The Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Shorter and Smaller Than the Frontier, Ridgeline, and Tacoma in Every Way

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The upcoming 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact truck, despite some referring to it as a sport adventure vehicle. The unibody construction it uses relates most to the Honda Ridgeline, another unibody truck. Now released, the Santa Cruz will have some pretty stiff competition from the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline, all of which have the advantage of producing models for some time. Additionally, the Santa Cruz is significantly smaller, with less towing and payload capacity than these competitors. However, the new Hyundai has a sleeker look and more maneuverability, which may give it an advantage among consumers.

An overview of the Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz sport adventure vehicle | Hyundai Motor America

The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with two different power train options. First is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder standard engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-feet of torque. The other option is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is offered with both powertrain options.

The towing chops of the Santa Cruz are the same as the Honda Ridgeline, with a 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, this capacity is only doable with the turbocharged option. The standard powertrain without turbo is only rated for a 3,500-pound towing capacity. 

A small truck size comparison

According to Hyundai, the Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches long, 75 inches wide, and 66.7 inches high. It also has a wheelbase of 118.3 inches and a bed length of 52.1 inches.

The Nissan Frontier measures 205.5 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 70.1 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 126 inches and a bed length of 59.4 inches.

The Honda Ridgeline measures 210 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 70.3 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 125.2 inches and a bed length of 63.6 inches.

The Toyota Tacoma measures 212.2 inches long, 75.2 inches wide, and 70.7 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 127.4 inches and a bed length of 60.4 inches.

As we can see, the Hyundai Cruz is shorter and smaller than its immediate competitors in terms of length, height, wheelbase, and bed length. However, it is wider than the Frontier, giving it a more leveled footing for its smaller size. These measurements lessen the amount of cabin and cargo space of the Santa Cruz compared to its rivals and offer a more manageable size for those unsure about considering a pickup truck as their next vehicle purchase.

Pricing for the Hyundai Santa Cruz

So, with less towing capacity and cargo space, how does the price tag stack up to its competitors? The Santa Cruz is priced at between $25,175 and $40,905 for all the various trims offered. 

The biggest competitor that the Santa Cruz is facing is Ford’s new Maverick, a compact truck with similar features. This compact Ford truck has a significantly lower starting price for its base trim of just under $20,000. It can tow up to 4,000 lbs, while the Santa Cruz can tow 3,500 lbs or 5,000 lbs, depending on your trim of choice. 

When comparing the two cheapest options, the Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick, the standard trim Ford Maverick can only tow 2,000 pounds. The all-wheel drive model increases its towing capacity to 4,000 pounds with an optional 4K tow package. So the Santa Cruz is more expensive but offers a better towing capacity than the Maverick when comparing the two trim levels. 

As for other small to midsize pickup trucks currently available, the Nissan Frontier has a starting MSRP of $27,190, the Honda Ridgeline has a starting MSRP of $36,490, and the Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $26,400. So depending on what the customer’s needs, the best value for consumers is the Santa Cruz because it delivers impressive towing and payload capacity for such a small truck and can be purchased for around $25,000, depending on the trim level. If towing is not a concern, then the least expensive of the lot will be the Ford Maverick.

RELATED: The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a Pickup for Drivers Who Wanted a Car

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Bike Crashes and Casualties Dropped During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Due to off-Road Car Traffic

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Bike riders have always had to ride with extreme caution to reduce car versus bike accidents when sharing the road. However, when the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced many people to work from home, increased safety for bike riders was an unexpected silver lining. In addition to reducing people driving to and from work, many drivers have also switched to more roads off the beaten path. Though the pandemic allowed reckless drivers to take advantage of empty roads, drivers electing to avoid city roads did lead to a sharp reduction in bike crashes and injuries.   

Reduced car traffic during the pandemic

A bike crash during a cycling race | ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

According to preliminary data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2020, there was approximately a 13.2% drop in vehicle miles traveled. Additionally, since so many people did not have to commute to work, there was a significant decrease in city driving and an increase in driving on back roads and off-road. Even now, more than a year after the start of the pandemic, summer travel is still down between 10-15% in many areas across the country.

Less car traffic improved safety for bike riders

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released a study showing a decrease in vehicle versus bike crashes of 28% in Arlington, Virginia, which many consider one of the most bike-friendly communities in the U.S. The IIHS study attributed this to both a shift in riding patterns and a decrease in vehicles on the road. This study also found that even though the number of cyclists rose by about 40,000 compared to 2019, the rate of injury crashes dropped from an average of 2.74 crashes per 100,000 cyclists from 2013-2019 to 1.98 in 2020. 

As more people return to work, bike accidents may start to rise

With coronavirus cases starting to trend down as more people get vaccinated, many people are returning to work. Unfortunately, this also means an increase in traffic and city driving. As traffic increases, the potential for bike accidents increases. Additionally, as more businesses open up and more people venture out for dinner and shopping trips, the potential for accidents in general increases. For example, one gentleman crashed into a pizzeria (and then ordered some pizza), and there have been several other accidents involving cars crashing into restaurants this summer. 

Another factor to consider is that many people have not been driving very much over the last year. This has caused many drivers to forget safe driving techniques, engaging in more reckless driving and more accidents. For example, the presence of roundabouts has been increasing in the last few years, which is good for overall car safety, as research has shown a significant reduction in car accidents due to roundabouts. However, many drivers are annoyed by roundabouts specifically because of an initial learning curve, no pun intended. It can be easy to forget the rules of roundabouts or other road rules if you have not been putting them into practice for over a year. 

While most people are anxious to get back out into the world, even if it means having to change out of their pajamas, it’s important to remember car safety, particularly as it relates to sharing the road with bikes (and pedestrians). Always remember to be aware of vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians around you. Additionally, try to maintain some of these unexpected benefits from the coronavirus pandemic, like decreased bike crashes and injuries. Maybe you can also keep wearing PJs to work (if you want). 

RELATED: Deadly Crashes Prompt U.S. Agency to Beg Drivers to ‘Stop Taking Unnecessary Risks on the Road’

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What Is Mudding in a Truck?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Many people purchase trucks for practical reasons, such as their hauling and towing capabilities, powerful engines, and efficient designs. Many of these trucks are incredibly fun to drive, which makes it tempting for truck owners to take their trucks mudding. Unfortunately, you can’t just go mudding everywhere without repercussions, including accidents and plenty of expensive maintenance. Learn more about mudding, where to do it safely, and the best trucks to get if you want to go mudding below. 

What is mudding?

A pickup truck driving through mud | NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Mudding is a popular activity in rural regions that uses wide-open spaces where trucks display their power and agility. Mudding is actually a type of off-roading where drivers maneuver their trucks to get their tires spinning as much as possible to create deep holes in the ground. Many drivers feel a sense of thrill when they see their truck fling mud everywhere, and they enjoy testing their truck’s power and their own ability to handle the vehicle. 

Mudding can be a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening but can’t be done without affecting the ground in some capacity. Mudding in your backyard is a recipe for a torn-up and unattractive lawn, and it damages native plants, which can negatively affect wildlife, according to the USDA. Mudding can also harm fish, especially if a driver operates near cold streams where many fish lay eggs. 

The aftermath of mudding on land is significant, and it’s important to think about these consequences before deciding where to go mudding. If you’re caught mudding on State or County Roads or Forest Development, you could be fined up to $5,000, and the U.S. Forest Service can sue you to make you pay for the restoration process. That being said, there are ways to go mudding safely and respectfully. 

How do you have fun safely?

The best place to go mudding is on your own private property, as this ensures that nobody else’s property or public property gets damaged while you’re having fun in your truck. Alternatively, you can also contact your local forest service office to see if they can recommend any safe and approved areas for mudding. To find the contact information for the office closest to you, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service website.

If you get approval to go on a trail route, stay on marked trails and ensure that your vehicle is allowed on the land before taking it out. It’s also important to never assume that a path with standing water or puddles is safe for your vehicle. This water may be hiding an ultra-deep hole that can make your truck stuck or severely damage it. 

Finally, be sure to bring a tool kit that has all the essentials, such as a first aid kit, flashlight, tire repair kit, and even extra clothes, blankets, and snacks in case your vehicle breaks down and you are stranded for the night. 

Best trucks for mudding

If mudding is in your blood, it’s important to have the right vehicle when you go out. Mudding can result in costly repairs on vehicles that can’t handle such difficult conditions, but enthusiasts have a few excellent truck options. 

The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a particularly fantastic choice, as its dual exhaust system and 5.7-liter V8 engine give the truck plenty of power and pep. Its gorgeous and durable custom aluminum front skid plate helps protect the vehicle’s inner workings, and its 2-inch lift springs help keep the ride smooth. 

Another great option is the 2015 Chevy Silverado Hennessey equipped with a 6.2L engine that produces an impressive 665 horsepower with its 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger system. According to MotorTrend, this truck can also produce up to 658 lb-ft of torque, and it features engine plates to keep mud and other gunk out. 

RELATED: Why Hummers Aren’t Necessarily Good For Off-Roading

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5 of the Best Motorcycle Rides in the Adirondack Region

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, one of the things you likely enjoy while out on a ride is beautiful, scenic views. If you’re ever in New York, you’ll want to explore the Adirondack region for its gorgeous scenery, laid-back vibe, and peaceful beauty. For the price of a tank of gas, you can roam scenic Adirondack Park and all the villages and vistas it offers. While there are fourteen New York State Scenic Byways to travel, we’re going to tell you about the five best motorcycle routes in the area. 

1. The Adirondack Lake Loop 

A motorcyclist driving on a highway near a forest | Scott Olson/Getty Images

The 2 Wheels on the Road team recommends this loop that begins and ends with Lake George and takes half a day to travel. The road is well-maintained, but it’s a winding country road in the truest sense, with great scenery and sharp turns. Additionally, there are plenty of great dining and shopping options for breaks along the way.

Start on Rt. 9 North to Ticonderoga and head down to I-74, where you’ll ride for around 20 miles. You’ll go south by way of Rt. 9 and Schroon River Road next, and the views of lakeshores there are spectacular. Bolton Landing is a great place to break for lunch. You could also spend time on Lake Schroon if you have the time, where there are paddle boat rentals.

2.  Tracy Road

Tracy Road is another favorite route of 2 Wheels on the Road in the Adirondack region. There’s little traffic, and the road is in great condition. It runs from Moriah Center to where I-87 intersects Tracy Road. At an estimated 11 minutes, it’s not long but offers an ideal tour of Lake Placid.

The draw of this route is the laidback trek through the Adirondack forest. You’ll encounter wildlife along the way and enjoy a relaxing ride along with beautiful views.

3. NYS Route 3

Connecting western New York with the city of Plattsburgh, NYS Route 3, according to Visit Adirondacks, runs from east to west. Its Adirondack section is called the “Olympic Byway,” and it’s 170 miles from Lake Ontario all the way to Keeseville.

There’s a lot to see here. Some great towns you’ll encounter include Cranberry Lake, Harrisville, Lake Placid, Natural Bridge, Tupper Lake, and Wilmington. If you travel along NYS Route 3 between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can take your bike up Mountain’s Veterans Memorial Highway for a stunning 360-degree view.

4. U.S. Route 9

Also called the Lakes-to-Locks Passage, U.S. Route 9 takes you along the Adirondack Coast and into Quebec via Lake Champlain. It’s a total of 225 miles that takes you to historic sites like Crown Point, Essex, Plattsburgh, Port Henry, and Ticonderoga. You’ll travel by the Upper Hudson River and the Champlain Canal. 

Be sure to stop by Ausable Chasm, which is a popular, world-famous natural attraction.

5.  NYS Route 30

Stretching from north to south, Route 30 is another route recommended by Visit Adirondacks. This gorgeous route takes you through scenic Adirondack Park and into Quebec. You’ll see the area’s breathtaking wilderness areas during this trip.

In the fall, the ride shows off some of the best autumn colors. You’ll pass through Indian Lake, Lake Pleasant, Malone, and Tupper Lake. There are also great attractions, like the Adirondack Experience courtesy of The Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, the Wild Center, and even golf at the Saranac Inn Golf Course.

If you enjoy traveling on two wheels, check out these five routes in the scenic Adirondack region. They are ideal for history lovers and those who enjoy time in the great outdoors all year long.

RELATED:  Why You Should Absolutely Buy an Electric Motorcycle

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