The new Hyundai Santa Cruz is finally out and about. Meaning it’s time to put the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz to the test. As it roams the streets and off-roading trails, we will be able to determine if it lives up to the hype or not. So far, it only has three drawbacks to consider. 

Three reasons to possibly avoid the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz 

First, for a bit of background information, you can get started in a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz for about $23,990. The top of the line Limited Turbo trim increases the price to $40,905. Going up in trim levels can get expensive pretty quickly. 

The Santa Cruz shares the same platform as the Hyundai Tucson. It has a unibody design for a sportier and more comfortable performance. But it can still tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. 

1. The Santa Cruz’s interior could be better 

According to Cars.com, the interior of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a little disappointing. The interior includes soft-touch surfaces, but they aren’t padded. Your fingers sink into the materials, which takes away that quality feel. 

In the rear, the soft-touch materials are replaced by hard plastics. But this could be to enhance its rugged appeal. Also, storage space is limited. The bin between the front seats is decent, and there are a few storage cubbies in the front. 

Finding places to store your gear may be a little challenging. The wireless charging pad takes up the storage space in front of the gear selector. But hey, at least there’s a wireless charging pad. 

2. The 2022 Santa Cruz is tiny 

Of course, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is tiny. It’s a compact truck. But is it too small? It’s four inches shorter than the Ford Maverick and over a foot shorter than the Honda Ridgeline. The bed is just over four feet long. 

Space can feel limited in the cab. There is enough headroom and should space for larger adults. However, the floor has an elevated position that puts your knees at a higher angle. This can be slightly fatiguing. Leg space is cramped. The small rear windows add to the cramped sensation. 

3. The Hyundai Santa Cruz could be sportier 

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with optional 20-inch wheels. This can make the ride a little bumpier than expected. The team at Cars.com mentions that you can feel road imperfections that could be worse on harsher roads. 

The Santa Cruz has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This is the same drivetrain that’s found in the Sonata N-Line, but the sportiness isn’t on the same level as the sedan. But this is as to be expected with a truck. 

There is only a minimal delay with the power delivery, and the handling is pretty impressive. But the Cars.com mentioned that they couldn’t tell that a sports car was hiding under this truck’s exterior. 

But these drawbacks are not dealbreakers. The truck bed has innovative solutions to expand space and enhance utility, the smaller size delivers truck capability without being massive, and the interior is loaded with modern tech.