The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has garnered attention as a Sport Adventure Vehicle that blurs the line between a comfortable SUV and a capable pickup truck. With a bold design and multifunctional utility, it caters to a wide range of lifestyles, from the daily commuter to the weekend adventurer. The Santa Cruz stands out in its towing capacity, an important metric for those looking to haul trailers, boats, or other cargo.
We recognize that towing capacity is a critical factor for potential buyers evaluating the Santa Cruz’s performance. The base model equipped with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which should suffice for smaller trailers and loads. However, for those needing extra towing power, certain configurations of the Santa Cruz provide a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. This increased capacity is made possible with the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and all-wheel drive, along with other enhancements.
Understanding the specifications of the Hyundai Santa Cruz helps us appreciate its place in the market as a versatile and practical option. It’s clear that Hyundai aimed to create a vehicle that not only offers the comfort and features of a modern SUV but also includes the utility aspects of a traditional truck. The 2022 Santa Cruz’s towing capacity serves as evidence of its dual nature—an innovative vehicle ready for various demands.
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Design and Features
In the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, we find a harmonious blend of functionality and comfort. This truck offers versatile utility alongside a suite of modern amenities that cater to both work and play.
Exterior Design and Bed Functionality
- LED Headlights for enhanced visibility
- Lockable Tonneau Cover ensuring cargo security
- Integrated rear bumper steps for easy bed access
The design of our Santa Cruz showcases a bold and stylish exterior with sleek lines that indicate a sporty personality. Practical features of the truck bed include an in-bed trunk, a power outlet for tools, and a lockable tonneau cover to protect and secure cargo.
Interior Amenities and Comfort
We’ve equipped the Santa Cruz with advanced safety features to ensure peace of mind while on the road. From our steering wheel, we control the digital gauge cluster which offers all your driving information at a glance, maintaining a clear and informative view.
The interior design prioritizes comfort, sporting an ergonomically crafted steering wheel and thoughtfully arranged controls. Amenities such as the premium materials and an intuitive infotainment system make our journeys not just comfortable, but also enjoyable.
Santa Cruz embraces a balance of ruggedness and sophistication that we value in a compact truck—offering us an adventure-ready vehicle without compromising on the daily luxuries we’ve come to expect in modern vehicles.
Performance and Capability
In evaluating the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, we find its performance anchored in solid engine options and impressive towing capabilities. This utility is complemented by a balance of horsepower and torque, meant to cater to various driving and hauling needs.
Engine Options and Horsepower
The base engine of the Santa Cruz comes as a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, capable of producing 191 horsepower. For those seeking more vigor, the 2.5L turbo variant, coupled with all-wheel drive (AWD), escalates performance to 281 horsepower. These engines pair with an agile 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering seamless shifts and spirited acceleration.
Towing and Payload Insights
| Specification | Details |
| Base Engine Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds |
| Turbocharged Engine with AWD Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds |
| Payload Capacity |
Information not available
|
We observe that Hyundai equips the Santa Cruz to tow up to 3,500 pounds with the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) setup. Opting for the turbocharged engine with AWD escalates the towing capacity significantly to 5,000 pounds, a notable figure for a compact pickup truck. This demonstrates that Hyundai has engineered the Santa Cruz to be both a daily driver and a competent hauler.
Trim Levels and Pricing
We’ll guide you through the pricing and equipment variations across the different 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim levels.
Comparison of Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims
| Trim Level | Starting Price | Key Equipment |
| SE Trim | $25,735 | Standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels |
| SEL Trim | — | Adds more comfort features over SE |
| SEL Premium Trim | — | Turbocharged 2.5-liter model with all-wheel drive, paddle shifters, pre-wiring for towing |
| Limited Trim | $41,465 | Top-of-the-line with all the features of lower trims plus additional luxury and convenience features |
The base SE starts at a competitive price point, equipped well enough to pique the interest of someone looking for a capable and stylish compact truck. Moving up to the SEL trim, buyers will find added comfort and convenience features that enhance the driving experience. The SEL Premium trim steps up the performance with a turbocharged engine and includes features like pre-wiring for towing and paddle shifters for a sportier drive. At the peak, the Limited trim encompasses luxury within the compact truck segment, offering the most extensive range of features and the highest level of trim. Pricing varies based on the additional options selected, so it is advisable to configure your vehicle on the official Hyundai website or consult with a dealership for the most accurate price.
Safety and Driving Assistance
In our 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, we prioritize not only performance but also safety and driving assistance. Our aim is to ensure peace of mind while towing and traveling under various driving conditions.
Advanced Driver Assist Systems
Our Santa Cruz is equipped with advanced braking systems that provide substantial stopping power essential for when the vehicle is towing heavy loads. The responsive steering adds to a sense of control during difficult maneuvers.
We’ve integrated a lane keeping assist system that helps maintain the vehicle’s position within the lane markers, reducing the risk of accidental lane departure while towing or traveling at highway speeds.
While towing, blind-spot monitoring becomes even more critical. Our blind-spot monitor alerts us when vehicles are in our blind spot, thus enhancing safety during lane changes.
Parking assistance technology comes in handy, especially when dealing with the added length of a trailer. Our Santa Cruz makes use of sonar or cameras to aid in positioning the vehicle correctly, simplifying the parking process.
By integrating these systems, we ensure our safety features comprehensively cover what’s necessary for confident towing and driving. Each system functions cohesively to provide a secure driving experience. Safety is not just an option—it’s fundamental in our Hyundai Santa Cruz.
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