Hyundai Santa Cruz Voted Best Pickup Truck by Northwest Automotive Press Association

Hyundai’s ultimate adventure vehicle, the groundbreaking 2022 Santa Cruz has just been awarded the 2021 best pickup truck of the year from the Northwest Automotive Press Association. While the Santa Cruz is truly a combination of the truck and SUV segments, this award shows off how well designed and competitively priced the Santa Cruz is, even in its first year of production. 

The Santa Cruz boasts bold yet sophisticated design, efficient powertrain options, a flexible open bed for gear, cutting-edge connectivity, and a highly maneuverable all-wheel drive platform that is perfect for the rougher road conditions we often experience when exploring outdoors in the pacific northwest.

The Santa Cruz has cargo space for anything you throw at, whether it’s grocery shopping or a weekend camping trip

“We’re thrilled that our new Santa Cruz was recognized by the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Its bold styling coupled with secure open-bed flexibility meets the changing everyday needs of adventure-oriented buyers, while powerful engines and superb maneuverability ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments,” said Ricky Lao, director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America.

How Were the Vehicles Tested?

The on-road evaluation venue included portions that tested acceleration, handling, braking, rear-view cameras, and more. The heart of the on-road testing took place on a special track, complete with elevation changes, sharp corners, and sweeping curves – creating the type of conditions drivers encounter on the road every day.

The vehicles were also evaluated on an off-road course that simulated rough Forest Service roads that northwest drivers often encounter on weekend adventures. Plenty of loose dirt, deep ruts, steep climbs, and dramatic descents formed the second day’s route, challenging each vehicle’s four- or all-wheel drive systems. The venue allowed the vehicles to showcase state-of-the-art technologies, including 360-degree cameras, hill descent controls, and groundbreaking traction management systems.

Ready to try out the segment shattering and award winning Santa Cruz? Check out our current inventory or stop by our showroom to experience the difference for yourself.