Hyundai is making a move into the truck segment with their all-new 2022 Santa Cruz. While it's not a traditional truck in the sense that it's unibody constructed rather than body-on-frame, the Santa Cruz is still a capable and practical vehicle that can hold its own in a variety of situations. To be more specific, the Santa Cruz is what Hyundai calls a "sport adventure vehicle" (SAV), which basically means it's a hardy crossover with a functional cargo bed. This designation should make it more approachable to drivers who want something smaller than the average pickup, with the versatility and smooth ride of a crossover. The Santa Cruz represents the best of both vehicle worlds really, and like the rest of its Hyundai siblings, it comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan that takes care of routine oil changes and tire rotations.

There are plenty of choices to make when you purchase the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, as it's sold in four jam-packed trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited. The SE and SEL have the base powertrain, a 191 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SEL Premium and Limited move up to a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 281 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Front-wheel drive is standard in the SE and SEL, but all-wheel drive is optional; AWD is the sole drivetrain for the SEL Premium and Limited. The EPA has rated the FWD SE and SEL for fuel efficiency of 21 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway. The same trims with AWD return 21 city/27 highway, while the SEL Premium and Limited achieve 19 city/27 highway. The maximum towing capacity of the '22 Santa Cruz is 5,000 pounds with AWD; with FWD, the Santa Cruz is limited to a maximum of 3,500 lb.

The all-new Santa Cruz shows off an admirable slate of top-notch features. The SE receives rear privacy glass, remote keyless entry, a multi-functional and remote release tailgate, trailer pre-wiring, a lockable underbed storage bin, sidewall storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, and integrated rear bumper steps. It also has dual front USB ports and a 12-volt power outlet. The SEL adds heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, push-button ignition, remote start, a power driver's seat, and heated front seats. The optional Activity Package includes an integrated cargo bed tonneau cover, a sunroof, roof rails, rear sliding glass, a 115-volt cargo bed power inverter, dual bed-side C-channel utility tracts with cleats, LED bed lighting, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and a wireless phone charger. All of that is standard in the SEL Premium, along with LED headlights, Digital Key (transforms your smartphone into the vehicle's key fob), dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. The loaded Limited tops the range with premium LED daytime running lights, dark chrome exterior details, rain-sensing wipers, leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and two second-row USB ports.

Numerous active driver aids are included in the '22 Santa Cruz. The SE has forward collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, automatic high beams, and rear occupant alert. The SEL and SEL Premium gain blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and safe exit warning. The Limited is sweetened with a blind-spot monitor, a surround-view monitor, highway driving assist, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

Santa Cruz occupants keep in touch with the outside world thanks to an infotainment system that has an 8-inch touchscreen, HD radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. The SEL and SEL Premium add SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluelink Connected Car services, while the Limited upgrades to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, plug-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a deluxe Bose sound system.