Explore the groundbreaking 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, a compact pickup that encapsulates the perfect blend of SUV comfort and truck versatility. Take a look at its potent engine options, refined interiors, advanced safety features, and versatile design for modern lifestyles.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz redefines the frontier of pickup truck functionality by seamlessly merging the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck in a standout performance. Unlike traditional full-sized pickups, this compact SAV caters to those who seek versatility, style, and efficiency without the bulk of larger trucks. With the versatility of a truck bed combined with the driving experience and luxurious style of an SUV, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is popular among city commuters, small families, and adventure enthusiasts alike. The balance it achieves between practicality and comfort is what sets this vehicle apart in a competitive market. From practicality to performance, this crossover pickup blurs the lines of traditional boundaries and sets new benchmarks in the automotive industry.
Overview of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is built off the popular Hyundai Tucson SUV platform, but it has a four-foot cargo bed for the rear. This ingenious combination allows drivers to have enough cargo space for light hauling, without sacrificing ride quality or cabin comfort. It is not intended to rival larger pickups as heavy-duty towing workhorses, but the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes and a payload capacity of roughly 1,600 pounds is good for its segment.
The Santa Cruz is a safe car with driver-assist technology including emergency front braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and even highway driving assist in higher trims. SynchroDrive Technology: The 2022 model received a top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reinforcing its commitment to occupant protection and modern safety standards.
Engine Specifications: Powerful, Yet Efficient
The Hyundai Santa Cruz 2022 comes with two different engine options that cater to different driving preferences and needs. The engine has the following detailed specifications:
| Engine Type | 2.5-Liter Inline-4 (Naturally Aspirated) | 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 281 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | Approx. 8 seconds | Approx. 6 seconds |
| Top Speed | Governed around 112 mph | Governed around 133 mph |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | Approx. 21-22 mpg | Approx. 19-20 mpg |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | Up to 27 mpg | Around 24 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 3,500 pounds | Up to 5,000 pounds (with trailer brakes) |
| Drivetrain Options | Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
The two-and-a-half-liter naturally aspirated engine delivers predictable and efficient performance ideal for daily commuting and light hauling applications. Understanding the importance of power delivery and fuel efficiency, it excels in city commuting and occasional adventure travel. On the other hand, the turbocharged option delivers a massive increase in power and torque, equating to a lot more go and a lot more pull without sacrificing driveability or efficiency. The low-end torque of this engine is particularly useful for hauling heavier loads or navigating challenging terrain. Both engines are equipped with advanced transmissions that are optimized for power delivery and fuel economy.
Interior Design and Cabin Comfort
One of the most striking aspects of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is its carefully crafted interior, which not only embraces the comfort and technology associated with an upscale SUV, but also inherently caters to the functional requirements of a pickup truck. The interior is well-designed with premium materials that give the vehicle a premium feel. The design of the dashboard is graceful, and the use of soft-touch plastics combined with cloth or optional faux leather upholstery contributes to the tactile experience for occupants.
The front seats are meant for long comfort with plenty of support and also rest. The interior roominess stretches further to a passenger volume of 104 cubic feet, spacious for a vehicle of this ilk. Rear passengers have a quiet ride along with a good amount of air flow through various vents, but the small size of the cabin means that leg room in the rear is limited compared to midsize SUVs.
Standard features include an easy-to-use infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control and multiple USB ports. Steering wheel buttons for audio, cruise control and phone management ensure easy control of important functions, increasing driver convenience and safety by limiting distractions. Another unique truck feature is the in-bed trunk-this is a locked, weatherproof storage compartment that is built into the cargo bed, providing an additional secure storage space outside of the bed.
Higher trims offer additional comfort and luxury features, such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and premium audio systems. This thoughtful cabin design ensures that long trips and daily commutes become enjoyable and comfortable, catering to the needs of modern drivers who expect utility and comfort without compromises.
Expert Opinion
Commenting on the car’s overall impact, Joe Lorio, automotive editor at Car and Driver, said, “The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a remarkable SUV-truck blend, embracing the best of both worlds without sacrificing on the other.” He goes on to explain that thanks to the excellent driving dynamics, practicality and comfort of the compact car within a tight package, it stands out as a class leader. This expert perspective highlights how Hyundai has managed to strike a balance between innovation and market demands, making the Santa Cruz a vehicle that looks ahead to the future.
Inside Out: Unveiled Features of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Diving further into the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, the vehicle consistently receives commendation for its smooth and silky ride experience that surpasses many traditional pickup options. Its suspension setup, which includes MacPherson struts in the front and a multilink suspension in the rear, allows it to absorb road imperfections efficiently, making sure you experience a composed and comfortable ride even on bumpy or poorly maintained roads. This emphasis on ride quality hits a nerve with the increasing segment of buyers who want trucks that double as the versatile lifestyle truck.
The vehicle’s suite of advanced safety is standard and includes the active safety technologies of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Higher trims include Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system which combines adaptive cruise control with a lane centering system on highways. These systems help increase driver confidence and play a real role in the model’s superior IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings.
Furthermore, while the cargo bed is smaller in size at approximately 52.1 inches in length, it is utilized to its fullest capacity with the innovative in-bed trunk to offer an additional secure storage compartment, protected from the elements and theft. The tailgate can be locked, which is an uncommon feature for compact pickup trucks, giving owners confidence that valuable cargo is secure. The all-wheel-drive option available in some trim enhances traction on slippery surfaces, making light off-roading adventures or dealing with adverse weather conditions a possibility.
From an ownership perspective, reviews often praise the Santa Cruz’s adaptability to different lifestyles, ranging from weekend outdoor adventures to daily commutes in urban settings, while still offering a healthy balance of performance, comfort, and economy. Its smaller size makes it easier to park and maneuver than larger trucks, making it a popular choice for drivers who live in suburban or urban areas.
Verdict: Why Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Worth Buying?
In Results, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is not just another pickup truck; it is an innovative hybrid that combines the best of both SUVs and pickups. With its advanced engine options, curated interior, robust safety features, and clever cargo solutions, it perfectly caters to the needs of modern drivers seeking both versatility and comfort without sacrificing style or comfort.
Whether you need a vehicle for outdoor adventures, light cargo tasks, or comfortable long-distance travel, the Santa Cruz provides with personality and flair. Its combination of a premium driving experience and its practical utility makes it one of the most compelling compact pickups on the market today.
Ultimately, with its practicality, versatility, and stylish design, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a game-changer in the compact pickup segment, catering to a wide audience from urban dwellers and small families to outdoor enthusiasts alike.
