2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a robust and imposing vehicle, taking the muscular design of the F-150 to a more substantial level. Its heavy-duty appearance was not just for aesthetics; it featured enhancements over its light-duty counterparts, such as long bed lengths for improved cargo capacity and a tall ride height for better ground clearance. The truck's massive grilles, durable bumpers, and resilient bodywork were designed to withstand daily wear and tear. Inside, the cabin varied from basic and utilitarian in the base XL trim to luxurious in higher trims like the Super Duty Limited, which offered leather and upscale finishes.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its compact dimensions, was reminiscent of the mini trucks from the late 20th century but with a modern twist. Its unibody construction and unique styling set it apart, resembling more of an SUV with a bed than a traditional pickup. At 195.7 inches long, it was significantly shorter than a Toyota Tacoma, yet nearly as wide, offering a distinctive road presence. The Santa Cruz featured a toothy grille and integrated headlights, with practical elements like a lockable tonneau cover and in-bed storage. The interior was straightforward, with a focus on functionality rather than ruggedness, and offered adequate space for front passengers, though rear legroom was limited.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered three powerful engine options. The base 6.2-liter V8 delivered 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while a 7.3-liter V8 provided 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. The most potent option was the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, producing 475 hp and an impressive 1,050 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Super Duty trucks came standard with rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available as an upgrade. The F-350 model could be configured with dual-rear wheels for enhanced towing capacity, reaching over 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck setup. The Tremor models offered off-road capabilities with factory lift kits and robust tires.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was equipped 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 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated engine came with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option, whereas the turbocharged engine was all-wheel drive only. The Santa Cruz's multi-link suspension provided a fun driving experience, and the turbo engine delivered ample power. However, its towing capacity was more aligned with midsize SUVs, maxing out at 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine and 3,500 pounds with the base engine.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty, despite its utilitarian focus, offered a range of creature comforts. The standard 40/20/40 folding bench front seats provided comfort and practicality, while Crew Cab and Super Cab models offered spacious rear seating. However, the truck's large size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its tall ride height could complicate entry and exit. The clever tailgate design, with optional steps and a handle, facilitated bed access, though it was less elaborate than competitors' offerings.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its compact bed measuring 52.1 inches, limited its utility for carrying larger items like bicycles or plywood. However, Hyundai included features to maximize the available space, such as a lockable tonneau cover, tie-down points, and in-bed lighting. The Santa Cruz was only available in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering seating for five, though rear legroom was tight. The front seats provided more space, and the vehicle offered good visibility. Storage was well thought out, with compartments under the rear seats and a functional center console.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty featured the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, known for its user-friendly interface. The base XL trim came with a non-touch display, while higher trims offered a larger touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additional tech options included a WiFi hotspot, upgraded audio systems, and adjustable upfitter switches for accessories.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The system was responsive and visually appealing, with features like a radio-station display with vintage-style graphics. Hyundai's digital-key feature allowed smartphone use in place of a key fob, though it was limited to Android devices.

The 2021 Ford F-250 Super Duty offered a range of safety features, though many were available as upgrades. Options included a trailer tow package with Pro Trailer Backup Assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. As a commercial vehicle, it was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, being a new model, did not have safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.