The first-ever compact pickup truck or pickup truck from Hyundai is being offered with plenty of pride. Set to be released in 2021, Hyundai has already begun accepting reservations. Moreover, the reservations are trim-specific, with the Korean manufacturer releasing information on the four trims the 2022 Santa Cruz will be sold in.

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Since the pricing of the Hyundai Santa Cruz has not been finalized yet, it is hard to suggest a trim to buy. Nevertheless, judging by the specs, comfort, conveniences, and features on offer, the highest trim, or Limited trim, looks like a valuable purchase. Not only do you get robust mechanicals that Hyundai has claimed to be robust, but you also get plenty of technology that isn’t often found in a pickup, including a premium audio system, larger touchscreen, and blind-spot view monitor. If priced right, the Limited variant deserves a look if not an outright purchase.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is expected to offer two engine choices- a regular 2.5-liter inline-4 and a turbocharged variant of the same engine. This standard setup will pump out around 190 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Those who feel this engine may be a bit underpowered for the compact pickup also have the turbocharged inline-4 option at their disposal. This engine will be capable of a power output of 275 horses and 310 twisties. 

An 8-speed automatic gearbox by SHIFTRONIC is mated to both the engines, although the turbocharged variant comes with a wet dual-clutch setup. Power is sent to all the wheels through Hyundai’s excellent HTRAC all-wheel-drive setup. The Santa Cruz is rated at a towing capacity of 3500 pounds with the base engine, which can be extended up to 5000 pounds with the correct equipment and the turbo inline-4 engine.

Bigger rivals like the Honda Ridgeline and the Jeep Gladiator have a clear edge over the Hyundai Santa Cruz in terms of performance. Still, for a pickup its size, the base inline-4 engine seems adequate for daily purposes. However, this engine may run out of breath while towing. This is where the turbo 4-cylinder engine comes in as the savior, with its towing capacity capped at a similar figure to the Honda Ridgeline.

How does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Handle?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has the advantage over its midsize rivals like the Gladiator and the Ridgeline thanks to its compact size. Theoretically, that should mean better maneuverability in tight city roads. The pickup has a tight curb-to-curb turning radius of 20 feet, which should genuinely be a gamechanger for its segment. We will quote in further detail once we get behind the steering wheel of a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The exact fuel economy figures of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz aren’t yet disclosed either by Hyundai or the EPA. However, we expect the fuel economy figures to be in close range to most of its rivals. Until then stay tuned as we update this section with the real-world fuel economy figures once we get a hand on them.

Since the fuel economy figures aren’t released, there is no scope for comparing the compact pickup truck with other rivals. We expect the MPG numbers of the Santa Cruz to be on par with most of its rivals, as it makes the use of a four-pot with the added advantage of forced induction, which should perform more efficiently than naturally aspirated V6 engines.

Hyundai has a knack for creating attractive high-end cabins for all their vehicles even at a budget price tag. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s cabin strikes all the right notes in terms of elegance and comfort. Even in terms of interior quality, the Santa Cruz will feature top-notch material and tech that you would find in costlier vehicles. As of now, not a lot can be said about the exact interior dimensions of the Santa Cruz. 

However, we do know that this compact pickup will be a 4-door model, which may be equivalent to a passenger seating of 5. Hyundai customers are also demanding a regular cab variant, so that may also be a possibility. The front seats will be heated and ventilated, and the driver’s seat will offer 8-way power with lumbar support. Leather seating surfaces and a power sunroof can also be equipped by paying extra. In terms of rear legroom, the Santa Cruz may suffer to some extent owing to its shorter wheelbase.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz features a 4.3-foot composite-molded bed, which is the shortest bed in its segment. Cargo figures are not known yet, but we hope this bed will be deep in terms of volume. Hyundai also offers convenient features within the cargo bed like a lockable tonneau cover and an in-trunk bed. The standout interior features include:

• Leather seating surfaces
• Power sunroof
• Digital gauge cluster
• Driver’s seat with 8-way power and lumbar support

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai offers an 8-inch touchscreen or a bigger 10.25-inch one as a source of entertainment. However, the Korean brand leaves some questions to be asked by omitting physical controls for the infotainment and HVAC systems. Nevertheless, the Santa Cruz places emphasis on wireless connections, by offering wireless charging and wireless pairing for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

An 8-speaker Bose audio system is also available to play your favorite tunes on a high note. Hyundai also offers its Blue Link services free of charge for 3 years, with which the users get remote access for their truck, a bunch of apps, and Amazon Alexa. In a nutshell, the most intelligent tech onboard the Santa Cruz include:

• 10.25-inch High-resolution touchscreen
• 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
• Hyundai Digital Key
• Bose 8-speaker audios system with subwoofer
• Wireless charging

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unique mashup of a crossover, SUV, pickup truck, and an ordinary sedan when you first catch a glimpse of it. This weird yet compelling vehicle can be designated to belong to the compact pickup class. With its compact size smaller than most so-called midsize pickups on the market today, the Santa Cruz will feel right at home in the heart of the urban jungle. With its HTRAC all-wheel-drive, the Santa Cruz also offers off-roading capabilities to make the wilderness its home. 

Moreover, Hyundai has also integrated some delectable eye candies and easter eggs into the exterior. For example, the DRLs stay hidden behind the jewel-shaped grille and are only visible when they glow up. The rear taillights have a subtle embossed motto with the words ‘Designed in California’. For fun facts, the Santa Cruz’s design was born out of Hyundai’s California design studio.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz has the shortest wheelbase in the segment. In terms of length, the Santa Cruz is almost 15 inches shorter than the Ridgeline and almost 22 inches shorter than the Jeep Gladiator. This compact size may be a blessing in disguise for better handling, although the Santa Cruz may offer lesser interior space in the rear. Exterior features of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz include:

• Dark Chrome accents (Limited trim)
• LED headlight cluster integrated into the futuristic grille
• 4.3 feet long composite molded open bed
• Remote activated tailgate
• Dual C-channel roof rails with adjustable tie-down cleats
• Integrated rear bumper side-steps
• Heavy-duty cargo D-rings and LED bed lights

Every time a new car hits the streets, speculations arise and so do doubts, as to its quality, reliability, and even safety standards. Hyundai has already stressed on the safety offered by the Santa Cruz, having endowed the compact pickup with the Smart Sense safety suite offered in Hyundai vehicles, ranging from blind spot monitoring and assist, to adaptive stop & go cruise control. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup is based on the Hyundai Tucson platform, and the Tucson receives a rating of 5-stars(2020) from the NHTSA for occupant protection, which bodes well for the Santa Cruz. It also comes with necessities such as a reverse parking camera and multiple airbags

Important safety features in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz include:

• Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist and View Monitor
• Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Highway Driving Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Rear Occupant Alert

Customers are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, as this vehicle represents a whole new perspective on pickup trucks. This compact pickup truck is a boon for urban drivers to carry out their commercial purposes with quite an ease. Hyundai leaves no stone unturned while designing the Santa Cruz’s interiors and exteriors. 

The tech suite is also decent, although the absence of physical buttons is not a smart move. Nevertheless, the Santa Cruz also offers decent off-roading capabilities if you decide to venture into the wilderness and should be a great family proposition as well with its short cargo bed.