2021 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$29,490

MSRP

$24,440

Average price

$36,830

Average price

$26,208

Listings

6704

Listings

523
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Lacking physical buttons for audio and climate control

2021 RAM 1500 Reviews Summary

Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Reviews Summary

Being a newbie in a given field means having to catch up to established leaders, but it can also bring a different perspective. Hyundai has never sold a pickup truck in the United States, and its first effort is unlike anything else on the market.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the first truly compact pickup to be sold in the U.S. in over a decade, and unlike conventional body-on-frame pickups, it features car-like unibody construction. This packaging sacrifices some capability, but that’s beside the point. Hyundai didn’t design the Santa Cruz to compete directly with conventional trucks. It doesn’t even call the Santa Cruz a pickup; it prefers the term “sport adventure vehicle.”

While it may win over some truck buyers who want a pickup that’s easier to park, the Santa Cruz will appeal mainly to new-car buyers who want to replace a sedan or crossover SUV with something a bit more rugged.

To figure out where the Santa Cruz fits into the current automotive landscape, we spent a day driving it around on roads in and around its namesake California city. Hyundai also offers base SE, SEL Activity Package, and SEL Premium trim levels, but we sampled a range-topping Santa Cruz Limited model for this test drive.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 305 hp V6

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

305 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

MPG City

17

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

26
2021 RAM 1500
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 RAM 1500
$29,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$29,490
$24,440
Average price
$36,830
$26,208
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.6
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Stylish design
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Lacking physical buttons for audio and climate control
Summary
Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, the Ram 1500 enters the fray of high-performance off-road vehicles with cocksure confidence. Second place in truck sales last year, Ram earns the first-place podium in superpowers with its new SRT Hellcat-powered TRX trim level as it looks to make moves to climb the sales charts. Or, maybe, just literally drive over its competition.

Being a newbie in a given field means having to catch up to established leaders, but it can also bring a different perspective. Hyundai has never sold a pickup truck in the United States, and its first effort is unlike anything else on the market.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the first truly compact pickup to be sold in the U.S. in over a decade, and unlike conventional body-on-frame pickups, it features car-like unibody construction. This packaging sacrifices some capability, but that’s beside the point. Hyundai didn’t design the Santa Cruz to compete directly with conventional trucks. It doesn’t even call the Santa Cruz a pickup; it prefers the term “sport adventure vehicle.”

While it may win over some truck buyers who want a pickup that’s easier to park, the Santa Cruz will appeal mainly to new-car buyers who want to replace a sedan or crossover SUV with something a bit more rugged.

To figure out where the Santa Cruz fits into the current automotive landscape, we spent a day driving it around on roads in and around its namesake California city. Hyundai also offers base SE, SEL Activity Package, and SEL Premium trim levels, but we sampled a range-topping Santa Cruz Limited model for this test drive.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 305 hp V6
2.5L 191 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
FWD
Seating Capacity
3
5
Horsepower
305 hp @ 6400 rpm
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
MPG City
17
21
MPG Highway
25
26
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