2021 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2021 RAM 1500, a carryover model from its 2019 redesign, maintained its robust and commanding presence without introducing new cosmetic changes. It offered a variety of configurations, including quad or crew cabs with different bed lengths, and was available in both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. The standout for 2021 was the TRX model, which drew inspiration from off-road rally races and featured a bold design with a functioning hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. The TRX was a crew cab-only 4x4 with a smaller box, and its dimensions were notably larger than the standard RAM 1500, straddling commercial vehicle territory. The interior of the TRX combined first-class comfort with rugged durability, offering premium materials and a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its unibody construction and unique styling, resembled a smaller Honda Ridgeline or a modern take on the Subaru Baja. It was compact, measuring 195.7 inches in length, and featured a design that blended SUV and truck elements, with a distinctive grille and integrated headlights. The Santa Cruz offered 20-inch wheels for a stylish look, while 18-inch wheels were available for off-roading. Inside, the Santa Cruz had a more conventional design, with materials appropriate for its price range and a focus on functionality. The interior was honest and straightforward, with well-integrated air vents and a practical layout, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a rugged adventure vehicle.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, delivering an impressive 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse allowed the TRX to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 118 mph. It had a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and could tow up to 8,100 pounds. The TRX featured eight on- and off-road drive modes, including a Baja mode, and offered a thrilling driving experience both on highways and off-road tracks. Despite its performance capabilities, the TRX's fuel economy was a modest 10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The base engine produced 191 horsepower, while the turbocharged variant offered 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Cruz provided a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with a multi-link suspension and self-leveling feature for a loaded bed. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the base engine and 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine. While not designed for serious off-roading, the Santa Cruz offered 8.6 inches of ground clearance and an optional HTRAC AWD system.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered a spacious interior with identical dimensions to the standard RAM 1500, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including a large center storage bin. The TRX Level 2 package included comfortable front seats and powered-adjustable pedals, enhancing the driving experience. The TRX also offered full-length rock rails for added protection and a full-size spare tire.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, while offering an impressive payload capacity, had a smaller truck bed measuring 52.1 inches in length. Despite its size, Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, adjustable tailgate, and in-bed storage compartments to maximize utility. The Santa Cruz was available in a four-door crew-cab configuration, with seating for five. While rear-seat legroom was tight, front-seat space was more generous, and the vehicle offered good outward visibility. The interior included practical storage solutions and user-friendly controls, although some functions relied on touch pads rather than physical buttons.

The 2021 RAM 1500 featured a 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system, offering customizable displays and a range of tech-friendly features. Performance Pages provided vehicle calculations, while Off-Road Pages displayed ride height and other gauges. The system included wireless charging, smartphone integration, and a premium audio package. A new head-up display offered real-time driving information, although speed limit notifications were GPS-based and occasionally inaccurate.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, which displayed blind spot images from the surround-view camera system. The system was quick to respond and featured attractive graphics. Wireless device charging and Hyundai's digital-key feature were also available, allowing smartphone use in place of a key fob.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, although crash-test ratings were not available at launch. Standard features included a rear backup camera, with additional options like a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist available in packages. The TRX also featured a digital rear-view mirror and various ADAS features for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, while lacking safety ratings, offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. Hyundai's system performed well for highway driving but struggled with curves, a common issue among similar systems.