2023 Nissan Frontier 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 than the Tacoma's, but it was larger than the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV. The Santa Cruz's design, resembling an SUV with a bed, featured a distinctive grille and integrated headlights, setting it apart from traditional pickups. The interior, while conventional, offered a practical design with materials suitable for its price range, emphasizing its role as a rugged adventure vehicle.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier, available in six trims in Canada, retained its well-received exterior redesign inspired by the 1986 Nissan Hardbody. The new model year introduced a Midnight Edition with blacked-out features and unique elements for the Pro-4X trim, such as 17-inch alloy wheels and Lava Red interior accents. The Frontier offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and adjustable seating options, enhancing comfort. The nine exterior colour options, including "Baja Storm" tan and Tactical Green, provided a range of choices for consumers. The Frontier's design updates and features aimed to balance off-road capability with on-road comfort, making it a versatile option for various driving conditions.

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. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada, enhancing its performance. The Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension contributed to its enjoyable handling, and the self-leveling feature accommodated a loaded bed. Despite its 21.8 cm ground clearance and four-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz was not ideal for serious off-roading due to the lack of low range and locking differentials. Its towing capacity was 2,268 kg, with a payload capacity of 864 kg, aligning more with midsize SUVs than traditional pickups.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system allowed for seamless transitions between RWD and 4WD. Hill-start assist and hill-descent control were standard, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Frontier's Pro-4X trim focused on balancing off-road prowess with on-road comfort, featuring Bilstein off-road shock absorbers and noise reduction measures. Its towing capacity reached 2,952 kg, with a maximum payload of 635 kg. Fuel economy ratings were 12.8 L/100 km in the city and 10.2 on the highway, with the Pro-4X slightly less efficient.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz's small truck bed, measuring 1,323 mm, limited its utility for larger cargo. However, Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, adjustable tailgate, tie-down points, and in-bed lighting to maximize space. 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. Storage solutions included a centre console, under-seat storage, and convenient control placements, though touch pads for some functions were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier offered two cab configurations: the larger Crew Cab with four full-sized doors and a King Cab with two full-sized and two rear access doors. Bed lengths varied, with the Crew Cab offering a 6-foot bed and the Pro-4X a 5-foot bed. The Frontier's cargo bed volume increased with higher walls, providing 1,135 litres for the 5-foot bed and 1,314 litres for the 6-foot bed. The hydraulically assisted tailgate and skid plates on the Pro-4X trim enhanced functionality. Inside, Zero Gravity seats and ample storage options, including under-seat storage, contributed to a comfortable and practical interior.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless 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 touchscreen and digital cluster were responsive and visually appealing, enhancing the overall user experience.

For the 2023 Nissan Frontier, wireless Apple CarPlay became standard on the Pro-4X trim, while a wired connection was required for Android Auto. The Pro trim included USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and power outlets. Infotainment was delivered through an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 9-inch system on the Pro-4X. The available 10-speaker Fender premium sound system impressed with its audio quality. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster, keyless entry, and push-button start were standard, with the Pro-4X offering an off-road mode for the Intelligent Around-View Monitor.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was a Top Safety Pick by 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, and more. The surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist were available on higher trims, providing additional safety and convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Frontier came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating, with high marks in side crash tests. The IIHS had not tested the 2023 model, but the 2022 version received favourable ratings for crash prevention and seat belt reminders.