'Cute' Hyundai pickup draws an admiring crowd

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Never have I seen so many people drool over a pickup truck.

"Oh my goodness, what is that and where can I get one?"

"I've never seen this before.  It's beautiful.  So cute!"

"I'm not a truck person, but I love this truck."

And on and on it went, no matter where I parked it.  Was it the latest Ford F-Series brute?  Or maybe a Chevrolet Silverado with a tailgate that does everything but make coffee?  Or how about a super-rugged Ram pickup?

No, it was an all-new-for-2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup, the automaker's first four-door pickup sold in the U.S. market.  Specifically, mine was the loaded Limited edition with all-wheel drive, wearing a relatively hefty sticker price of $41,500.

For that price, it was generously equipped, with leather-trimmed seats (heated/ventilated in the front), a power sunroof, a surround-view monitor and plentiful state-of-the-art safety technology.

Movement was no problem with a robust 2.5-liter, 281-horsepower turbo 4 muscling the little truck around with serious authority.  Steering was midsize-sedan easy. Fuel mileage was OK at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

If a small pickup can be called sporty, this Hyundai Santa Cruz fits the niche.  The tester rode on 20-inch alloy wheels and featured Hyundai's multi-jeweled grille. A sharply raked windshield added to the sporty look.

Cargo beds that seemingly have everything are all the rage in today's pickup segment, and the Santa Cruz does not disappoint there. The functional rear area features secure, lockable in-bed storage, integrated corner bumper steps and a lockable tonneau cover.  That last feature is particularly nice when you take the Santa Cruz out to load up on groceries or other necessities that you want to hide from prying eyes.

Hyundai makes special mention of the California design team that pieced much of this Santa Cruz together.

And yet, with all this, the thing that makes the Santa Cruz stand out is its curb appeal. Folks who ignored many trucks that I've tested in the past came to this one like bees to honey.  They seemed to like the "cuteness" of the truck, the fact that it was not the approximate size of North Dakota and that it was easy to drive and handle.  I'm sure truck fans will like it, but I'm also guessing that, in some ways, the Santa Cruz is going to be a truck option for people who don't necessarily lust for trucks.

As if the zero in on that market, Hyundai calls the Santa Cruz its "Sport Adventure Vehicle."

Sure, I'll buy that. I'm guessing other motorists will do the same.