The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Is a Small Truck With Crossover Characteristics
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a vehicle for buyers who want the utility of a truck but may want the comforts of an SUV. The new Hyundai Santa Cruz is actually based on the Hyundai Tucson. Which lends itself to better on-road behavior. This vehicle is available in four different trim levels and comes equipped with a variety of standard features. Making it ideal for the shopper who wants a good mix of capability and comfort.
What makes the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz a comfortable truck?
Several factors go into making the new Santa Cruz a comfortable truck. It features unibody construction, which removes some of the harshnesses of a body-on-frame truck. Additionally, this truck offers features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Giving serious connectivity.
All of that said, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is still a truck. It features an open bed with the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with front-wheel drive, but for handling inclement weather and rough terrain, all-wheel drive is available.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a 191-horsepower engine. But for those in search of more power, the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine may be the best choice. This engine option offers 281 hp. Which is ample power to keep this small truck moving forward.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz worth buying?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a starting price of $24,140. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited has an MSRP of $39,870. This will get you standard AWD, blind-spot monitoring, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium may represent the best value. It also comes with standard AWD and other premium features. These include paddle shifters, the 281 hp engine, and, according to Car and Driver, an integrated tonneau cover.
For those in colder climates, the SEL Premium trim also adds heated seats and automatic climate control. Odor and stain-resistant seating materials are also standard.
Can the Hyundai Santa Cruz haul & tow?
When properly equipped, the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Even with the base engine, the Santa Cruz can handle up to 3,500 lbs in tow. In terms of payload, the Hyundai Santa Cruz can haul over 1,500 lbs. Which is fairly impressive for such a small truck.
Should you buy the new Hyundai Santa Cruz?
If you are shopping for a small truck, the Hyundai Santa Cruz makes for an ideal option. Granted, it does not currently offer a dedicated off-road package like the Ford Maverick with its FX4 Off-Road Package. Because of that, it is better suited for on-road driving.
If you are not someone who needs the capability of a full-size or even mid-size body-on-frame truck, the Santa Cruz can fill that role. Because it offers up to 281 hp, a range of standard safety equipment, and a comfortable drive, it is a truck that will not force you to compromise on comfort.
