2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2023 Ford F-150

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 iteration 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 but nearly as wide. Its wheelbase of 3,005 mm was also shorter than the Tacoma's. Despite its compact size, the Santa Cruz was slightly larger than the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, making it stand out with its SUV-like appearance, toothy grille, and integrated headlights. The interior, though conventional, was practical and well-suited for its price range, emphasizing its role as a rugged adventure vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-150 offered a more traditional full-size pickup experience with a vast array of configurations. The model lineup included various cab styles and bed lengths, catering to a wide range of needs. The F-150's design was familiar and appealing, avoiding any radical changes that might alienate customers. Inside, the F-150 adopted a functional approach with a modular design, focusing on practicality over aesthetics. The test truck featured the Ford Work Surface upgrade, which provided a flat work area but compromised the shifter's feel. Despite some minor issues with interior materials, the F-150 remained a comfortable and versatile option for those seeking a reliable full-size truck.

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. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz offered a spirited driving experience. Its multi-link suspension provided impressive handling, and the ride quality was commendable even with 20-inch wheels. However, its off-road capabilities were limited due to the lack of low range and locking differentials. The Santa Cruz had a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kg and a payload capacity of 864 kg, aligning more with midsize SUVs than traditional pickups.

The 2023 Ford F-150, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered seamless acceleration. The F-150's maximum towing capacity reached 6,350 kg, with a payload rating of 1,503 kg, depending on the configuration. While the standard suspension tuning provided a somewhat harsh ride when unloaded, the F-150 excelled in structural solidity and secure handling. The brakes performed well under high-heat conditions, and the steering, though unremarkable, was functional. Fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 13.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz featured a small truck bed measuring 1,323 mm in length, limiting its utility for larger cargo. However, Hyundai included several features to maximize the available space, such as a lockable tonneau cover, adjustable tailgate, 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, and visibility was good. The interior provided ample storage, with a centre console and under-seat compartments, though the touchpad controls for audio and climate functions were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for five. The optional High equipment package added power-adjustable front seats and pedals, making it easy to find an ideal driving position. Storage was abundant, with a large bin under the front centre armrest, trays, cubbies, and dual glove compartments. The rear seats could be flipped up or folded flat for additional cargo space. The test truck's cargo bed featured a spray-in bedliner and the 2.0-kW Pro Power Onboard system, though accessing the bed was challenging without the available tailgate step.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The digital cluster displayed blind-spot images from the optional surround-view camera system. Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service provided smartwatch and Google Assistant connectivity. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital cluster in the test vehicle were responsive and visually appealing, with quick boot-up times and intuitive controls.

The 2023 Ford F-150, equipped with the Sync 4 infotainment system, featured a 12-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Ford Pass Connect services offered a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and the test truck included a connected navigation system. While Sync 4 was user-friendly, it suffered from slow loading times and lacked bold graphics for better readability. The voice recognition system performed exceptionally well, and the standard stereo provided decent sound quality. Additional features included remote engine starting, trailer-brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the top rating due to standard halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Ultimate grade offered a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring.

The 2023 Ford F-150 featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Assist package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and intersection assist. The F-150 received high marks from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.