2021 Ford Ranger vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2021 Ford Ranger was available in two cab styles: SuperCab with a six-foot cargo bed and SuperCrew with a five-foot cargo bed. It came in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat, all powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The SuperCrew Lariat configuration, equipped with the Tremor Off-Road Package, featured unique 17-inch dark gray wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, and distinctive Tremor graphics, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Lariat trim combined with Tremor’s simulated suede seat inserts and all-weather floor mats, creating a well-equipped cabin with a clean and contemporary design.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its unibody construction and unique styling, resembled an SUV with a bed rather than a traditional pickup. It measured 195.7 inches in length, making it over a foot shorter than a Toyota Tacoma, yet nearly as wide. The Santa Cruz stood out with its toothy grille and blended headlights, while the interior offered a more conventional design. The cabin featured integrated air vents and appropriate materials for its price range, emphasizing its role as a rugged adventure vehicle. Despite its compact size, the Santa Cruz provided a decent amount of storage space and a comfortable front-seat experience.

The 2021 Ford Ranger was powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered a Terrain Management System with various settings for different terrains. The Tremor Off-Road Package enhanced its off-road capabilities with a new suspension, providing 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul a maximum payload of 1,860 pounds, though the Tremor's payload capacity was reduced to 1,430 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 19 mpg combined, and it offered a refined driving experience with swift acceleration and a comfortable ride.

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 engine offered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Cruz featured a multi-link suspension, providing a fun driving experience with impressive ride quality. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the base engine and 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine. While it had 8.6 inches of ground clearance, it lacked serious off-road capabilities due to the absence of low range and locking differentials.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor featured hoop-style step bars, which were mounted high for maximum clearance but could be inconvenient for taller individuals. The interior offered comfortable power-adjustable seats, though the driver's seat needed more travel for taller drivers. Rear-seat space was accommodating, but the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The cargo bed provided 43.3 cubic feet of space, with limited cargo solutions aside from four tie-down hooks. The tailgate was undampened but lightweight, making it easy to operate.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz had a small truck bed measuring 52.1 inches in length, limiting its utility for larger cargo. However, it included features like a lockable tonneau cover, tie-down points, and in-bed LED lighting. The Santa Cruz was available only in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering limited rear-seat space but decent front-seat comfort. The interior featured a good amount of storage space, with controls for heated and ventilated seats conveniently placed on the center console. However, the use of touch pads for audio and climate control functions made them harder to use while driving.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor was equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. While the system was competitive, voice recognition performance was inconsistent. The climate system was integrated into Sync 3, allowing for voice-activated temperature adjustments.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which were quick to respond and offered clear graphics. The Santa Cruz also included wireless device charging and Hyundai’s digital-key feature, allowing smartphone use as a key fob replacement.

The 2021 Ford Ranger offered the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. It also featured a blind-spot warning system with trailer coverage and adaptive cruise control. The Ranger received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS gave it top scores, except for an "Acceptable" rating for front-passenger protection and a "Marginal" rating for headlights.

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.