2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Highlights

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an all-new model that blends the utility of a pickup truck with the comfort and maneuverability of a compact SUV. Hyundai calls it a "Sport Adventure Vehicle," highlighting its versatility for urban commutes and weekend getaways. The Santa Cruz shares its unibody platform with the Hyundai Tucson SUV, giving it a more carlike ride than traditional body-on-frame trucks. Its main rival is the Ford Maverick, another compact pickup with a similar crossover-based design.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs/Key Details

• Compact pickup truck body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Four-door crew cab configuration
• Shares platform with Hyundai Tucson SUV
• 4.3-foot composite bed with lockable underfloor storage
• Two engine options: 2.5-liter inline-four or turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (when properly equipped)

Benefits

• Combines the open-bed flexibility of a pickup with SUV-like refinement
• Smooth ride quality and nimble handling
• Available turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration
• Versatile cargo bed with integrated lockable storage and power outlet
• Upscale interior with high-quality materials
• Generous array of standard and available tech features

Related: How Long Do Hyundai Santa Cruzes Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview

Performance

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a choice of two engines. The base powertrain is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or optional HTRAC all-wheel drive. This engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, though some may find it strained when loaded with cargo or passengers.

For more lively performance, the Santa Cruz offers an available turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that churns out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine uses an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic for snappy shifts. All-wheel drive is standard with this powertrain, as is a transmission oil cooler and larger brake rotors. In Edmunds testing, a turbocharged AWD Santa Cruz accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 6.5 seconds.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) didn’t crash-test the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. However, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has evaluated it and awarded it its second-highest accolade: Top Safety Pick (when equipped with specific headlights).

Standard safety features on the 2022 Santa Cruz include:

• Multiple airbags
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Anti-lock brakes
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Driver attention warning
• Rear occupant alert

Available safety options include:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Safe exit assist (prevents rear doors from opening into traffic)

Driving

The Santa Cruz delivers a comfortable and composed ride, especially for a pickup truck. Its unibody construction and independent rear suspension help absorb bumps and road imperfections. The handling is secure and predictable, with the all-wheel-drive system providing good traction on slippery roads or light off-road terrain.

Around town, the Santa Cruz's compact dimensions and tidy turning radius make it easy to navigate through tight streets and crowded parking lots. Visibility is generally good, aided by the standard rearview camera and available surround-view camera system. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed, contributing to a refined cabin environment.

On the highway, the Santa Cruz feels stable and planted, tracking straight with minimal steering corrections. Braking performance is confident, with the upgraded brakes on turbo models providing strong stopping power.

Interior

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz interior blends functionality with a touch of luxury. The design is modern and attractive, with a sporty wraparound dash and quality finishes like textured plastic and soft-touch surfaces. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample head and legroom for taller drivers. The rear seat is more spacious than expected for a compact pickup, though still best suited for kids or smaller adults. Interior storage is plentiful, with deep door pockets, a spacious center console bin, and an available storage tray under the rear seats.

The Santa Cruz's signature feature is its versatile cargo bed. At 4.3 feet, it’s shorter than most midsize trucks but features a lockable underfloor storage bin perfect for stashing valuables or wet gear. There's also a lockable tonneau cover and integrated bed steps to ease loading and unloading. A powered tailgate and 115V in-bed power outlet are available.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz available interior features include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Proximity key entry with push-button start
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats
• Power-sliding rear window
• Eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support
• Ambient interior lighting

Technology

The 2022 Santa Cruz comes well-equipped with standard tech features like an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three USB ports. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with logical menus and crisp graphics. Satellite radio, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and Hyundai Bluelink connected services are available.

Stepping up to the SEL Premium or Limited trim adds a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. This upgraded system features Hyundai's Digital Key, which allows owners to use their smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle.

Fuel Economy

EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are as follows:

2.5-liter four-cylinder:

• FWD (mpg): 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Reviews

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz reviews from consumers on Kelley Blue Book are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Owners praise the Santa Cruz's reliability, performance, comfort, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Carlike comfort and driving refinement in a pickup package
• Roomy crew cab interior with upscale materials
• Versatile bed with lockable storage and power outlet
• Punchy acceleration with the optional turbo engine
• Generous array of standard and available tech features

Problems

• Lower towing and payload capacities than some midsize or full-size trucks
• Front passenger seat doesn't fold flat for hauling long items
• No built-in navigation on SE or SEL trims
• Fuel economy lags slightly behind the Ford Maverick hybrid
• Base engine power may be underwhelming for some drivers

Explore: Which Years Of Used Hyundai Santa Cruz Vehicles Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compelling choice for buyers seeking the flexibility of an open pickup bed without the bulk or compromised ride quality of a traditional truck. It blends the comfort and driving dynamics of a compact SUV with the versatility of a small pickup. The Santa Cruz's cabin is a standout, with plenty of passenger space, quality materials, and an abundance of tech features.

Though it can't match the towing or payload capacities of larger midsize trucks like the Honda Ridgeline or Jeep Gladiator, the Santa Cruz can handle occasional home improvement duties or tow small boats or campers.

Of course, the Santa Cruz isn't without compromises. Its cargo bed is shorter than most trucks, and the front passenger seat doesn't fold flat to accommodate longer items. Fuel economy with the turbo engine also trails the Ford Maverick's thriftier hybrid setup.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz FAQ

How many miles will a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz last?

With proper maintenance, a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz can reach 200,000 miles, possibly more. The Santa Cruz's unibody construction also helps reduce wear and tear compared to body-on-frame trucks. Longevity will vary based on factors like driving habits, climate, and adherence to recommended service intervals.

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz considered a truck?

Yes, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is considered a compact pickup truck, though it blurs the line between truck and SUV. It features a four-door crew cab configuration and an open cargo bed, the defining characteristics of a pickup. However, the Santa Cruz is built on a unibody platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson crossover, giving it a more carlike ride and handling than traditional body-on-frame trucks.

Are there any recalls on a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Here's a summary of the four recalls affecting the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz:

Tow Hitch Fire Risk (March 2023):

• Water could cause an electrical short in the tow hitch harness
• Risk of fire while parked or driving
• Required new fuse and wire extension kit
• Owners are advised to park outside until repaired
• Part of a 584,784 vehicle recall

Roof Molding Issue (January 2023):

• Risk of roof moldings detaching
• Could create road hazards
• Required inspection and possible replacement
• Part of a 16,104 vehicle recall

Transmission Problem (October 2022):

• Fail-safe drive mode could malfunction
• Risk of complete power loss
• Required transmission inspection/replacement and software update
• Affected 56,148 vehicles across multiple models

Turbocharger Oil Leak (March 2022):

• Oil supply pipe could crack and leak
• Fire risk if oil contacts hot engine parts
• Required replacement of oil supply pipe
• Very limited recall: only 16 vehicles affected

Check Out: Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG: Everything You Need To Know