2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$24,440

MSRP

$27,150

Average price

$36,508

Average price

$48,398

Listings

58

Listings

98
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Impressive off-road abilities
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor ride quality

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Reviews Summary

Being a newbie in a given field means having to catch up to established leaders, but it can also bring a different perspective. Hyundai has never sold a pickup truck in the United States, and its first effort is unlike anything else on the market.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the first truly compact pickup to be sold in the U.S. in over a decade, and unlike conventional body-on-frame pickups, it features car-like unibody construction. This packaging sacrifices some capability, but that’s beside the point. Hyundai didn’t design the Santa Cruz to compete directly with conventional trucks. It doesn’t even call the Santa Cruz a pickup; it prefers the term “sport adventure vehicle.”

While it may win over some truck buyers who want a pickup that’s easier to park, the new Santa Cruz will appeal mainly to new-car buyers who want to replace a sedan or crossover SUV with something a bit more rugged.

To figure out where the Santa Cruz fits into the current automotive landscape, we spent a day driving it around on roads in and around its namesake California city. The test units were in U.S. specification. In Canada, Hyundai also offers Preferred, Preferred with the Trend Package, and Ultimate trim levels. We sampled the U.S. equivalent of the range-topping Santa Cruz Ultimate model for this test drive.

2022 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

21

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

23
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Toyota Tacoma
$27,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$24,440
$27,150
Average price
$36,508
$48,398
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.2
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Impressive off-road abilities
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor ride quality
Summary

Being a newbie in a given field means having to catch up to established leaders, but it can also bring a different perspective. Hyundai has never sold a pickup truck in the United States, and its first effort is unlike anything else on the market.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the first truly compact pickup to be sold in the U.S. in over a decade, and unlike conventional body-on-frame pickups, it features car-like unibody construction. This packaging sacrifices some capability, but that’s beside the point. Hyundai didn’t design the Santa Cruz to compete directly with conventional trucks. It doesn’t even call the Santa Cruz a pickup; it prefers the term “sport adventure vehicle.”

While it may win over some truck buyers who want a pickup that’s easier to park, the new Santa Cruz will appeal mainly to new-car buyers who want to replace a sedan or crossover SUV with something a bit more rugged.

To figure out where the Santa Cruz fits into the current automotive landscape, we spent a day driving it around on roads in and around its namesake California city. The test units were in U.S. specification. In Canada, Hyundai also offers Preferred, Preferred with the Trend Package, and Ultimate trim levels. We sampled the U.S. equivalent of the range-topping Santa Cruz Ultimate model for this test drive.

Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project.

But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks?

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 191 hp I4
2.7L 159 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
4X2
Seating Capacity
5
4
Horsepower
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
21
20
MPG Highway
26
23
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