2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2021 GMC Canyon

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz ・ Photo by Hyundai

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an all-new vehicle. It’s one part SUV and one part compact truck, making it unique among the vehicles currently on the market. Hyundai calls it a Sport Adventure Vehicle. On the inside, the Santa Cruz has the comfort and space of an SUV; on the outside, the truck bed gives expanded versatility for cargo.

The 2021 GMC Canyon is a compact pickup truck. It has traditional truck capabilities with the upscale interior of a GMC. There’s a range of four trims, including a Denali for those who want a more luxurious experience. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2021 GMC Canyon to see which is best.

Same Number of Trims, But One Has More Variety

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available in a range of four trims with a single cab and bed style. The base SE and SEL have a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The SEL Premium and Limited are all-wheel drive only with power coming from a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Pricing ranges from $23,990 to $39,720.

The 2021 GMC Canyon is also available in four trims, including the off-road AT4, with a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. It has three cab styles, two bed lengths, and three engines including a 2.8-liter turbodiesel. Pricing ranges from $26,800 to $41,200. Although priced higher, the Canyon offers a wider range of configurations.

: GMC Canyon

Photo by GMC

If You Want a Diesel Engine...

The base engine in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Next is a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both are paired to an 8-speed automatic. Engines are responsive with good acceleration, especially the turbocharged engine.

The 2021 GMC Canyon offers three engines. There’s a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.8-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel with 191 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. These are paired to either a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission. The Canyon wins for the addition of a diesel option.

: GMC Canyon

Photo by GMC

Both Have Good Fuel Economy

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive trims get 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the base engine or 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg highway with the turbocharged engine.

The 2021 GMC Canyon has a wide range of fuel economy figures with its three engines. The 2.5-liter is the best gas option with 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive. The diesel engine has slightly better numbers, but still can’t beat the Santa Cruz.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

A Comfortable and Quiet Ride

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a smooth ride that easily hides uneven road surfaces. Passengers won’t notice when you hit potholes. There’s a minimal amount of road and wind noise, so conversation is easy. It might look like a truck, but it rides more like an SUV.

The 2021 GMC Canyon also offers a smooth ride, but it’s not as refined as what’s found in the Santa Cruz. While rough pavement isn’t an issue, you’ll notice more of the road’s imperfections. It’s also not as quiet with more wind and road noise intruding the cabin, and you'll experience a bouncier ride on the highway.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

Plenty of Off-Road Capability

There’s a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive on the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Top trims are all-wheel drive only. This provides the flexibility to handle rough road conditions and makes it more worthy for off-road driving, but it’s not ideal for hardcore off-roading.

The 2021 GMC Canyon takes a more rugged approach. It offers rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and has a dedicated off-road trim in the AT4. This adds an automatic locking rear differential, off-road suspension, and advanced hill descent control. If your off-road weekend drives are more adventurous, then the Canyon is the better option.

: GMC Canyon

Photo by GMC

Comfortable and Attractive Interiors

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a comfortable and spacious interior. Standard features include a 6-way manual driver’s seat, cloth seats, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated seats, and leather seating surfaces are optional.

The 2021 GMC Canyon has a 4-way power driver’s seat, cloth seats, and a tilt and telescopic steering column. Base trims are comparable, but the top trims are where things differ. The luxurious Denali has power front seats for the driver and passenger, aluminum trims, and available perforated leather seats that create a premium experience not offered in the Santa Cruz.

: GMC Canyon

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Towing Abilities

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz can manage a payload of up to 1,906 pounds. It has a maximum tow rating of up to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive when properly equipped.

The 2021 GMC Canyon has a maximum payload rating of up to 1,580 pounds. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds with the 2.8-liter turbodiesel when properly equipped. Although it has a slightly lower payload rating, it has a much higher tow rating.

: GMC Canyon

Photo by Nicole Wakelin

Large Infotainment Touchscreen

Standard infotainment in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker audio, and dual front USB outlets. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless charging, dual rear USB ports, and a Bose premium audio system are available.

The 2021 GMC Canyon has a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 6-speaker audio, and dual USB ports. Options include an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bose premium audio, and wireless charging. Even the top Denali doesn’t boast the impressive screen size found in the Santa Cruz.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

A Matter of Safety

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has standard forward collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, and rear occupant alert. Options include blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and safe exit warning.

The 2021 GMC Canyon has limited standard with most features available only as options. These include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear park assist.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

And the Winner Is…

This is a close match, but the 2021 GMC Canyon comes out ahead due to its more truck-like qualities. The Canyon has a capable off-road trim, and although it has a lower payload rating, it can tow more than the Santa Cruz. It also offers a more luxurious top trim in the Denali.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes out ahead for its better safety features, larger infotainment screen, and superior ride quality. It’s unique in how it balances both the comfort of an SUV with the capability of a truck, but it’s not enough to put it ahead of the Canyon.

: GMC Canyon

Photo by GMC