Billed as a “sport adventure vehicle,” the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz opens a new chapter for the Korean automaker here in America. It’s the first time Hyundai has built a truck for the U.S. market, and this one comes together at the Hyundai Motors factory outside Montgomery, Alabama.
The 2022 Santa Cruz is a vehicle that combines the attitude of a compact SUV, car-like handling, and the open-bed capabilities of a small truck. It rides on a wider, longer platform it shares with the Hyundai Tucson SUV. We think it’s more accurate to call it a compact crossover with a bed.
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Loaded with choices
The Santa Cruz features plenty of choices, starting with two engines. Standard is the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 engine making 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to higher trims gains a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 making 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The Santa Cruz comes in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), which carries a $1,500 premium. There are four main trims: base SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited. SEL Premium and Limited models come standard with the turbo engine and AWD.
The base Santa Cruz starts at $23,990, plus destination charge. Designed for five passengers, it includes the 2.5-liter inline-4 and an 8-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic and FWD. There is a standard 8-inch color touchscreen display audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Its 4.3-foot composite molded bed has a payload capacity of 1,748 pounds. As equipped, this Hyundai has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD
At the other end of the spectrum, the Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD costs $39,720 and is loaded with features. It includes the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, standard HTRAC AWD, an 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, and all the creature comforts one could desire. Among the amenities are a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, ventilated and heated leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bose premium audio, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited model lines up with these features:
- Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD (not including destination): $39,720
- 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 engine
- HTRAC Hyundai Traction all-wheel drive
- 5,000-pound towing capacity
- 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation and Bose Premium Audio
- 4.3-foot composite bed with a 1,748-pound payload
- Available Activity package for $3,270
Here’s a look at some of the included content:
Hyundai 2.5-liter Turbo Inline-4 Engine
The more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 produces 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque between 1,700-4,000 rpm. It’s matched to an 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with paddle-shift levers. This engine combination enables towing up to 5,000 pounds and produces a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds.
HTRAC All-Wheel Drive
The Hyundai Traction (HTRAC) all-wheel-drive system gives Santa Cruz much of its off-road capabilities. The HTRAC system allows the rear wheels to receive up to 50% of the drive torque, as needed, through its lockable center differential. The Santa Cruz HTRAC AWD models receive a load-leveling shock absorber system to equalize the rear suspension when the pickup bed is carrying a load.
10.25-inch Touchscreen with Navigation and Bose Premium Audio
The topline Santa Cruz also includes a 10.25-inch high-definition touchscreen display, which controls infotainment functions and the navigation system. Also included is a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer.
The top model also comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car app, and more. Blue Link can send monthly reports on your vehicle’s health, and automatic crash notification to first responders in case of an accident.
Safety Features
The Santa Cruz will include a driver attention warning, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. These SmartSense safety features can be enhanced by adding available safety features like Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance, safe exit assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, a surround-view monitor, and rear collision avoidance system.
Secure Storage
In addition to its bed, the Santa Cruz offers ample additional secure storage beneath the bed and in a bin beneath the rear bench seat. That split-folding rear seat has room for up to three passengers and an integrated fold-down center armrest.
More Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD
Read our full review or build and price your own Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD. If you’re ready to take the next step, find the perfect Hyundai Santa Cruz model on sale near you.
