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.
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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?