2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review, Price Breakdown, and Specs

Overview

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out in the crowded pickup truck market with its distinctive design and versatile cargo box. While it may not compete head-on with traditional pickups in terms of towing capacity or off-road prowess, it offers a unique proposition as a compact SUV with a truck bed. Sharing its platform and powertrains with the Hyundai Tucson, the Santa Cruz provides a comfortable driving experience with a choice of two engines: a standard 191-horsepower four-cylinder and an optional 281-horsepower turbo-four, which significantly enhances performance.

Design and Purpose

The Santa Cruz sets itself apart with its modern design, bridging the gap between SUV and pickup truck aesthetics. Its compact size makes it maneuverable in urban settings, while its cargo bed adds practicality for hauling gear and equipment.

Powertrain Options of Hyundai Santa Cruz

Buyers can opt for either the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or the more potent turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The latter delivers spirited performance and pairs well with the Santa Cruz’s dynamic driving characteristics.

What’s New?

For the 2023 model year, Hyundai has made several enhancements to the Santa Cruz lineup. The entry-level SE trim now comes standard with a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, addressing some safety concerns. Additionally, there are minor equipment updates across various trim levels, including the availability of the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the SEL Premium trim and the introduction of the Night model, featuring a darker aesthetic.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers five trim levels with prices ranging from $27,035 for the base SE trim to $41,905 for the range-topping Limited trim. While each trim offers its own set of features, we recommend the SEL Premium for its balance of performance and value.

• SE: Starting at $27,035
• SEL: Starting at $29,525
• Night: Starting at $37,395
• SEL Premium: Starting at $38,935
• Limited: Starting at $41,905

Engine, Transmission, and Performance of Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz offers two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The turbocharged engine delivers superior performance, making it the preferred choice for drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive available as an option.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Despite its unibody construction, the Santa Cruz offers competitive towing capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 5000 pounds when equipped with the turbocharged engine. Its payload capacity is similarly impressive, making it suitable for a variety of hauling tasks.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG of Hyundai Santa Cruz

Fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The base engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine returns 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. In real-world testing, the turbocharged Santa Cruz demonstrated respectable fuel economy, especially on the highway.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo of Hyundai Santa Cruz

Inside, the Santa Cruz impresses with its upscale cabin materials and modern features. Passenger space is generous, and the cargo bed, though relatively short, is highly versatile, thanks to features like a lockable tonneau cover and an in-bed trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai equips the Santa Cruz with a contemporary infotainment system, available in either an 8.0-inch or a 10.3-inch touchscreen configuration. While the system offers advanced features like wireless device charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the lack of physical controls may be a drawback for some users.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features of Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz comes well-equipped with a range of driver-assistance technologies, including standard forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Its strong safety ratings and comprehensive warranty coverage further enhance its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.

Conclusion

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a compelling blend of style, versatility, and performance in a compact package. While it may not fit the traditional mold of a pickup truck, its unique attributes make it a worthy contender in the increasingly competitive midsize truck segment. Whether you’re hauling gear for a weekend adventure or navigating city streets during the week, the Santa Cruz delivers a capable and enjoyable driving experience.