2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Preview
Last week, Hyundai released its first-ever Sport Adventure Vehicle for North America, the Santa Cruz, which is to be built in Montgomery, Alabama and will go on sale later this year. The Santa Cruz is designed for customers in urban environments who want to get away for the weekends and need a vehicle that can accommodate all the equipment they need while providing the driving dynamics and fuel economy of a compact SUV.
In responding to consumers who wanted a dedicated adventure vehicle, Hyundai designed a secure, open bed area that includes a lockable tonneau cover and hidden bed storage. However, the inside is like any compact SUV’s interior, with a focus on ergonomics as well as ingress and egress of passengers. As for safety features, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning come standard. Optional safety equipment includes a blind spot view monitor, safe exit assist, and a surround view monitor.
Customers have two engines to choose from. The base powerplant is a four-cylinder engine that makes an estimated 190 horsepower while those desiring more power can get a turbocharged four-cylinder motor putting out about 275 horsepower. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is available with both powertrains too. Owners who plan to tow their weekend adventure equipment can haul up to 3,500 pounds with the base engine and up to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged motor.
With the Santa Cruz, Hyundai is targeting consumers who may feel the current crop of midsize pickup trucks are too big and thirsty for fuel. Being shorter and smaller in almost all ways compared to other pickups means increased maneuverability and easy driving in urban areas, which may make for customers who are new to owning a pickup. It’s possible that many customers who once would only consider compact SUVs may just end up going for the Santa Cruz.
