2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Drive: And Now for Something Completely Different

Auto123 gets in a first drive of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The new Hyundai Santa Cruz is a rare thing in the car world. It is not only a segment-buster, it’s kind of a segment creator. At least, that’s what Hyundai is saying.

Now, a good first look at the Santa Cruz tells you you’re seeing a four-door cab, high-ish ride height, one of the most unique grilles in the business (unless you include its Santa Fe sibling…or the last-gen Toyota Venza), some sparkly 20-inch wheels and, above all else, a pickup bed. So it’s a pickup then, right?

Well, according to the manufacturer, it isn’t. Pickups have a fiercely loyal customer base, and Hyundai isn’t about to bang its head against that wall if it can avoid it. Thing is, it’s not a crossover, either. Call it a Sport Adventure Vehicle, aimed at young couples - you know, adventurous types who like to pack kayaks, tow Sea-Doos and Ski-Doos and load mountain bikes and camping gear. Hyundai made that abundantly clear with all the Santa Cruz-es on hand during our drive event. All were decked out in all manner of outdoor accessories available through the dealers.

Of course, we all know what those adventurous types tend to drive: crossovers and small SUVs. And it is precisely those vehicle segments that Hyundai expects to draw buyers from. So if not a pickup, why not call is a CUV then?

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