In some ways, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the pickup model of the Tucson compact SUV. They share a standard platform, their faces are awfully comparable and their interiors from the entrance seat ahead are an identical. Behind the entrance seats are completely totally different, and I am not simply speaking concerning the mattress.
It was fairly clear when sitting within the Santa Cruz again seat in the course of the first drive that it was tight again there in comparison with the compact SUV norm, not to mention what you get within the largest examples, together with the Tucson. The seatback is a tad too upright and the seat backside moderately low. The specs say there’s extra head- and legroom again there than within the Ford Maverick, however after testing them each, I do not suppose that shakes out by way of real-world consolation and usefulness.
Legroom may successfully be a wash, however the seatback within the Santa Cruz is extra noticeably upright than what you will discover within the Maverick (I took the above photos at totally different angles, I suppose you will must belief me right here). Then there’s the matter of accommodating a rear-facing baby seat. In brief, there was extra space remaining for the entrance seat passenger within the Maverick. Even at 6-foot-3, I used to be completely comfy up there with a pure seatback angle and area between my knees and the dashboard. Within the Santa Cruz, the seat was pushed far ahead and my knees have been jammed up in opposition to the sprint. Admittedly, this may very well be as a lot to do with the Santa Cruz’s sprint design, which juts additional out into the cabin.
Now, this most likely will not matter as a lot for a shorter entrance passenger, however it does illustrate the distinction.
Now, as you will be aware, I used totally different automotive seats. I used my primary automotive seat, the Britax Boulevard, within the Maverick, whereas the Santa Cruz obtained the a lot lighter Graco Contender 65 I exploit whereas touring. Though they differ (lots) by weight and performance, the space from entrance to again is just about an identical. So, this is probably not as scientific because it may very well be, however I really feel assured within the conclusion.
I’ll say, nevertheless, that the Santa Cruz’s LATCH anchors could not be simpler to entry and to make use of. The Boulevard does not use LATCH, in order that a part of this again seat comparability will simply should labeled with a shrug emoji. For what it is price, the Ford Escape’s LATCH anchors have been fairly straightforward to search out and use, too, if not fairly pretty much as good because the Santa Cruz.
Each seats additionally flip up, regrettably as one piece moderately than cut up 60/40. The Santa Cruz does appear to have extra space beneath, however the Maverick’s two devoted areas would presumably do a great job of protecting issues in place.
In conclusion, the Santa Cruz inside is just not as household pleasant as that of its Tucson sibling, and doubtless not as a lot because the Maverick.
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