2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2023 RAM 1500

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 set it apart, resembling more of a modern-day 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 almost as wide. Its wheelbase of 3,005 mm was significantly shorter than the Tacoma's, but it was larger than the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV. The Santa Cruz's design leaned more towards an SUV with a bed, featuring a distinctive grille and integrated headlights, making it stand out on the road. The interior, while conventional, was honest in its design, with well-integrated air vents and materials that suited its price range and adventurous spirit.

In contrast, the 2023 RAM 1500 offered a more traditional full-size truck experience, available in both quad and crew cab configurations. The Limited trim, near the top of its eight available trims, featured a stealthy Night Edition with 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited exuded luxury with leather upholstery, contrasting stitching, and open-pore wood on the dash. The 12-inch portrait-oriented screen added a unique touch to the interior, complemented by chunky volume controls and a Ram logo on the dash. The steering wheel boasted wood and leather trim, enhancing the upscale feel. The RAM 1500's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera system.

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, and the Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension provided a fun driving experience, even with a loaded bed. The ride quality was impressive, with low cabin noise and ample thrust from the turbo engine. 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 maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kg and a payload capacity of 864 kg, aligning more with midsize SUVs than traditional pickups.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 3.6-litre V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel engine. The TRX trim featured a supercharged 6.2-litre V8, producing 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The eTorque system provided better fuel economy and extra power, while the 8-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts. The RAM 1500's coilover rear suspension and optional air suspension delivered a smooth ride, and its 14.9-inch brake rotors provided confident stopping power. The truck's towing capacity reached up to 5,783 kg, with a payload capacity of 1,043 kg, depending on the configuration. The RAM 1500 also offered off-road options like the Rebel and TRX trims for those seeking adventure.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz's small truck bed, measuring 1,323 mm in length, limited its utility for larger cargo. However, Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, height-adjustable tailgate, tie-down points, and in-bed LED lighting to maximize the available space. The Santa Cruz was available in a four-door crew-cab configuration, with seating for five. While rear-seat legroom was tight, front-seat space was more generous, and the vehicle offered decent storage options, including a centre console and under-seat storage.

The 2023 RAM 1500 excelled in interior space and storage, with a two-tiered centre console and ample cubbies throughout the cabin. The crew cab configuration provided generous rear legroom of 1,148 mm, and the rear seats could recline and flip up for additional cargo space. The multifunction tailgate and optional air suspension made loading and unloading easier. The RamBox storage system offered secure, lockable storage for tools and other items, enhancing the truck's practicality.

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 digital cluster displayed blind spot images from the optional surround-view camera system, and Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service provided smartwatch and Google Assistant connectivity. The touchscreen and digital cluster were responsive and visually appealing, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 RAM 1500 introduced a reconfigurable 12-inch gauge cluster, although it was not available on the test model. The truck offered a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, allowing for dual-function display and Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. While the Uconnect system could be initially confusing, it was well-organized. The RAM 1500 also featured a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and multiple charging outlets, making it a tech-savvy choice for road trips.

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

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control available as options or in packages. The NHTSA awarded the RAM 1500 crew cab a five-star safety rating, while the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use. The Limited, Longhorn, and TRX trims received Good grades for headlights.