Editors' Picks December 2021 | Year-end edition

The end of the year is upon us, so it’s time for the last set of Editors’ Picks of 2021. This month saw a number of cars earn our nod as models we recommend, and one of them is a brand new EV that just hit the market. Plus, compact pickups are back, and one of them has already earned a spot as an Editors’ Pick.

In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get Editors’ Pick status. Those are the ones we’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody who’s curious and asks the question. The list that you’ll find below consists of every car we rated in December that earned an Editors’ Pick.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Quick take: The Santa Cruz hits in all the right ways, as Hyundai finds a mix of great driving dynamics, a potent turbo engine, well-appointed interior and attractive styling.

Score: 7.5

What it competes with: Ford Maverick

Pros: Attractive styling, great tech, helpful utility features

Cons: Expensive, small rear seat, average fuel economy

From the editors

Features Editor, James Riswick — "It's both a pickup and a compact crossover, two things Americans love. It has features and power aplenty. It's surprisingly fun to drive and impressively refined. On the one hand, judging by those attributes, it could be wildly successful. On the other hand, it doesn't look like a conventional truck, which hasn't gone well in the past."

News Editor, Joel Stocksdale — "With its swoopy shape, clever headlights and the fact that it has a truck bed, a lot of what makes the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz interesting is on the outside. But step inside, and you'll discover that, while not as original as the Ford Maverick's cabin, the Santa Cruz can be a comfy, stylish and arguably upmarket environment, provided you're willing to pay the price."

In-depth analysis: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review | Price, bed size, on-sale date, pictures

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS

Quick take: The EQS approaches peak luxury in a way no car has before it with totally silent operation, a cosseting ride and eye-opening tech. That it's so capable, quick and fun to drive makes the experience all the more shocking.

Score: 8.5

What it competes with: Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, Audi E-Tron GT

Pros: Top notch interior luxury, the best tech, great handling, long range

Cons: Controversial styling, weird regenerative braking behavior

From the editors:

Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "I don't think there's any other luxury car I'd want to own more than the EQS right now. It's markably better than even the S-Class at providing peak luxury to the driver. Plus, it's tons of fun to wheel about on a twisty road, and its hatchback rear opening gives it huge utility. Make mine the AMG."

Features Editor James Riswick — "The new 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS is quiet. As in, carrying on a conversation at a hushed whisper while doing 65 miles per hour on choppy pavement through San Francisco. Road noise? Nope. Wind noise? Not really. Cars and trucks pushing air at you from the opposite direction? Just a mild fwaa, like someone exhaling from across the room."

In-depth analysis: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS First Drive Review | The electric Benz is worth the wait

2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Quick take: The little Benz is big on character, style and confidently brings the Mercedes experience to a lower price point. Meanwhile, the AMG versions offer compact thrills that are even better than expected.

Score: 7.5