Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Worth Waiting For?
In just a few more months, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is expected to arrive at dealership lots. But is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz worth waiting for? Let’s explore what’s included in the price and when you can actually expect to be behind the wheel.
Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz worth buying?
Yes, if you want a sporty compact truck, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an excellent option to consider. It has a starting price of about $23,990. This allows you to get a sensibly sized truck without breaking the bank.
But when will the Hyundai Santa Cruz be available? It’s possible that you’ll be able to purchase a Santa Cruz by the end of the year. The Santa Cruz has entered production at the Hyundai factory in Alabama.
However, it’s possible that the Santa Cruz could be delayed until the beginning of 2022. No auto manufacturer is currently immune to possible delays caused by the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak or the global semi-conductor chip shortage.
With a $100 deposit, you can reserve your Hyundai Santa Cruz model. But submitting a reservation request does not guarantee availability. It’s not a vehicle order or purchase. You can learn more about the reservations here.
What comes with the Santa Cruz?
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with two engines. The standard option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that should make more than the 190 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. This is a solid amount of power for a truck this size.
With the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, you get 275 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive. With the standard engine, you can tow up to 3,500 lbs, but you can up to 5,000 lbs with the larger engine. That matches the Honda Ridgeline! Also, the Santa Cruz can carry a payload of up to 1,906 lbs.
The engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the turbo can be partnered with the dual-clutch. It’s available with 18 or 20-inch wheels. It rides on a wheelbase that’s about 7-inches shorter than the Ridgelines.
Its bed is about 4 feet and 4 inches long. We’re excited because it comes with a lockable tonneau cover and the storage unit in the bed has a drain. Go ahead and use it like a cooler during hot days.
What tech comes with the 2022 Santa Cruz?
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can upgrade to the larger 10.25-inch unit. Also, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster is available.
You’ll be delighted to know that wireless phone charging is available. But the infotainment system lacks physical buttons. It’s only a touchscreen, which can be frustrating for some users. A physical dial for adjusting sound is always preferred.
Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. You can opt for blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert.
The interior dimensions haven’t been revealed yet. Some worry that the backseat might be a little tight. But we will keep you updated as we learn more. So far, the Hyundai Santa Cruz packs enough power and value to be worth the wait as a costs saving option compared to the Honda Ridgeline.
