2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz presented a unique blend of compact dimensions and unconventional styling, reminiscent of the mini trucks from the 1970s to 1990s. However, its unibody construction and design cues aligned it more closely with vehicles like the Subaru Baja or a smaller Honda Ridgeline. Measuring 4,970 millimetres 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 the Santa Cruz was larger than the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV. The exterior design, featuring a toothy grille and integrated headlights, gave it an SUV-like appearance with a bed, setting it apart from traditional small pickups. The interior, while conventional, offered a straightforward design with appropriate materials for its price range, emphasizing its role as a rugged adventure vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma maintained an assertive stance with its upright grille and tall bed, offering a substantial look without appearing oversized. Available in various trim levels, including the TRD Pro, the Tacoma provided a range of configurations with multiple powertrain options, bed lengths, and cab styles. The TRD Pro trim, tested in bright Solar Octane paint, featured off-road-oriented enhancements like underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a unique grille. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with the TRD Pro offering Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Tacoma's interior design was practical, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation, even with gloves on.

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. Standard all-wheel drive provided a dynamic driving experience, with the multi-link suspension enhancing cornering fun and ride quality. The Santa Cruz offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms 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 2023 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Despite the power advantage, the Tacoma was not particularly quick, with noticeable engine and wind noise at highway speeds. The TRD Pro's off-road suspension handled city streets well, but the steering felt vague. Fuel economy was a concern, with the TRD Pro delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions. The Tacoma's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl control, but the increased competition in the segment highlighted its aging design.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered a small truck bed measuring 1,323 mm in length, limiting its utility for larger cargo. However, Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, adjustable tailgate, and in-bed storage to maximize space. The crew-cab configuration provided seating for five, though rear-seat legroom was tight. Front-seat space was more generous, with good outward visibility. The interior featured practical storage solutions, but the use of touch pads for controls was less user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma provided more configuration options, with the access cab offering a 1,872-mm bed and the double cab available with a long or short bed. The access cab's rear seats were cramped, while the double cab offered better rear-seat comfort. Front seats provided ample cubby space and legroom, though the steering wheel's limited extension posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed was spacious enough for gear, making it suitable for outdoor adventures.

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 and digital instrument cluster, with Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service providing additional connectivity options. The system was responsive and visually appealing, with features like a surround-view camera system available.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, while not leading in technology, offered a user-friendly interface with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless charging and a premium JBL audio system. However, the Tacoma's infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors.

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, and blind-spot monitoring. A surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist were available on higher trims, though the system struggled with highway curves.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The TRD Pro added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, but lacked more advanced autonomous driving aids. The Tacoma received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, missing top marks in frontal crash and rollover tests.