2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was a unique blend of SUV and pickup truck, with a design that harkened back to the mini trucks of the past while incorporating modern elements. Its unibody construction and distinctive styling set it apart from traditional pickups, resembling more of an SUV with a bed. The Santa Cruz measured 4,970 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height, making it significantly shorter than the Toyota Tacoma but nearly as wide. Despite its compact size, it offered a rugged appearance with features like a toothy grille and blended headlights, similar to the Hyundai Tucson. The interior was straightforward and functional, with materials that matched its price range and purpose as an adventure vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presented a more traditional truck design with a modern twist. Its styling was polarizing, with small headlights and a bold grille that some found aggressive. The Silverado offered various appearance packages, such as the Rally Edition and Redline Edition, to enhance its visual appeal. Inside, the Silverado's cabin was practical and functional, with controls placed intuitively. Depending on the trim, the interior ranged from basic to luxurious, with options like a fully digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen. The Silverado's design catered to both work and leisure, offering a range of trims to suit different needs.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, providing a spirited driving experience. The Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension contributed to its agile handling, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with 21.8 cm of ground clearance and no low range or locking differentials. The Santa Cruz had a towing capacity of 2,268 kg and a payload capacity of 864 kg, suitable for recreational use.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, V8 engines were available, including a 5.3-litre with 355 hp and a 6.2-litre with 420 hp. A six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine was also an option. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 6,000 kg with the 6.2-litre V8 and Max Towing package, while the base engine offered a payload capacity of 1,025 kg. The Silverado excelled in off-road conditions, especially in the Trail Boss and ZR2 trims, with features like skid plates and upgraded suspension.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz featured a small truck bed measuring 1,323 mm in length, limiting its utility for larger cargo. However, it included practical features like a lockable tonneau cover, tie-down points, and in-bed lighting. The Santa Cruz was available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering seating for five. While rear-seat legroom was tight, front-seat space was more generous. The interior provided ample storage, with a centre console and under-seat compartments, though some controls were touch-sensitive, which could be challenging to use while driving.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered various body styles, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with bed lengths ranging from 1,776 mm to 2,494 mm. The regular cab was suited for work-focused trims, while the double cab provided easy access to rear seats with conventional doors. The crew cab was spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear bench could be folded for additional in-cabin cargo space, making it versatile for carrying valuable items.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring 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 user-friendly, with quick response times and clear graphics. Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service provided additional connectivity options, including smartwatch and Google Assistant integration.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a fully digital instrument panel. The system was intuitive and responsive, with additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging available on select trims. The Silverado's infotainment options catered to both tech-savvy users and those preferring simplicity.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the top rating due to its standard halogen headlights. It offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade added a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Silverado received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for buyers.