2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$43,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$43,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty is the better choice, offering superior performance, towing capacity, and a wider range of configurations and features.

Overview

MSRP

$24,440

MSRP

$43,970

Average price

$25,939

Average price

$65,125

Listings

527

Listings

1800
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Lacking physical buttons for audio and climate control
Pros
  • Powerful engines
  • Incredible towing capability
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Gets expensive fast
  • Thirsty engines
  • Wide turning radius

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.

2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty Reviews Summary

Verdict: Within the full-size, heavy-duty truck market, some options are more optimized for specific duties, such as towing, off-roading, plowing, and hauling people and gear. While rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and Ram 2500 Heavy Duty offer more capability in some areas, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is an exceptionally well-rounded large pickup. It is offered in a wide range of trims, ensuring shoppers have a preferred model that meets their needs and (just as crucially) meets their budget.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Engine

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

21

MPG City

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$43,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$24,440MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
$43,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty scores 8.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty is the better choice, offering superior performance, towing capacity, and a wider range of configurations and features.

Overview
MSRP
$24,440
$43,970
Average price
$25,939
$65,125
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.9
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Lacking physical buttons for audio and climate control
Pros
  • Powerful engines
  • Incredible towing capability
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Gets expensive fast
  • Thirsty engines
  • Wide turning radius
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.

Verdict: Within the full-size, heavy-duty truck market, some options are more optimized for specific duties, such as towing, off-roading, plowing, and hauling people and gear. While rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and Ram 2500 Heavy Duty offer more capability in some areas, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is an exceptionally well-rounded large pickup. It is offered in a wide range of trims, ensuring shoppers have a preferred model that meets their needs and (just as crucially) meets their budget.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 191 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
3
Horsepower
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
MPG City
21
MPG Highway
26
Look and feel
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
9/10
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
7/10

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its smaller footprint compared to current midsize pickups, evoked memories of the mini trucks from the 1970s to 1990s. However, its unibody construction and unique styling made it more akin to the Subaru Baja or a smaller Honda Ridgeline. Measuring 195.7 inches in length, 75.0 inches in width, and 66.7 inches in height, the Santa Cruz was over a foot shorter than a Toyota Tacoma but nearly as wide. Its 118.3-inch wheelbase was 9.1 inches shorter than the Tacoma’s. Despite being larger than the 2022 Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV, the Santa Cruz was not exactly tiny.

The Santa Cruz’s design resembled an SUV with a bed rather than a traditional small pickup. Its toothy grille and blended headlights, similar to the Tucson, ensured it stood out on the road. The only nods to traditional truck styling were the “Santa Cruz” name stamped into the tailgate, some plastic body cladding, and a bit of chrome. Available with 20-inch wheels that filled the arches nicely, Hyundai also offered 18-inch wheels for off-roading. Inside, the design was more conventional, with materials appropriate for its price range and mission as a rugged “adventure vehicle.”

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty, though completely redesigned for the model year, underwent more of a visual evolution than a revolution. Available in trims like XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited, the XL was a work truck with some creature comforts, including 17-inch wheels, vinyl upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLT added cloth upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, while the Lariat introduced modern comforts like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12-inch touchscreen.

Driving the King Ranch trim, we experienced one of the lineup’s luxury trucks, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint job, and less chrome than previous versions. The King Ranch’s interior was beautifully styled with two-tone brown leather, perforated seats, and the signature Flying W logo. Features included an 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, auxiliary switches for aftermarket add-ons, and Pro Power Onboard for 2-kilowatt power output. The Platinum trim offered similar comforts with more cosmopolitan styling, while the range-topping Limited trim included nearly every package and option available.

Performance
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
9/10
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
8/10

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The base engine produced 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while an optional turbocharged engine delivered 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated version offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), whereas the turbocharged engine was AWD only. The Santa Cruz’s multi-link suspension made it fun to drive in corners, and the self-leveling feature accounted for a loaded bed. The turbo engine provided ample thrust, but we didn’t get to test the towing capabilities or the base engine.

The Santa Cruz had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the naturally aspirated engine and 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine, along with a maximum payload capacity of 1,906 pounds. While its off-road capability was respectable with 8.6 inches of ground clearance and AWD, it lacked low range and locking differentials, making it less suitable for serious off-roading.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty’s base engine was a 6.8-liter gas V8 producing 400 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. A 7.3-liter V8 option offered 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. The F-250 also featured a 6.7-liter PowerStroke turbodiesel V8, generating 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, with a high-output version delivering 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Power was routed to rear-wheel drive (RWD) on the base XL trim or standard four-wheel drive (4WD) through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 10-speed transmission managed power beautifully, ensuring the diesel engine was always in the optimal powerband.

The Super Duty’s towing capacity maxed at 22,000 pounds when properly equipped, requiring certain configurations with the turbodiesel engine. Ford’s Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and onboard scales made towing easier, while the truck’s massive size required careful maneuvering in tight spaces. Despite its size, the Super Duty was manageable in traffic, with precise steering and good road negotiation.

Form and function
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
6/10
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
10/10

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s small truck bed, measuring 52.1 inches long, limited its utility. Typical cargo like bicycles or a 4x8 sheet of plywood wouldn’t fit completely in the bed. However, Hyundai included features like a standard lockable tonneau cover, height-adjustable tailgate, tie-down points, in-bed LED lighting, and a 115-volt power outlet. The Santa Cruz also had storage compartments under the bed and rear seats, and corner steps for easier bed access. The four-door crew-cab configuration seated five, with tight rear-seat legroom but more generous front-seat space and good outward visibility.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty was offered in regular cab, SuperCab (extended cab), and Super Crew (full four-door crew cab) configurations, with either a 6.75-foot or 8-foot bed. The extended SuperCab’s rear-hinged clamshell doors required the front doors to be open for operation, providing a wide opening for the entire cab. Our test model featured an optional Warn winch on the front bumper and a soft-opening tailgate with bed steps for easier access. Inside, the F-250 had numerous cupholders, a massive center storage bin, dual glove boxes, and ample door space for bottles or gear. The Super Crew’s rear seats folded up, providing a large cargo area protected from the elements.

Technology
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
9/10
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
9/10

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trim levels offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The digital cluster could show images of blind spots from the optional surround-view camera system. Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics service included smartwatch and Google Assistant connectivity. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster in our test vehicle looked great and worked well, with quick boot-up and response times. Wireless device charging and Hyundai’s digital-key feature were also available.

The 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty’s base infotainment system was an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test model had a larger 12-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, offering a logical control layout with redundant dials for radio and climate controls. The F-250 also had multiple USB ports, a wall-style power outlet, and wireless device charging. Ford’s Trailer Navigation system allowed drivers to input trailer weight and dimensions, optimizing routes to avoid tight turns and low bridges.

Safety
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
7/10
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
9/10

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, being a new model, didn’t have safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, it offered standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-follow assist, rear-seat reminder, and a driver-attention monitor. Higher trim levels included blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, a surround-view camera system, and Highway Driving Assist.

Starting at the XLT trim, the 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty came equipped with the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centering assist, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera system. Our test model had dual-tier power-adjustable and power-telescoping trailer mirrors, a trailer blind-spot monitoring system, and an industry-first backup camera for when the tailgate was lowered. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the Ford Super Duty.

Cost Effectiveness
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
8/10
2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
8/10
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