2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2021 Toyota Tacoma

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz ・ Photo by Hyundai

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an all-new vehicle that adds something unique not just to the Hyundai lineup, but to the automotive marketplace. It’s not really a truck and it’s not really an SUV; it has elements of both, which is why Hyundai calls it a Sport Adventure Vehicle. It offers the comfort of an SUV with a small truck bed for expanded versatility for cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck. It can carry a payload and tow a trailer, and it’s a capable off-roader. It has the capability of a truck without the sometimes cumbersome dimensions of full-size models. Let’s take a closer look at these two vehicles to see which is best.

More Trims Offer More Choices

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available in a range of four trims. The base SE and SEL have a 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. There’s only one cab and bed. Pricing ranges from $23,990 to $39,720.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma steps up with six trims that include two cabs, two beds, two engines, and either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. That’s a lot of options so it’s easy to find one that fits your budget. Pricing ranges from $26,400 up to $47,030. Pricing is higher, but the range of options gives the Tacoma the win.

: Toyota Tacoma

Photo by Toyota

Two engines each, unequal horsepower.

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 Toyota Tacoma also has two engines, starting with a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque paired to a 6-speed automatic. There’s also a 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Tacoma can’t match the Santa Cruz on performance.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

Both Have Good Fuel Economy

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz equipped with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway. Go with optional all-wheel drive and numbers change to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the base engine. They take a drop to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg highway with the turbocharged engine.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma with rear-wheel drive gets up to 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with the 2.7-liter or 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the 3.5-liter. Four-wheel drive brings those numbers down to 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The Santa Cruz is the more fuel-efficient choice.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

A Comfortable and Quiet Ride

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a composed ride that easily hides uneven road surfaces. It smooths out the worst of a road’s imperfections, so passengers stay comfortable. Road and wind noise are minimal, making it a calm and relaxing space. It might look like a truck, but it rides more like an SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma doesn’t deliver the same reserved ride. There’s more road and wind noise, especially at highway speeds. That’s also where you’ll notice more body roll if you make a quick lane change. The vibration from uneven roads is more noticeable, too, and potholes make themselves known.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

A Clear Choice if Capability Is a Priority

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive on its two base trims. The two top trims are all-wheel drive only. This gives the Santa Cruz the capability to handle rough road conditions and makes it a good choice for those who deal with winter weather. It can also handle light off-road driving, but nothing extreme.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has much more aggressive off-road capability. There’s four-wheel drive available on all six trims. It’s standard on the TRD Off-Road and TRD-Pro. These trims also have skid plates, an electronically locking rear differential, drive modes, off-road shocks, and off-road suspension systems. The Tacoma offers more capability for off-roaders.

: Toyota Tacoma

Photo by Toyota

Comfortable and Attractive Interiors

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a roomy and attractive interior. There’s a standard 6-way manual driver’s seat, cloth seating surfaces, 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 available.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a wider range of trims with a higher starting price, but materials aren’t as high quality. There’s a heavier use of plastics, which gives the Tacoma a less upscale feel overall. It’s spacious and it’s comfortable, but it doesn’t offer the same comfort or visual appeal.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

Both Can Carry a Payload and Tow a Trailer

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz can handle a payload of up to 1,906 pounds in its compact bed. It also has a maximum tow rating of up to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive when properly equipped. It also has lockable underbed storage that includes a drain plug in case you need to stow anything wet.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a maximum payload rating of up to 1,685 pounds with a maximum towing rating of 6,800 pounds when properly equipped. You can manage a bigger payload in the Santa Cruz, but the Tacoma wins for its higher tow rating.

: Toyota Tacoma

Photo by Toyota

Touchscreen Size

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker audio, and dual front USB outlets. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, dual rear USB ports, and a Bose premium audio system are available.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has only a 7.0-inch touchscreen with 4-speaker audio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and four USB ports as standard features. There’s an available 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 6-speaker JBL audio system. The larger screen sizes of the Santa Cruz make its infotainment system easier to use, especially when navigating.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

Limited Standard Safety Features

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a suite of standard safety features that includes forward collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, and rear occupant alert. Blind-spot collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist are available.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has standard pre-collision with pedestrian detection and lane departure alert. Available features include rear parking sonar, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert on select trims. There are more standard features on the Santa Cruz, making it the winner.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai

And the Winner Is…

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma delivers truck capability with more features for off-roading and has dedicated off-road trims. It also has a higher tow rating, making it a better choice for those who plan to use their truck for work. Its wide range of trims and multiple configuratios makes it easier to find exactly the truck you need.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes out on top for its fuel economy, standard safety, and infotainment system. It also has a smoother ride that’s easier on passengers, and its more powerful engines make it more fun to drive. The interior of the Santa Cruz is also more comfortable and attractive, helping the Santa Cruz come out on top.

: Hyundai Santa Cruz

Photo by Hyundai