Car review: Hyundai mini-truck capable and comfortable

Feb. 25—Automakers are busily churning out an ever-growing variety of pickup trucks in an all-out effort to tickle the fancy of Americans who can't seem to get enough of them.

From massive 2.5-ton behemoths best left to working farms and job sites to car-based newcomers like the Ford Maverick or longer-lived Honda Ridgeline, or from quarter-mile-devouring hot rods like the Ford F-150 Raptor R to zero-tailpipe-emission samples like its EV variant, the Lightning, there's likely a truck out there that will fit the tastes, needs and budget of anyone so inclined to buy one.

The latest arrival to the party is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, a stylish and sleek (at least by conventional pickup standards) choice that's basically a truck version of the automaker's popular compact Tucson crossover. Introduced as a 2022 model, it competes directly with the Ridgeline and Maverick (although folks eyeing the midsize choices like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma might want to have a look-see, as well). Unlike the vast majority of American-market trucks, the Hyundai features a sleek, stylish and aerodynamic profile, bringing to mind truck-wagon mash-ups of not so long ago, like the Suzuki Brat or, more recently, Subaru Baja.

There are five trim levels offered — SE, SEL, Night, SEL Premium and Limited — that include a mix-and-match choice of engines and drivetrains determined by selected trim. SE and SEL models are powered by a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated for 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft torque. Power is directed to a standard front-wheel-drive system (all-wheel-drive is optional) via an eight-speed automatic. SEL Premium, Limited and Night (a new-for-2023 black-out appearance package for the SEL Premium) trims get a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter inline-four making a stouter 281 horses and 311 lb-ft of twist, along with standard AWD and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

In addition to the Night trim package, other changes for 2023 include the availability of Hyundai's suite of safety-sensing systems across all trim levels, and a larger infotainment touchscreen interface for SEL-trimmed models.

In acknowledgment of its responsibilities as a "truck," the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the turbo-four engine (the base engine is limited to 3,500 pounds), making it the equal of the Ridgeline and besting the Maverick by 2,500 pounds. Its 8.6-inch ground clearance is enough to handle mild off-roading, although the lack of a two-speed transfer case will limit how far one wants to wander from the pavement.

Pricing starts at a value-minded 27 grand for base SE-trimmed FWD models and climbs better than $14,000 north for fully loaded Limited models. A lot of that price differential comes in consideration of the stronger turbocharged mill, standard AWD and creature comforts like premium audio and leather upholstery. It's safe to say that, given the price range, there's a Santa Cruz to fit just a range of budgets.

Hyundai provided a loaded Limited-trim sample for a week of tooling around the county. Its princely $41,825 asking price included a lengthy list of standard goodies. In addition to the aforementioned safety-sensing tech, our sample included the turbocharged engine, dual-clutch automatic, a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlight/taillights/running lights, LED bed lighting, retractable and locking bed tonneau cover, under-bed storage compartments, leather upholstery, proximity alert with keyless entry and ignition, remote ignition, smart cruise control, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment interface, a 115-volt AC power inverter in the truck bed, premium Bose audio, and much more.

Hyundai's design team did a bang-up job with the Santa Cruz's cabin, crafting an environment that feels roomy (at least up front), airy and open. The low-set dashboard offers a full and commanding view of the road ahead, although rear sight lines are limited by a smallish rear window. The simple yet sophisticated layout of instrumentation and controls features the easy-to-use infotainment interface and a series of soft-touch buttons operating the dual-zone climate control and audio systems.

The smooth and powerful turbocharged engine is capable of propelling the Santa Cruz to 60 mph in roughly 6.5 seconds (although quicker times have been reported), which is better than a full second quicker than the base engine. Factoring in the increased towing capability, it's arguably worth the extra cha-ching at checkout.

Handling meanwhile is precise and sharp, and the nicely tuned suspension system delivers a buttoned-down, quiet and comfortable ride. There's plenty of room in the front seats for adults. The rear bench offers negligible legroom when the front seats are slid rearward, though.