The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz debuts as the second compact pickup truck in its class. Starting between $24,440 MSRP and $41,465 MSRP, the Santa Cruz offers six configurations including drivetrain, powertrain, and

trim level options

You know that feeling when you get something you didn’t know you needed? That’s kinda how the auto industry feels about compact pickup trucks.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz joins the Ford Maverick as the second compact pickup truck on the market as Hyundai launches a generation of future-forward trucks from everyone’s favorite value-first automaker. Small yet spacious, filled with upgraded tech, and easy to handle on any type of road—the 2022 Santa Cruz does everything a normal truck can do, but in slightly lower capacities.

But the Santa Cruz is the first of its kind by Hyundai, and with six configurations to choose from, you may be in search of a little extra info; what exactly do these configurations offer? Luckily, this guide will walk you through your Santa Cruz options. Let’s see which one fits you best!

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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz configurations

When it comes to choosing a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, you’ll be looking at different drivetrain, powertrain, and trim level options.

The Santa Cruz comes with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, although front-wheel drive is only offered on the base and second-tier trim levels.

Meanwhile, there are two available powertrains for the Santa Cruz, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, or a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with an eight-speed automated manual transmission. Higher trim levels sport the turbo engine, giving them an extra boost in horsepower.

Speaking of trim levels, there are four:

SE: base trim with standard tech and safety features

SEL: adds comfort and safety features + optional package upgrades

SEL Premium: adds package upgrades, luxury finishes, and tech

Limited: adds tech, safety, and luxury interior upgrades

When you put together the drivetrain, powertrain and trim level options for the Hyundai Santa Cruz, you get six possible configurations. Let’s take a look at each of them.

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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz dimensions

Hyundai Santa Cruz SE FWD/AWD

FWD starting price: $24,440

AWD starting price: $25,940

The base Santa Cruz SE comes standard with front-wheel drive, but the upgraded configuration can be tuned to all-wheel drive. With the base engine, it gets 191 hp and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

The base trim does not offer any upgradable packages, but the following features come standard:

Composite cargo bed

60/40 split rear seating

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

8-inch touchscreen

Six-speaker audio system

Forward collision mitigation

Lane keeping assist

Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL FWD/AWD

FWD starting price: $27,940

AWD starting price: $29,140

Just like the SE, the Santa Cruz SEL comes standard with front-wheel drive alongside the option of all-wheel drive. It also features the base powertrain, but it amps up both comfort and safety features by adding the following:

Keyless entry and push-button start

Power-adjustable driver’s seat

Heated mirrors

Cargo bed storage

Heated front seats

Blind-spot intervention

Rear cross-traffic alert

If you choose the SEL, you’ll also have the option to include the Activity Package, which offers these upgrades:

Sunroof

Cargo bed cover

Roof rails

Utility LED bed lighting

Digital instrument cluster

Sliding rear window

Household-style power outlet (bed)

Wireless smartphone charging

Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium

Starting price: $36,130

The SEL Premium is where things change up for the Santa Cruz. This iteration comes standard with all-wheel drive and includes the upgraded turbocharged engine, plus the eight-speed automated-manual transmission. This powertrain combo offers 281 hp with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.

The SEL Premium comes standard with the features from the SEL’s Activity Package, plus these additional aspects:

LED headlights

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Digital key capability smartphone integration

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited

Starting price: $40,170

Last but certainly not least, the Santa Cruz Limited includes everything from the SEL Premium, but it takes things to the limit with several practical and luxury upgrades:

Leather upholstery

Bose premium audio system

Ventilated front seats

Rear-seat USB ports

Navigation system

10.25-inch touchscreen

Adaptive cruise control

Lane keep system

The Santa Cruz Limited is the most decked-out variation of this brand new compact pickup, but it also nearly doubles the price of the base trim. If you’re looking for upscale vibes in a small-size truck that looks like it came back from the future, the Santa Cruz Limited is definitely worth the look!

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