2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, with its hood nearly reaching the height of an average American woman. Despite its imposing stature, the Silverado 2500HD was more than just a tall truck; it was a highly capable vehicle, surpassing its Silverado 1500 sibling in performance. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet offered the Silverado 2500HD in various body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, emphasizing variety as its specialty. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added to its appeal. The truck's high-strength steel bed, available in standard and long-bed versions, was complemented by 17- to 20-inch wheels, though the 2500HD was not available as a dually. Integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps provided access to the high bed, albeit with some difficulty for shorter individuals. The Silverado's exterior leaned more towards a rugged, toy-like appearance rather than sophisticated worksite chic.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its compact footprint, evoked memories of mini trucks from the past, yet its unibody construction and unique styling set it apart. Measuring 195.7 inches in length, it was over a foot shorter than a Toyota Tacoma but nearly as wide. The Santa Cruz resembled an SUV with a bed, featuring a distinctive grille and headlights akin to the Hyundai Tucson. Available with 20-inch wheels, it also offered 18-inch options for off-roading. Inside, the Santa Cruz's design was straightforward, with materials appropriate for its price range. The interior, especially in the Limited trim, was honest and functional, with well-integrated air vents and practical controls. While not luxurious, the Santa Cruz's interior was fitting for its role as a rugged adventure vehicle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a choice between a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel. The gasoline engine delivered 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel, available for an additional cost, produced 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive as an option. The gasoline engine allowed for a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds with RWD, while the diesel engine offered a 3,715-pound payload. Towing capacities varied, with the diesel capable of pulling up to 18,500 pounds. The Silverado's diesel engine provided smoother acceleration, especially when towing, thanks to its high torque and refined transmission. Fuel economy figures were not provided, as heavy-duty trucks like the Silverado 2500HD were classified as work vehicles. Despite its size, the Silverado HD handled well on highways and was easy to maneuver in parking lots.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base engine produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while an optional turbocharged version offered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The naturally aspirated engine was available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the turbocharged engine was AWD only. The Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension provided a fun driving experience, with a self-leveling feature for a loaded bed. The turbo engine delivered ample power, though towing capabilities were not tested. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the Santa Cruz offered some off-road capability, but it lacked features like low range and locking differentials. The Santa Cruz's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds with the base engine and 5,000 pounds with the turbo, aligning more with midsize SUVs than traditional trucks.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with more headroom than most SUVs. The Crew Cab version offered ample rear-seat legroom, while the front featured a standard 40/20/40 split-bench seat. Higher trims included bucket seats and a center console. Upholstery options ranged from vinyl to cloth, with power-adjustable seats available in the High Country grade. Standard features included assist handles, manual windows, and single-zone climate control. Upper trims approached GMC's premium territory, though competitors like Ford and Ram offered more luxurious appointments.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz's small truck bed, measuring 52.1 inches, 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, with tight rear-seat legroom but decent front-seat space. Storage was ample, with a center console and under-seat compartments. Controls for heated and ventilated seats were conveniently placed, though touch pads for audio and climate functions were less user-friendly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had limitations when browsing radio stations. Standard features included a 12-volt power outlet, Bluetooth, and a 3.5-inch driver information display. Available upgrades included a Bose audio system, 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless connectivity options. Chevrolet excelled in camera technology, adding a bed-view camera to lower trims.

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 charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The digital cluster displayed blind-spot images from the surround-view camera system. Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service provided smartwatch and Google Assistant connectivity. The touchscreen and instrument cluster in the Limited trim were responsive and visually appealing, with quick boot-up times and intuitive controls.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS due to its heavy-duty classification. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, and electronic stability control. The Safety Confidence Package added forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety options included lane-departure warning, park assist, and OnStar services.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention monitor. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Hyundai's system performed comparably to others in its class, though it struggled with highway curves.