2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and upscale truck, particularly in its Denali trim, which was often compared to owning a Mercedes in the truck world. The Sierra AT4 variant, priced at $78,938 Canadian, was designed for off-road enthusiasts, featuring a 5 cm suspension lift, Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, and a two-speed Autotrac transfer case. The AT4 CarbonPro Edition Package added a carbon fibre composite cargo bed and a MultiPro Audio System, enhancing its rugged appeal. Despite its aggressive mud-terrain tires and black-on-black design, the Sierra's interior was criticized for its abundance of black plastic and lack of luxury, especially given its high price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was a unique offering in the market, blending the characteristics of a compact SUV with a pickup truck. Its unibody construction and distinctive styling set it apart, resembling a smaller Honda Ridgeline or a modern take on the Subaru Baja. Measuring 4,970 mm in length, the Santa Cruz was shorter than the Toyota Tacoma but offered a similar width, making it a versatile option for urban environments. The interior was more conventional, with a focus on practicality rather than ruggedness, and featured a well-integrated dashboard design. While the materials were not luxurious, they were appropriate for its price range, and the Santa Cruz was marketed as a rugged "adventure vehicle."

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, providing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth gear changes and impressive torque at low RPMs. The Sierra's automatic 4WD system allowed for easy switching between RWD and 4WD modes, enhancing fuel efficiency and traction. During testing, the Sierra averaged 11.1 L/100 km, slightly higher than the official rating, but it performed well in various weather conditions. The AT4's off-road suspension handled rough terrain with ease, and the truck's towing capacity reached up to 4,173 kg, with a payload capacity of 962 kg.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard AWD provided good traction, but the Santa Cruz was not designed for serious off-roading due to its lack of low range and locking differentials. The multi-link suspension offered a comfortable ride, and the vehicle's handling was agile, making it enjoyable to drive. The Santa Cruz's towing capacity was 2,268 kg, with a payload capacity of 864 kg, aligning more with midsize SUVs than traditional trucks.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided ample interior space, with large, supportive front seats and spacious rear seating. The test truck featured durable leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition cargo bed enhanced utility, offering a cargo capacity of up to 2,523 litres. However, interior storage was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with limited innovative solutions.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, while offering a maximum payload capacity of 864 kg, had a shorter truck bed at 1,323 mm, limiting its utility for larger cargo. Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, tie-down points, and in-bed lighting to maximize space. The Santa Cruz's crew-cab configuration provided seating for five, but rear-seat legroom was tight. Front-seat space was more generous, and the vehicle offered decent storage solutions, including a centre console and under-seat compartments. The use of touch pads for controls was less user-friendly while driving.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 came equipped with a range of camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and 8-inch touchscreen, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Bose premium sound system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The system included Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics service, with smartwatch and Google Assistant connectivity. The touchscreen and digital cluster were praised for their graphics and responsiveness, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, which were not standard on all trims. The Denali trim included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, and the Sierra was set to receive GM’s Super Cruise technology in 2022. However, the Sierra's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was designated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with standard safety features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade offered a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centring. While the system performed well, it struggled with highway curves, a common issue among similar systems.