2023 Toyota Tundra 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 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 significantly shorter than the Toyota Tacoma, yet nearly as wide. Its wheelbase of 3,005 mm was also notably shorter. Despite its compact size, it was larger than the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, making it a standout on the road with its SUV-like appearance, distinctive grille, and integrated headlights.

The interior of the Santa Cruz was more conventional compared to its exterior. It offered a straightforward design, avoiding the faux ruggedness seen in some truck interiors. The air vents were seamlessly integrated into the dashboard's trim, and while the materials weren't luxurious, they were fitting for its price range and intended use as an adventure vehicle. The Santa Cruz was available with 20-inch wheels, though 18-inch wheels were also offered for those interested in off-roading.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, was a behemoth in the truck world, characterized by its massive grille and interlocking design elements that gave it a cohesive and robust appearance. The Tundra's design was purposeful, with slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line that added visual length. The rear featured a three-dimensional stamped design, enhancing its solid look. Available in ten trim levels in Canada, the Tundra offered a range of configurations, with the TRD Pro trim standing out for its off-road capabilities.

Inside, the Tundra boasted expansive seats and ample room, especially in the higher trims, which featured a 14-inch touchscreen. The interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with large physical controls for essential functions. The TRD Pro trim, with its off-road enhancements, was particularly notable for its ability to handle challenging terrains, although its size could be a limitation on narrower trails.

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 driving dynamics. The Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension provided a fun driving experience, with a self-leveling feature for a loaded bed. Despite its impressive ride quality and low cabin noise, the Santa Cruz was not designed for serious off-roading, lacking 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 trucks.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra offered two engine choices, both featuring six cylinders. The standard 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 produced 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, while the Tundra Hybrid's i-FORCE MAX engine delivered 437 hp and 583 lb-ft. A 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery. The Tundra's multi-link suspension improved ride quality, and its towing capacity reached 5,045 kg, with a payload capacity of 880 kg. The TRD Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its lift, Fox shocks, and advanced off-road technologies, although its large size could be a hindrance on tight trails.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz had 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 Santa Cruz was available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration, with limited rear-seat space but decent front-seat room. Storage was well thought out, with a centre console and under-seat compartments, though the touchpad controls for some functions were less user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra offered a spacious interior, with the CrewMax configuration providing ample room for rear-seat passengers. The centre console featured a clever sliding door for easy access, and the wireless charging pad was conveniently placed. The Tundra's bed options varied by trim, with lengths ranging from 1,677 mm to 2,469 mm, catering to different needs. The interior was designed for practicality, with large controls and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, 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 user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick boot-up times.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra's standout feature was its available 14-inch multimedia screen, standard on Limited trims and above. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12-speaker audio system on higher trims. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was impressive, providing clear and bright displays. The Tundra's technology represented a significant advancement over previous models.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with standard safety features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist. The NHTSA ratings were not available at the time.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not standard across all trims. The Tundra CrewMax received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were pending.