2022 Honda Ridgeline vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its compact dimensions, evoked memories of the mini trucks from the 1970s to 1990s. However, its unibody construction and unique styling positioned it more as a modern reinterpretation of the Subaru Baja or a smaller Honda Ridgeline. Measuring 4,970 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height, the Santa Cruz was notably shorter than the Toyota Tacoma, yet nearly as wide. Its wheelbase of 3,005 mm was also shorter, but it was larger than the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, making it a distinctive presence on the road. The Santa Cruz's SUV-like appearance, with a toothy grille and integrated headlights, set it apart from traditional pickups, while its interior offered a straightforward design with materials fitting its rugged adventure vehicle persona.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline, built on a unibody platform akin to the Honda Pilot and Passport, offered a more conservative styling approach. Its snub nose hinted at its crossover roots, while the rear maintained a classic pickup look. The Ridgeline's front-end styling evolved in 2021 to a blockier design, aligning it more with traditional trucks. The Black Edition test vehicle featured a dark theme with matching alloy wheels and trim. Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design was complemented by high-quality fit and finish, with features like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim was prone to smudges and scratches, detracting from the otherwise practical interior.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Canada came equipped with 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 and standard all-wheel drive. Its multi-link suspension provided an enjoyable driving experience, with impressive ride quality and low cabin noise, even on 20-inch wheels. The Santa Cruz offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kg and a payload capacity of 864 kg, aligning more with midsize SUVs than traditional pickups. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by the lack of low range and locking differentials.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Its towing capacity matched the Santa Cruz at 2,267 kg, but its payload capacity varied between 674 kg and 690 kg, depending on the trim. While the Ridgeline's towing and payload figures lagged behind some competitors, its naturally aspirated V6 provided ample power. The unibody platform contributed to a comfortable ride and precise handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited by the torque vectoring AWD system and lower ground clearance.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz's small truck bed, measuring 1,323 mm, limited its utility for carrying larger items like bicycles or plywood. However, Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, adjustable tailgate, and in-bed lighting to maximize the available space. The Santa Cruz offered a four-door crew-cab configuration with seating for five, though rear-seat legroom was tight. Front-seat space was more generous, and the interior featured practical storage solutions, including a centre console and under-seat storage.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline, available only in a four-door crew cab with a 162.5 cm bed, balanced passenger and cargo space effectively. Its bed included a 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, a spare tire slot, and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate and wide bed allowed for carrying 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood. Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, a large centre console, and a wireless phone charger. The interior felt spacious, with a wider stance and lower cowl height enhancing the sense of roominess.

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 was responsive and visually appealing, with features like a surround-view camera system and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics service.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. While the interface was not cutting-edge, it was user-friendly, with analog controls for essential functions. SiriusXM and navigation were available on higher trims, but the system lacked unique features compared to competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade offered a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist. However, the NHTSA ratings were not available.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline received top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Ridgeline's blind spot monitoring system was well-placed, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.