The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is one cute ute

Welcome to a brave new world of trucks, little Santa Cruz.

This elongated Tucson-with-a-bed shares the crossover's cool front lighting signature.

But around back it sports a 52-inch bed.

While a naturally aspirated engine is standard, this tester features the 2.5T engine, which produces 282 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

That's mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission putting the power down to all four wheels.

The bed features underfloor storage that's lockable, waterproof and drainable.

This all-wheel-drive tester can tow up to 5,000 pounds with a braked trailer, though front-drive examples lower that rating to 3,000 pounds.

The best thing about driving the Santa Cruz is that it's small and easy to maneuver. This is a utility vehicle that is at home in the city or further afield.

For advanced driver-assistance systems pick an SEL model or higher for standard forward-collision braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear-seat occupancy alert.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $25,365 including $1,225 for destination but this fully loaded Limited tester comes in at a whopping $41,540.

Keep scrolling for more photos of this adorable and practical little runabout.