2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz - Auto Channel Review by Mark Fulmer +VIDEO

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There's a Ground-breaking New Kid in Town

Mark Fulmer
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Diversity in automotive engineering, design, technology, and fuel systems, in my view, is a good thing. Hyundai's new Santa Cruz delivers on that concept with a series of distinctive features.

First, the smooth clean lines of the exterior design bespeak the multiple personalities and capabilities both rural and urban.

And then there are unusual colors available. The testdrive car was the Sage Gray, and it got 100% positive public feedback.

The headlights and grill illuminators were also applauded - and if you noticed the orange spot directly above the cab in this photo, that is actually the moon through the wildfire smoke in Northern California. (cough)

The second row has seat that can be flipped up to reveal storage space for tools, or rations, or whatever.

The secure, open bed has a lockable tonneau cover.

The cover rolls open for traditional equipment, but wait there's more...

Hidden bed storage - with a drain should you want to fill it with ice for your tailgate party.

The 2.5-liter, turbo-equipped Santa Cruz has 281 horses @ 5,800 rpm, torque is 311 lb-ft @ 1,700 to 4,000, towing capacity: 5,000 pounds, and EPA fuel economy at 19 mpg city | 27 highway | 22 combined. The Santa Cruz never felt underpowered. It drove like smooth and responsive SUV, or should I say SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). But I'd replace the "V" in Vehicle, with Versatile. Quite simply, there are more things you can do with the Santa Cruz than you can do with a truck, a SUV, or a sedan. And with a starting sticker of 23K, there's also a lot more you can do with the money you save.