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The small truck segment has been hibernating but Hyundai is looking to change that… well sort of, because they’re not calling this a truck, no, this is dubbed a Sport Adventure Vehicle and it’s looking to take on its direct competitor the Ford Maverick, which Ford IS calling a truck.

Another important aspect of a truck, errr, sorry… SAV, is how it drives. Hyundai Made it a point to merge the practicality of a truck with the driving dynamics of a compact SUV. The drive is comfortable and not too firm, like other larger trucks that need a payload to soften up the ride.


Thankfully, Hyundai offers standard safety features such as Forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist. However, for a larger array of driver assist aids like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, and smart cruise control that’s Navigation based, you’d have to look in the higher trim levels.


The Santa Cruz comes with two engine options. Base trims get a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cyl giving you 191 hp (graphic: 191 hp/181 lb-ft.) linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims get a 2.5 L Turbo 4-cyl pushing out 281 hp (graphic: 281 hp/ 311 lb-ft.) mated to an 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Zippy.


And here’s some fuel economy numbers zipping across your screen. Noting that for some crazy reason, gas mileage on the naturally aspirated AWD model is more efficient than that of the FWD.
(Graphics:
2.5L FWD (21 City/ 26 Hwy)
2.5L AWD (21 City/ 27 Hwy)
2.5L Turbo AWD (19 City/ 27 Hwy)

OC Driving: I’m driving the 2.5L turbo engine, and it feels like more than adequate power for this Small SAV.

A standard Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 lbs, and a properly equipped Santa Cruz is capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs.


One thing to also keep in mind is that the more powerful turbo engine only comes with AWD, but AWD can be added on lower trims for an extra $1,500 if FWD isn’t enough.


Now, don’t expect to go rock crawling in this SAV, but just know that Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD can definitely get to that Adventure Trail or camping trip in STYLE.

Move to the profile and you’ll notice a low raking a-pillar and forward sweeping c-pillar that give it a less boxy shape. Along with some Santa Cruz silhouette stamped wheel arch body-cladding, and 18 inch or 20 inch wheels like on our Limited trim here, This SAV looks adventure ready.


There are also spots molded into the bed to create shelves for more storage, and available bed accessories like extenders, mats, and nets to maximize functionality.

That focus on functionality extends to the cabin as well. There’s a manual rear window for more air flow, removable storage under the backseats, and a deep center console for storing your random adventure stuff.


The interior of the Santa Cruz is filled with good tech as well. Wireless Android auto and apple carplay come standard, along with an 8-inch touchscreen. Coincidentally, the limited trim has a 10.25 touchscreen with navigation… but there’s only wired apple carplay and android auto. That’s a bummer.


Pricing for the Santa Cruz starts at just under $24,000 not including destination (graphic: $23,990) for the SE trim. And for added creature comforts and safety features like push button start, heated front seats, a power adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, blind spot collision avoidance and rear cross traffic assist, consider stepping up to the SEL trim.

Further premium options like roof side rails, a power sunroof, that integrated tonneau cover, 10.25 digital instrument cluster and wireless charging can be added as an activity package to the SEL trim for +$3,270,. However, they come standard on the SEL Premium trim which has the more powerful 2.5L Turbo engine, along with LED head and tail lights and body-colored door handles.

And finally, the most loaded Santa Cruz Limited trim adds a dark chrome grille and tailgate handle, rear vents, which should be standard, dual-USB Outlets, that 10.25 inch touchscreen, leather ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose audio system, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.


With little competition in the small truck segment, the Ford Maverick is really the only direct competitor with its longer 4.5-foot bed, better fuel efficiency, and the lower base price at just under $20 grand. However, the Santa Cruz tows more and has a stronger warranty.


With the Santa Cruz’s intriguing price, available features, and futuristic look, I’m excited the return of the small truck segment…um…SAV. Whatever you call it, this looks like a great way to hop out of the office and into adventure time. Savvy.

00:00 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
0:40 Competitors
0:54 Engine
1:11 Driving Impressions
3:53 Exterior
6:59 Interior