The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Lets You Skip the Wait
If you want a compact truck, then go ahead and get one. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is available now! Instead of waiting months for the 2022 Ford Maverick and other new compact trucks that may arrive, you can drive off into the sunset with the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz now.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available now
Well, that was fast. It seems like the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz just made its debut, but it’s already rolling into dealerships. The 2022 Ford Maverick is expected to begin making deliveries this fall.
That’s not too bad. The fall is almost here. But the Maverick could be built to order, which can slow the process down. This system allows drivers to see a specific vehicle and trim level at the dealership but prevents them from driving with their new truck the same day.
Instead, buyers will order their trucks and wait for them to be delivered. But Ford is hoping to keep inventories at a 50 to 60 day supply. Also, the hybrid model will only be available online. But in the meantime, you can take the Hyundai Santa Cruz right off the lot.
Which Santa Cruz trim is best?
There are four 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims available. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter 1-4 option with 1919 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4 engine for 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The Santa Cruz SE starts at about $23,990. It includes the base engine and can tow up to 3,500 lbs. An 8-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, Wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto come standard. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 4.3-foot composite molded bed is included.
The Santa Cruz SEL trim starts at about $27,190 and comes with the standard engine. It comes with standard blind-spot collision avoidance assistance and a proximity key with a push-button start. Plus, an 8-way heated power seat with adjustable lumbar support is included. You also get heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and the Bluelink Connected Car System.
Upgrade to the Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium for around $35,680. It comes with the more powerful engine and an 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission with SHIFTRONIC. It includes optional all-wheel drive too. Plus, you get dual automatic temperature control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shifter. An auto-dimming review mirror with Homelink is also included.
Last but not least, the Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited trim costs about $38,70. The 10,25-inch touchscreen includes navigation, and you get AWD. Feel comfortable in leather seats that are heated and ventilated with a heated steering wheel. It’s available with 20-inch alloy wheels, a blind-spot view monitor, and Bose premium audio.
Can the Hyundai Santa Cruz do truck stuff?
Yes, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a tiny buy mighty truck. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,906 lbs. It can carry more than the Honda Ridgeline, which has a payload capacity of up to 1,583 lbs.
The bed is 19.2-inches deep, and it’s 54 inches wide. It’s just over 4-feet long when the tailgate is closed and over 6-feet long when it’s lowered. The tailgate can also be positioned in the middle to provide support while carrying 4-by-8 sheets of plywood.
An integrated retractable tonneau cover is included, and there is a lockable underfloor storage compartment with drainage plugs. It can be used as a cooler. Plus, there are lockable side compartments on both sides of the bed with a 115-volt outlet.
