First Look: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle

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With the unveiling of its Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle, Hyundai finally brings to fruition the sort-of pickup truck/lifestyle vehicle it first debuted as a concept at the 2015 Detroit auto show — only now with four doors instead of two. Its short bed length of just four feet four inches — shorter than found in pickups such as the Toyota Tacoma , Nissan Frontier or Honda Ridgeline — means the boldly styled, unibody truck-let is focused on sport and recreation (think mountain bikes and gardening supplies), not utility (as in 2x4s and other construction materials). Better yet, think a modern, 21 ^st century take on the Ford Ranchero or Chevy El Camino.

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First Look: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle Back to video

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The company says the Santa Cruz makes efficient use of its compact dimensions — overall length is 4,970 millimetres, wheelbase is 3,005 mm and width is 1,905 mm — the shorter wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance “that results in exceptional agility in urban environments.” For urban dwellers, getting around city streets and parking lots will be a lot easier, the vehicle’s curb-to-curb turning radius is just 6.09 metres. In fact, Hyundai says the Santa Cruz was developed with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and responsive performance for a wide variety of urban and off-road driving conditions.

“It breaks open all-new segment territory, both for Hyundai and the industry as a whole,” says Jose Munoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Open-bed flexibility coupled with closed-cabin security meets the changing everyday needs of its adventure-oriented buyers, while powerful and efficient engines and superb manoeuvrability ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments.”

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Actually, make that “engine,” not engines. Unlike the United States, Canada will get the Santa Cruz in one standard powertrain spec, a turbocharged 2.5L direct-injected four-cylinder putting out an “estimated” 275-plus horsepower and 310-plus pound-feet of torque. Said engine is bolted to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Hyundai’s HTRAC multi-mode all-wheel drive system is also standard, complete with an electronic, variable torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The Sport setting sends more torque to the rear wheels, for a sportier feel. And for those who like to tow their weekend gear with them, the 2.5L Turbo AWD model boasts an impressive-for-its-size 5,000-pound towing capability.

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Certainly, the Santa Cruz is a handsome and purposeful rig, with certain styling cues borrowed from the new Tucson crossover . The forward view shows a hidden lighting signature that becomes visible within the grille only when illuminated. The cascading grille is anchored by a skid plate in the lower front fascia. In profile, the A- and C-pillars present forward and rearward rakes more extreme than typical open-bed utility vehicles. Twenty-inch alloy wheels perch under aggressive wheel arches, indicating the sort of wheel articulation potential necessary for off-road capability.

From the rear, the functional rear open bed area features secure, lockable in-bed storage, integrated corner bumper steps and a lockable tonneau cover. For those who find joy in automotive Easter eggs, know that the tail lamps are embossed with “Designed in California” as a nod to Hyundai’s California-based design team.

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Interior details are a bit on the spare side. Hyundai notes that the five-passenger Santa Cruz has a dual-cockpit design. The centre stack features an edgeless infotainment screen appearance, with 10.25 inches of visibility. The optional digital cluster display also measures 10.25 inches. Under the rear seats is convenient, in-cabin storage. A Bose audio system is available.

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The Santa Cruz is developed to be the “ultimate” sport adventure vehicle, Hyundai’s early consumer research finding consumers, many of them urbanites, had lifestyles that included the need to escape to weekend recreational activities. “Many of these customers carry various gear and equipment that is better suited to an open bed rather than a typical SUV body style. These buyers want versatile transportation that is equally flexible for urban, adventure, occupational or even home improvement gear.”

This is not an original idea; in addition to the aforementioned El Camino, Ranchero and Ridgeline, remember the Subaru Baja, Ford Explorer Sport Trac and other attempts at recreational pickups. It’s a niche segment at best, one that has proven to be a very expensive lesson for more than a couple of automakers. Still, if the timing is right, Hyundai might have a minor hit on its hands.

The Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle begins production at the Alabama assembly plant in June and will be available for sale in summer. Pricing will be announced closer to its availability.