Building out a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

I’m very interested in the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz and as such, I’ve been playing with the builder trying to figure out exactly the spec I’d buy if I was really going to pick one up, which I still might. Check out the video to see my build and let me know your thoughts and what you’d build if you were picking one up.

When Hyundai first announced the Santa Cruz, I was curious. When I finally drove one at an event, I was hooked. It’s not often that a new vehicle excites me enough to sit down and spec one out for myself, but the Santa Cruz did just that. Today, I’m walking through how I’d build my perfect Santa Cruz if I were buying one.

Starting at the Top

Hyundai, of course, loves to show off the fully loaded Limited trim. At $39,720, you get the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower, all-wheel drive, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, surround-view cameras, and all the premium tech. That’s the truck I drove at the event, and while it’s impressive, it’s not the truck I’d buy.

Where I’d Land

Hyundai offers four trims: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited. Both the SEL Premium and Limited get that 281-hp turbo engine. The SE and SEL make do with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower.

Here’s where I surprise people: I’d go with the base SE.

Why? Price, simplicity, and value. The SE starts at $23,990, which is a strong entry point. Even with the lower horsepower figure, I think the naturally aspirated engine might be plenty for everyday use — though I’d want more seat time to be sure.

My Build

• Trim: SE
• Engine: 2.5L naturally aspirated (191 hp)
• Drivetrain: Add the HTRAC all-wheel drive system ($1,500 option)
• Exterior: White — I love how it looks with the blacked-out grille, though that’s not available on the SE. An aftermarket touch could fix that later.
• Interior: Black cloth — simple, clean, and no need for leather.

That setup brings the MSRP to about $26,715. For reference, I bought a brand-new Sonata back in 2013 for $28,000. That car had the 2.0-liter turbo, and it’s still running great today with my son behind the wheel. To think I could get a new truck — with a bed, AWD, and modern features — for less than that is pretty incredible.

Why It Works

The Santa Cruz is a unique proposition. It’s not trying to be a full-size truck, and it’s not just a crossover with a bed tacked on. It’s something different — stylish, functional, and right-sized for a lot of buyers.

For me, the SE with AWD strikes the right balance. It’s affordable, simple, and still delivers the Santa Cruz’s biggest appeal: versatility.

Final Thoughts

Would I miss the extra horsepower of the turbo? Maybe. Would I miss the leather and fancy screens of the Limited? Probably not. What I’d gain instead is a practical, stylish, and budget-friendly truck that does exactly what I need.

That’s my build. Now I’m curious — how would you spec yours? Would you go full Limited, or would you be happy with the SE like me?