2021 Ford F-150 vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its iconic tough look with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood, reminiscent of its predecessors. However, it introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille, offering 11 design options and new tailgate appliques. Ford emphasized improved aerodynamics with active grille shutters and an automatically-deploying air dam, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency. The aluminum bodywork, consistent with the previous generation, reduced weight, aiding in better fuel economy and increased payload capacity. Inside, the F-150 maintained its truck-like design with large angular air vents and a high center console. The interior varied from basic in the XL trim to luxurious in the King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited trims, with the King Ranch featuring leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its smaller footprint, evoked memories of mini trucks from the past but stood out with its unibody construction and unique styling. Measuring 195.7 inches in length, it was over a foot shorter than a Toyota Tacoma, yet nearly as wide. Its design resembled an SUV with a bed, featuring a toothy grille and blended headlights, similar to the Hyundai Tucson. The Santa Cruz offered 20-inch wheels for a bold look, with 18-inch options for off-roading. Inside, the design was straightforward, avoiding faux ruggedness. The materials were appropriate for its price range, and the air vents were neatly integrated into the dashboard. The Limited trim, while not overly fancy, was suitable for its adventurous intent.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrains, mostly carried over from the previous generation. The base model featured a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A 5.0-liter V8 provided 400 hp and 410 lb-ft, while two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines offered 325 hp and 400 lb-ft (2.7-liter) and 400 hp and 500 lb-ft (3.5-liter). A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 was also available, delivering 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The new PowerBoost hybrid combined a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, producing 430 hp and 570 lb-ft, making it the most powerful option. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing, with a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds and towing capacity of 14,000 pounds with the non-hybrid 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The hybrid offered a towing capacity of 12,700 pounds. The PowerBoost hybrid provided ample power, though the transition between electric and hybrid modes was not seamless.

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 the optional turbocharged engine delivered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. The naturally aspirated version offered FWD or AWD, while the turbocharged engine was AWD only. The Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension provided a fun driving experience, with impressive ride quality and low cabin noise. The turbo engine offered sufficient power, though towing was not tested. The Santa Cruz had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the base engine and 5,000 pounds with the turbo, with a payload capacity of 1,906 pounds. While not ideal for serious off-roading, it offered 8.6 inches of ground clearance and AWD.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to those using their trucks as mobile offices, with features like a fold-flat shifter creating a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered Max Recline Seats for resting. Storage was ample, with a large center-console bin and cupholders. The F-150 came in three cab configurations: two-door regular cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew, with varying seating capacities. Bed sizes included 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot options. Bed access was facilitated by power running boards and a fold-out step in the tailgate, which featured rulers and power opening/closing. The Pro Power Onboard system provided in-bed power outlets, with up to 7.2 kW output in the hybrid model.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, while offering a decent payload capacity, had a small 52.1-inch bed, limiting its utility for larger items. Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, adjustable tailgate, tie-down points, and in-bed lighting and power outlet. The bed had indents for creating a shelf and storage compartments under the bed and rear seats. The Santa Cruz was available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration, seating five. Rear legroom was tight, but front-seat space was more generous. Storage was decent, with a center console and under-seat bin. Controls for heated and ventilated seats were well-placed, though touch pads for audio and climate control were less user-friendly.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 12-inch option available, paired with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. The system had well-organized menus, and physical buttons for key functions. The F-150 also offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, and Dynamic Hitch Assist for easier towing, though these features were optional.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with 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 surround-view camera. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and cluster in the Limited trim were glare-resistant and responsive. Wireless charging and Hyundai’s digital-key feature were available, though the latter only worked with Android phones.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet received full crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but the IIHS gave a "good" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and intersection assist. The F-150 was set to receive Active Drive Assist for highway driving, with a driver-facing camera for monitoring distraction.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA. 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, handling acceleration and deceleration well but struggling with highway curves.