2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Priced Way Above Ford Maverick
Hyundai introduced the all-new 2022 Santa Cruz back in mid-April as its first-ever Sport Adventure Vehicle with an open bed (it doesn’t want to use the word “pickup”). Pre-orders started soon after and the first deliveries in Canada are scheduled for September.
All that was missing was the pricing structure, and now we finally have it.
- Also: No VW Pickup Planned to Directly Rival the Maverick and Santa Cruz
- Also: Hyundai Santa Cruz Pre-orders Begin and You’d Better Hurry
Despite its compact size, the Santa Cruz does not target the same customers as the Ford Maverick. Unlike the latter, which can be had from just $25,900, Hyundai’s newest star is not cheap with a base MSRP of $38,499 (plus destination and delivery charges of $1,825).
That’s because the Santa Cruz comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds—as much as most midsize SUVs that Canadian families seem to be infatuated with.
Every Santa Cruz model features 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and bed lighting, an integrated sliding tonneau cover, integrated rear bumper side steps, rear sliding glass window with defroster, moulded composite bed with lockable under-bed waterproof storage, eight-inch colour touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as heated front seats and steering wheel.
Safety is well covered with a bunch of Hyundai SmartSense features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian & Cyclist detection, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping/Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Rear Occupant Alert.
The same model with the Trend package costs $41,399. It adds a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats with power adjustments for the driver, Bose premium audio with eight speakers, power sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Junction Turning Detection.
Finally, the top-line Santa Cruz Ultimate at $44,799 boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen with onboard navigation, Surround and Blind View Monitor, 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, ventilated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.
In reality, the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is probably closer to the Honda Ridgeline, which starts at $44,355 in Canada. Which one would you rather buy?
