Top 10: Facts about the Hyundai Santa Cruz

Hyundai has unveiled the 2022 Santa Cruz, an all-new “Sport Adventure Vehicle” for North America.

Here are ten things worth knowing about it:

1. Design

Essentially, the Santa Cruz is an four-door SUV with a pick-up truck rear end. The main target market is urban dwellers who want a single vehicle that’s also flexible enough to be used on their weekend adventures.

The Subaru Baja of almost twenty years ago fulfilled a similar role, but currently there aren’t really any direct rivals for the Hyundai.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Front Side

2. Size

Measuring 497.1 cm (195.7”) long, 190.5 cm (75.0”) wide and 169.4 cm (66.7”) high, the Santa Cruz is certainly compact.

By comparison, the same dimensions for the Honda Ridgeline are 533.9 cm (210.2”), 199.6 cm (78.6”) and 179.8 cm (70.8”) respectively.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Rear

3. Practicality

In terms of carrying capacity, the Santa Cruz has a maximum cargo bed length (with the tailgate up) of 132.3 cm (52.1”). The equivalent Ridgeline figure is 162.5 cm (64.0”).

Nevertheless, the Hyundai’s load area is well thought out. To deter thieves, a lockable tonneau cover is fitted, plus the floor incorporates a hidden compartment. In addition, lifting up the rear seat base reveals extra storage space.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Load Space Hidden Storage

4. Powertrains

The entry-level 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection petrol engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Estimated output is 190 horsepower (roughly 140 kW) with 245 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque.

Alternatively, a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit delivers around 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Side

5. All-wheel drive

Both engines can be combined with HTRAC all-wheel drive. To help generate sufficient traction, the mechanism employs an electronic variable-split clutch to direct torque to either the front or rear axle as required.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Front Seats

6. Infotainment

No great surprises here. The Santa Cruz is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an 8” colour touchscreen has split-screen functionality, and wireless device charging is available.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Rear Seats

7. Telematics

The Santa Cruz benefits from Hyundai’s latest Blue Link Connected Car services. Complimentary for three years, features include remote start, remote door locking and unlocking, remote seat heating or ventilation, and vehicle status notifications.

Blue Link is accessible through a dashboard interface, a dedicated app, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, the MyHyundai website and some smartwatches.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Rear Side

8. Driver assistance

Among the standard SmartSense technologies are Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian and cyclist detection).

Others, such as Highway Drive Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor (displays an aerial view of the vehicle when parking) and Safe Exit Assist (sounds a warning or operates the electronic child locks if traffic is approaching) are going to appear on the options list.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Instruments

9. Production

Assembly will take place at Hyundai’s plant in Montgomery, Alabama.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Load Space

10. Ordering

Santa Cruz sales are due to begin during the summer. Hyundai is planning to open an early online reservation system later this month.

Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022) Front

Related posts:
Hyundai Tucson N Line and N Line S unveiled
The Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t a pick-up truck
Hyundai launches the Bayon crossover SUV

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