 lb-ft (376 Nm) of torque, which is 31 hp (23 kW / 31 PS) and 34 lb-ft (46 Nm) lower than the Hyundai. Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice the Maverick is a whole lot of kilos lighter.

Talking of the turbocharged engine, it has an additional advantage moreover improved efficiency. Particularly, it permits the Santa Cruz to tow as much as 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when geared up with all-wheel drive. That’s 1,500 lbs (680 kg) greater than the usual engine and 1,000 lbs (454 kg) greater than the mightiest Maverick with the tow package deal.

Hyundai engineers paid particular consideration to towing as they examined the Santa Cruz in excessive temperatures, in excessive elevations and even in overloaded situation. Additionally they used the truck to tow all the pieces from campers to trailers to boats, so it might probably deal with just about all the pieces that house owners throw at it.

Getting again to the all-wheel drive system, it permits for all-weather traction in addition to mild off-roading. It actively distributes torque between the entrance and rear axles, relying on circumstances. It’s additionally price noting that placing the truck into Sport mode will ship extra torque on the rear to permit for a sportier and extra dynamic driving expertise.

Talking of off-road functionality, the Santa Cruz has 8.6 inches (218 mm) of floor clearance in addition to strategy, departure and breakover angles of 17.5˚, 23.2˚ and 18.6˚ respectively. These numbers aren’t something to jot down dwelling about, however keep in mind that it’s a life-style automobile and never a hardcore off-roader.

When it comes to gasoline effectivity, the entry-level engine returns 21 mpg metropolis, 26 mpg freeway and 23 mpg mixed with front-wheel drive. Apparently, including all-wheel drive truly improves consumption a bit because the mannequin will get 27 mpg freeway, whereas town and mixed scores stay unchanged.

In fact, most individuals will need the turbocharged engine and fortunately it doesn’t have a lot of a penalty on the pump. Whereas the front-wheel drive variant gained’t arrive till early subsequent 12 months, the all-wheel drive mannequin has an EPA ranking of 19 mpg metropolis, 27 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed. That’s solely 2 mpg much less metropolis and 1 mpg much less mixed than the naturally aspirated mannequin with all-wheel drive.

It Appears Like A Truck, However Definitely Doesn’t Drive Like One

Whereas conventional vans are body-on-frame, the Santa Cruz options unibody building and this pays large dividends when it comes to trip high quality and driving dynamics. The mannequin additionally sports activities a MacPherson strut entrance suspension with coil springs in addition to a multi-link self-leveling rear suspension.

This setup permits the Santa Cruz to have a superb trip high quality that’s on par with crossovers. That is very true on the freeway, the place it doesn’t really feel such as you’re driving a truck in any respect. Because of a snug trip and Freeway Driving Help, the Santa Cruz would make for an awesome lengthy distance journey companion.

Issues aren’t fairly as good off the freeway as there may be physique roll throughout cornering and a few slight jostling. In fact, that is comparatively minor and to a far much less diploma than in conventional pickups.

Dealing with can also be crossover-like, however not fairly pretty much as good. Nonetheless, it’s spectacular for a pickup and the mannequin feels steady until you actually push it.

Because of the truck’s small dimensions, the Santa Cruz is fairly maneuverable even in tight parking heaps. Extra particularly, it has a turning circle of 39.6 ft (12.1 meters), which is a foot (30 cm) lower than one of the best Toyota Tacoma and practically 3 ft (91 cm) higher than the Ranger. It’s additionally barely lower than the Maverick’s ranking of 40 ft (12.2 meters).

One other plus is the steering, which is responsive and properly weighted. It’s additionally price mentioning Sport mode provides heft, though Regular is completely superb and Good will regulate between modes for you.

Lastly, there’s the braking system which options 12.8 inch (325 mm) discs in any respect 4 corners. They’re able to the duty at hand, however didn’t appear overly exceptional.

Pricing Begins At $23,990

Whereas we’ve already coated pricing in a earlier publish, we’ll remind you the Santa Cruz begins at $23,990 earlier than a $1,225 vacation spot cost.

The entry-level SE variant comes modestly geared up, however options 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privateness glass, and a composite mattress with hidden storage compartments in addition to tie downs. Consumers may also discover air con, energy home windows / locks, a 4.2-inch multi-information show and an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Different niceties embrace a distant keyless entry system and a rearview digicam with dynamic tips.

The mannequin additionally comes geared up with driver help techniques corresponding to Ahead Collision Avoidance-Help with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Conserving Help, Lane Comply with Help and Excessive Beam Help.

Shifting up the trim ladder is the $27,190 Santa Cruz SEL. It provides an 8-way energy driver seat, heated entrance seats and Blue Hyperlink connectivity. Different highlights embrace a proximity key, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Help and Rear Cross Site visitors Collision-Avoidance Help.

Entrance-wheel drive comes commonplace on each the SE and SEL, however all-wheel drive is on the market for an extra $1,500.

Persevering with upwards is the $35,680 SEL Premium with all-wheel drive. It incorporates a turbocharged engine in addition to LED headlights, body-color door handles and digital key know-how. Extra importantly, there are a variety of upgrades for the mattress together with the built-in tonneau cowl, two extra lights and a 115V energy outlet.

These options are joined by a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a dual-zone automated local weather management system and a wi-fi smartphone charger. There’s additionally a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.

That brings us to our Restricted AWD tester, which begins at $39,720. It incorporates a barely revised exterior with darkish chrome accents, rain-sensing wipers and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there are 10.25-inch shows, a heated steering wheel and heated / ventilated entrance seats.

The range-topper boasts voice recognition know-how, an ambient lighting system and a Bose premium audio system. There are additionally extra security options together with Good Cruise Management with Cease/Begin, Freeway Driving Help, Clever Velocity Restrict Help and a Encompass View Monitor.

Extra Than Sufficient Truck For Most Individuals

I’m a sucker for unusual statistics and one which struck me not too long ago was many truck house owners solely use their mattress a couple of instances a 12 months. That most likely shouldn’t be shocking as most owners solely want it for choosing up furnishings or making a run to House Depot.

If you happen to solely want a truck mattress once in a while, why not get a automobile that incorporates a snug trip, a high-tech inside and good driving dynamics? When you concentrate on it that means, the Santa Cruz makes plenty of sense and is undeniably interesting because it excels in areas the place conventional pickups fall brief. It’s additionally price noting that it has a decent towing capability and a formidable turbocharged engine.

Whereas there are some tradeoffs, the Santa Cruz is an effective mixture of crossover and truck. It gained’t swimsuit everybody, but it surely’s not attempting to and that’s why Hyundai avoids calling it a pickup.

As you’ve most likely observed, we’ve talked about the Maverick so much on this assessment and it’s undeniably the elephant within the room as Ford has already acquired over 100,000 reservations. That’s a formidable quantity and it reveals there’s plenty of enthusiasm for compact pickups. Whereas we gained’t be driving the Maverick till later this 12 months, reservation holders would possibly wish to mosey right down to their native Hyundai supplier and take a look at the Santa Cruz whereas they wait.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops