2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review - Everything You Need to Know About This New Compact Pickup

We take an in-depth look at the new Hyundai Santa Cruz. Find out everything you need to know here.
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#Hyundai #SantaCruz #CompactTrucks

[@rondail5675]

Best review of the Santa Cruz, honest and real summary.

[@lolotus4borderless]

Another Perfect review by the truck king crew.👍 A simple on point explanation of a particular vehicle designed for a very specific clientele.

[@mikeburton8426]

As a person who would actually appreciate something like a sport activity vehicle, I would be interested if I could put a canopy/topper on it so I had more storage separate from the passenger compartment. Nice and tidy up front, full of my s*&t in the back

[@rondail5675]

Howard, I agree on your thoughts of being a 'TRUCK'. Hyundai is being smart causing people to discuss the Santa Cruz. It's a compact truck, has a bed, has payload, and tows.

[@watkinsguy]

Y’all always have the best truck reviews. Thanks, Stephen!

[@albertatundra]

Agreed!

[@TruckKing]

Our pleasure!

[@utubestalker.dotcom]

@@TruckKing can you supply the dimensions of the truck bed, beyond the tonneau to the bed door wall, in the bed from side to side below the wheel well and above the wheel well? Might be able to load a standard small pallet 36"x24" (but not a standard 48"x40" using a pallet riser with the Maverick)

[@dag681]

Coming from a Tacoma....which was rather rough driving over the road, switched out for this vehicle. It is in a class of it's own, in several very good ways. It is solid, built like a brick.

[@Leenailsalon]

Everyone keeps comparing this vehicle, dude it’s cool- it’s like the Swiss Army knife of vehicles( enjoy it)

[@fritty9927]

Kudos to Hyundai for saying this ain’t no truck.

[@ronny-drz]

Great analysis by Dad on where this vehicle fits in - and always a laugh, "don't kill your father!" Nice review - and yes Steven, the price issue you pointed out - would have liked to have seen $35k Cdn...that $40k number they chose - hmmm, you really have to want one. Thank, for the video gents.

[@BOSSYtexasCHICK]

yes wayyyyy too high . Agreed $5,000 less would have DEFINITELY been the sweet spot. The saddest part about that is people will buy it WITHOUT blinking an eye at the price, so Hyundai is well on their way to overcharging like all the other mfgs. : ( BTC

[@jimbass6575]

Perfect replacement for my old pretty much worn out 2006 Subaru Baja, which was the greatest vehicle ever made in my opinion. I'm buying the top of the line Limited as soon as possible. For my needs, it's perfect as I don't need some big assed truck that takes six acres to turn around, will not fit in the garage and takes three parking places.

[@lolotus4borderless]

Superb honest review from the best truck reviewers online, looks like this Hyundai has a room in northern American people everyday lives. Reliability remains the question…

[@TruckKing]

Glad you liked it!

[@dabradguy]

why bother with the truck bed if you have to use a roof rack anyway? Might as well get an outback for the lower roof line.

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Good review and comments on the Non truck!

[@rondail5675]

Hi Steve, really like the interior and exterior design. Looks great. Being a Honda Ridgeline RTL-E owner, I think the Santa Cruz Limited is too expensive. An thanks for actually driving the vehicle.

[@kuyre2239]

Maverick is much bigger and better fuel efficiency and better looking. and cheaper.

[@reygone776]

@@kuyre2239 Maverick is bland and not better looking than Santa Cruz. Fact!

[@kuyre2239]

@@reygone776 dog meat.

[@reygone776]

@@kuyre2239 Ford quality is poor. 😂

[@SandvichTrolli48]

@@kuyre2239 Fuel efficiency only for the hybrid FWD model...

[@slocavky]

I like the fact that this looks JUST LIKE the pre production design. They do this on most of the models... I think this will sell and sell well...

[@jamieshields9521]

If Sants Cruz came to Australia it do well, I call it ute n this ute would take sales away from Subaru if offer bed space. If you remember Proton Jumbuck n Subaru Brumby did well for young or older that couldn’t afford big trucks.

[@hybridsnowleopard]

People call this a truck, Hyundai said it's not a truck. Honda call the Ridgeline a truck, but people said it's not a truck. People sure are weird.

[@albertatundra]

You can rest easy, that's not a truck.

[@hybridsnowleopard]

@@albertatundra Sigh..... 😆

[@gregs5845]

I was looking at the Sante Cruz specifically for transporting Mountain bikes. By them showing the bike on the roof of the car seems to not enhance the purpose of the truck bed since I can put bikes on top of almost any car with rails. It is also very hard to put a bike on top of car by yourself. I would like to see some device to hold the bikes in the truck bed with either the front wheel off or using the bed extender. Great review.

[@TheCapn23]

Always happy to see more trucks! I for one welcome the compact trucks. Where's Chevy and RAM?

[@robbilton9006]

Not sure where I'm going to get the friend with the 2 step ladders to load up my MTB on those roof bars 🤔 at least there's enough room to fit them over the tailgate with the optional pad. Even with the tonneau. Not a fan of the large wheels and low profile tires, would prefer the option of the 17s. We're not trying for lap times round the track. Love the look and the tech but hoping a PHEV model follows.

[@IamGroot786]

Yeah, I don't get the appeal of those roof racks when hitch racks are so much easier to use. Yes, if you're already towing that's different.

[@aono335]

It does come with 18 inch tires

[@robbilton9006]

@@aono335 i didn't think Canada did but I am mistaken, thank you. Even 18s don't give much sidewall from experience on my Sorento though.

[@robbilton9006]

@@IamGroot786 Stephen's a tall guy and he looks like he would struggle to lift a bike up there let alone someone under 6' like me.

[@paulmelnychuk5477]

I'd like them to make a '68 rambler, american,I d buy one if it was just as good.

[@DRCrimeCircle]

i just have to compliment you guys on being professional with those blue shirts i love it

[@bryanclark3739]

Dad is spot on, as usual.

[@getlosttoday4045]

They took a page out of the old Subaru Baja book!

[@kayhyde2161]

Santa Cruz,....... Compact Truck King !!!!!!!

[@brutustheoldeenglishbulldo8672]

I just traded in my ‘16 Ram 1500 Long Horn for one of these. Was almost a one for one, still have room for the occasional reno run, landscaping run. Room for the Mrs and I and the dog and don’t have to deal with the 12-15 mpg of the ram and I can still tow a boat. PERFECT! Have to admit though, would have loved to have seen them do this with the Santa Fe instead of the Tucson. It would have been more family friendly.

[@shettlock]

$40k in Canada is ridiculous given comparables and that this a Hyundai which needs price to be it’s advantage.

[@greateyedeer5418]

Yep, pricing is too close to the larger midsize Honda Ridgeline.

[@itsjohnny2159]

I am waiting for this. My next vehicle

[@Mixwell1983]

Wonder how well these will sell considering how crap the Subaru Baja did in the early 2000s in the US market. Time will tell and perhaps with marketing and being in a different time it may catch on. Really wish Ford used the Ranchero name instead of Maverick

[@alexandermckay8594]

I think this going to be a flop. Canada has always been a great sales success for Hyundai because of their value. At $40k. Not a chance. They should have made it a hybrid for that price.

[@arthurwood7525]

The 40k model, perhaps. But, the 28k model AWD? Go try and find a brand new AWD / 4X4 truck at an equivalent price point. . .

[@heydaddy5326]

It will flop. Maverick is exploding in sales.

[@reygone776]

@@heydaddy5326 with a Ford poor quality. Good luck with that.

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

Love the channel guys. Always great reviews and info offered. I was a bit disappointed with the direction Hyundai took with the Santa Cruz. I had hoped it would be a true midsize pickup. Matching it to the Tucson platform seems like a mistake.

[@carlosrivera7274]

Compact Truck! I like that,good video 👍🏼

[@440tomcat]

Anyone can call it what they want. There are times when my CRV cant haul something tall this is perfect for my needs.

[@macsterguy]

As a truck, the Ford wins... OK, as a super hero action adventure vehicle, the Ford wins... As a vanity vehicle that has good looks and is cute, the Cruz wins.

[@bikebudha01]

In response to your 'pricing comments'... Yeah, this is expensive for what it is. They need to offer a "dirt" edition, for a much lower price. You still get the big engine, but you lose all the "nanny tech" (safety bullshit), you get analogue gauges, the smaller infotainment with volume knob (found on lower trims), you add 12" to the bed, you put gravel rated tires on it, go with cloth interior, make interior a little more durable - no piano black anything. (Add a stick!!!). THAT layout would sell like hotcakes for $28k (us).

[@arthurwood7525]

The mid level AWD SEL is 28k. So WTF you sayin?

[@jesserobinson4875]

It's exactly like a Ford sport trac, I still have mine. It's the Hyundai version of a sport trac

[@211Gus]

Its an intriguing package, but that pricing isn't doing it any favors. Though in fairness everyone is advertising a "look here" price before you add any good options.

[@oliverallen5324]

The sad thing is it's fairly priced. Inflation is real :/

[@arthurwood7525]

Where can you find a brand new AWD truck for $27k? Here, the Santa Cruz, that's where.

[@kingshawn1857]

IMO its a ridgeline with a sexier body style hence the Honda's on the transporter in the background @4:09

[@coryernewein]

Everything old is new again lol El Camino, Rampage, Ranchero.

[@DanielRundellpnw833]

those were not 4x4 or AWD

[@peterstreechon384]

Way, way, way too much. Looks like a snowmobile!

[@hobojesus9817]

*Baja

[@caflet2009]

I like this Korean El Camino

[@jimji2774]

Looks like the Maverick is 5.5" longer than the SC but 2" narrower and over 2" taller. The SC is already 4" narrower than my old 2003 Tundra which was considered a 3/4 size pickup before they went to full size like in 2007 and similar to the Tacoma in width. It will be easy to park and maneuver in the city which I like about it. The Maverick should be pretty good too. You guys stress it isn't for the construction worker but the whole reason it would work for some of use hobbyists is that you can still haul a 4 x 8 in this thing. Something only a pickup or van can do safely. Lastly what some would say that makes a truck or not a truck is the unibody construction which places it further in the ute camp and the not truck camp.

[@johnnyteevlogs1995]

It's a compact pickup or an urban pickup...... yet we forget the 1980 Chevy S10 or Ford Ranger they are also compact pickup trucks really nothing has changed.. I'm buying the Santa Cruz as a work truck....I like it as a compact truck.

[@markray8629]

Like the exterior, hate the infotainment area. If I had to chose between this and the Mav, I’d go for the Maverick

[@RebeccaHargate]

I love almost everything about the Santa Cruz. I’ve been thinking about getting one. I’m really not sure about that black interior dash though. If this is an so-called sport activity vehicle, don’t give me a dash that’s going to get torn up so easily.

[@Nikephorus]

If this or the Maverick came in an extended cab with a longer bed I would consider them, but the beds are just too small on these. I'm stuck driving my first gen Colorado forever it seems.

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

What you are describing is a full size truck.

[@Nikephorus]

@@edwardzdankiewicz9068 My first gen Colorado has an extended cab with a long bed. So no I'm not describing a full size truck.

[@TheMichaelRN]

This is for the GoPro kids. Not the construction dads.

[@awesimo2000]

Dang, this sports adventure vehicle, has the same power and more torque than a 3rd gen Tacoma

[@johnmoore3504]

same HP and TQ as the current Ranger and way more then my 4.7 V8 Dakota.

[@fritty9927]

But so does a Mustang! It’s more car than truck. You racing?😄

[@kangill2411]

Perfect Retirement Activity Vehicle (RAV).

[@GhostRyderFPV]

2 things will be certain, if one were to compare the Santa Cruz here to a Maverick: A lower tier Hyundai will be much less of a "penalty box" than a similar spec Maverick. Unless you have gloves on, then you're screwed in the Hyundai. I would never ask either of you to sit in the back of my Hyundai. Not my Elantra GT. Not my Santa Cruz. You drive, I'm 5'8". Bad legroom is the song of my people. The tonneau cover on the Hyundai is not standard on the base model, so must be removable in some fairly easy fashion, right? I think I've seen different sized rear windows, and I haven't heard if there's an optional powered one on the higher spec models, but am curious. Wouldn't a comparison to it's platform-mate, the Tucson, be more in line than a comparison to the Maverick? That's something I'd rather see, as no serious truck buyer would consider this, but an SUV owner who's sick of cleaning the cargo area, or wants to be able to fidget with their widget without fear of ruining carpet, or have really stanky hobbies - that's who is watching this video. My RC Car, as in the car I use to haul my RC stuff, is the perfect hatchback for me - comfortable leather, pano roof, manual, 35mpg - but putting planes, quadcopters, cars, and my fiancee in it can be daunting. Messy, dangerous to upholstery, and time-consuming transforming the interior to a flat floor, this Grandma Utility Vehicle would solve all of my problems, and give me a power point to charge from in the bed while I wrench on the tailgate. And, if I get _Her_ to replace her even-smaller hatchback with a Santa Cruz, I get to keep my dope little hatch. Perfect.

[@IndyDog-ns8ws]

Two guys on two ladders to put the bike on, crazy.

[@rudyelvis9468]

Another Great Review!! Thank you guys very Much

[@TruckKing]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@firebir11]

Ford Maverick shows up…..Hyundai emergency board meeting…..then press conference “IT NOT TRUCK, IT NOT TRUCK!”

[@CSLFiero]

i think the maverick is the odd one. the santa cruz really is more aligned with the buyer because the buyer wants a lifestyle and i guarantee the maverick and the santa cruz are both lifestyle vehicles, but one of them recognizes that and gives you lifestyle stuff like upscale interior and extra storage. the ford wants to be that smaller truck for the people who still figure the ranger is too big, but it getting to that buyer, they did some atrocious stuff like make the base engine a cvt. what???

[@dylanhale7300]

If you compared the XLT Maverick to the base model Santa Cruz, they're very similar on price, and features.... -The Ford (theoretically as haven't given us real figures yet) should have better fuel economy with the hybrid power plant, and you should be able to get the Ecoboost and 4wd for less than the Hyundai. -However, the Hyundai has a better warranty, slightly better towing, slightly more power, and will likely have a better resell value in the future as I'm willing to bet they'll be a commercial failure. (Marketing to the wrong group) Now whats interesting, is you can get a fully loaded Maverick for $32,000 ish. The loaded Santa Cruz is $40,000. So you're likely to get more for you're money in the mid range with the Ford.

[@jamesseaver6326]

Are you guys really going to ride your bikes!!!?😜

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Great review 👍 I am a Kona ICE owner, I was thinking of trading it for this. The Ford Maverick is looking far more appealing to me. Especially the Mav's interior, less busy and attractive to my eye IMHO. And if I get almost the same utility in the Mav for considerably less $, than Ford will get my business this round. Cheers

[@ajtam05]

I've compared both & I like both for diff reasons. I like the price, bed size on the Maverick better & analog interior, boxy basic exterior is cool, as well. However, I like the overall style, features, warranty & useability of the Santa Cruz better tho. But wouldn't buy a first year model on Maverick. And I would only get the Maverick with the non-ECVT transmission. Plus, Santa Cruz is made in Alabama, which is the highest rated state for auto manufacturing whereas Maverick is assembled in Mexico. So gotta keep that in-mind too.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Thanks for bringing up the concerns I have for the Maverick. $20k compact hybrid pickup made in Mexico means the company's "bean counters" have taken the Maverick to a seedy motel and had their way with their way with the cost cutting. Forget avoiding the first year model, people might have to for the refresh to buy.

[@dannyg5636]

I really like the in bed storage, wish they would offer that on the mid size trucks. I can see what and who hyundai is targeting but feel Ford did a better with appearance and pricing/value for the same demograph. I'm aware the Mavericks towing falls a little short compared to the Santa Cruz but honestly for either vehicle if your planing on towing max or close to it regularly you should probably start considering a mid size at that point .

[@hybridsnowleopard]

I can see Hyundai doing that in the future using the Palisade chassis.

[@211Gus]

I got to say the Maverick looks like one of those generic cars they use for insurance commercials. I hate all the piano black all over the Santa cruz interior though.

[@allanguy2522]

The base price seems high but what do you get for your money and when you get the same equipment in the Maverick what is the price difference xlt maverick with a luxury package is 38k cnd

[@rockyshoresstudios4987]

Putting my mountain bike on the roof with ladders is not going to work.

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

I am sure doing it from the bed would be more convenient.

[@WyLEE08]

I would luv to see Toyota to build a Sequoia with a similar open bed and too give the name “adventure utility vehicle”. I have no problem with how they would name it, just build it!! Thank you Hyundai for finally bringing this to the showroom.

[@_Marc_D]

The Toyota Sequoia is built off the tundra platform... So if you want a Sequoia with a bed... just by a Tundra

[@dinosaucers6704]

Old guy complains about the size, yet it fit him and his mate.

[@peiguy1982]

Just seen Papa Elmer on motoring TV regarding this vehicle. Complete with the truck king shirt on. 👍

[@swami539]

while it has better towing numbers nice quality interior it will be more than enough for many people but with one trim in Canada and a 40k starting price its pretty simple. in America it can do great. in Canada its almost if not dead on arrival at that price point id rather just buy a lesser equipped midsize truck. great review though again for many here in America I think it can do well maybe eat into the Ridgeline

[@danielpark7821]

40k Canadian not US

[@swami539]

@@danielpark7821 good point. Still imo wether its US or Canada to much money

[@danielpark7821]

@@swami539 honestly yeah I’d rather get a proper midsize truck

[@swami539]

@@danielpark7821 yep you could literally get any truck for that price fully loaded if not really well loaded ive priced it out online and seen at the dealerships in my area 1k more and i can buy the new frontier pro-4x with almost everything. and thats just one example

[@danielpark7821]

@@swami539 I’d stay away from Nissan at least for now but I agree with you. This is definitely for people who want a compact suv with a bit more practicality.

[@anthonysourdiff1835]

Thanks for the great video

[@jamesseaver6326]

Your reviews are very 👍

[@DRCrimeCircle]

this is the thing that made ford made the maverick that consumer department

[@kellydavis3108]

This should have topped out at $28k USD. Doomed to fail even though I like it

[@SquidBilly]

for that price, it cannot compete with the maverick. at all.

[@_Marc_D]

Didn't Subaru try this with the Baja? But I think with the popularity of SUVs and trucks today it will do well.

[@nolij7765]

Yeah, the Baja was before the crossover craze. I think this and especially the Maverick have the potential to sell well now that everybody loves crossovers. I do think the Maverick is definitely going to outsell this though. I was really excited for the Santa Cruze and was thinking I'd buy one until the Maverick was announced. Now, its probably gonna be a Maverick for me. The Maverick's bed seems more practical, you can get it cheaper, it has a hybrid, and will probably get a plug-in or AWD hybrid in a year or two (that's what I plan on waiting for and buying). Hyundai basically only has the longer warranty going for it now that Ford has stolen their thunder.

[@bradbaraniuk4085]

dont mind the look,i wish it had dials and knobs,thats why i like the maverick better.if i was looking for something that size i would have to compare both back to back.that big price difference maverick will sell better

[@bikebudha01]

the lower trims have a volume knob etc...

[@RealAvus]

I really want to like this "ute" but the interior is the deal breaker for me. Hate NO real buttons and knobs. Shinny plastic are EVERYWHERE! This is not a luxury car. This can be my "adventure vehicle" meaning I will/may be rough with it. All those shiny black plastic will show finger prints and scratch all the time once on the road.

[@joecanis484]

I think I would prefer a Ridgeline for the same use, but it would have more versatility if needed.

[@ilmswilliams]

This is a great looking vehicle. Practical and has more hp and torque the the new WRX... I like it.

[@raypabs5374]

Terrible gas mileage for a little car. $40k in Canada! Might as well buy a superior Honda Ridgeline.

[@DenG611]

Great review! My next vehicle

[@ronsteitz4535]

I’ve never owned a Hyundai. But I’ll give it a look when it becomes available.🤔

[@Columbus1152]

But if you outfit the Maverick with comparable options, it's up there in the high $30's (USD)

[@MrTemplarViking]

I personally think this would be perfect for me. and, yes, its expensive, but the top trim in canada is the same price as the base trim of the Honda Ridgeline. And the Maverick can't tow as much..

[@paulm6481]

Great video gang. It is a good little something. It should be costing less though to compete with that little Ford :)

[@StinkySundae]

This is a homage to El Camino, Baja, Brat, Rampage, and the Ranchero.

[@alainbourdon2736]

Let's put thing in perspective. SC is a luxury vehicule. Price in Canada too expensive. FM is a better because it does offer similar specs but at 4000 less so why would someone spend more to get essentially a bit less. With all of this said the get those vehicules in a short timeline well ....Will see

[@icare7151]

Dangerous Design flaw: The front lower position amber flashing arrows point the opposite direction of which one is turning which can confuse an oncoming driver causing a accident, especially at night, in poor visibility conditions.

[@arebee92]

**Coughs** ...suburu baja... 😂

[@northerntoyota7584]

Wow, you lost me at 40k Canadian!

[@cmscms123456]

Tacoma and Ridgeline are going to feel the pinch... It will be interesting to see if Honda will copy this concept.

[@rfruss]

Call it for what it is, a small Ute. Nice review.

[@bjwnet397]

I paid $100 reservation (a program I will not recommend bc this Hyundai sales/marketing program is BS), drove one and realized I would have buyer's remorse, piss poor gas mileage, no "smart" cruise control until you are willing to pay $40k, you have a lot of other choices that offer far better value at $40k. The dual clutch shifting is crap on the turbo model, quiet drive, pretty design, cute bed & options. If it were $30k with smart cruise & better gas mileage and/or hybrid or EV then I'd buy. But with communist democrats in office and taxes per mile driven discussed makes mileage real important.

[@rynoopperman5010]

Truck as a Pick-up is such a weird naming in the USA. I wonder how many countries uses that... a Truck is a thing that hooks up a 20Ton trailer and hauls goods cross country... But low and behold that you USA guys call that a Tractor - trailer / Which is something we have on a farm ploughing... :-D :-D hahahaha

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

(Sport Adventure Vehicle)? Does BMW not already own the Trademark ™ on SAV? These small pick-ups are not trucks. They are sedans with hybrid trunks.

[@AutoMotivate]

It has a bed? It is a truck, just like the Honda Ridgeline

[@nickwilliams5001]

It reminds me of the Subaru Baja

[@jlv3x]

It looks like a 4 door El Camino, I had an uncle that always had at least one El Camino. I think it needs a little more ground clearance though.

[@steelkane327]

Then why do i have to put truck B plates on it

[@jareddavis3902]

How does interior room compare to the Maverick?

[@ameremortal]

You can put a bike on top of a sedan too

[@johnlewinski6359]

So a Tucson missing the rear roof. BUT $40,000 is INSANE

[@Tinrs80]

I Drive a 2021 F-150... I appreciate this smaller SUV/Truck market cause i could use a little go around vehicle..I was looking in the used market in the 25000 range.. the price of this put me off and also i dont want leather n that all over the place and cooled seats...Just a go around vehicle..I would look at the Maverick cause of price first. I actually plan to look at cheapest version i can get. Dont need luxury stuff..my F 150 already has it.

[@greateyedeer5418]

Nope. They have priced this way too close to the midsize Ridgeline in terms of price point.

[@erickisel8668]

Is this really an updated Subaru Baja?

[@MeliorIlle]

Maverick is a no brainer compared to this, especially in Canada.

[@mikeherber8358]

What model is this premium ltd etc

[@ojbarberena7090]

I like it but you lost my sale when you said dual clutch