Whether or not the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz qualifies as a true pickup truck is open, but less controversial is its distinctive styling and useful cargo box.
Sure, there are midsize trucks that can tow more, the Hyundai maxes out at 5,000 pounds, and performs better in mud and on rocky trails, but the Santa Cruz isn't trying to impersonate other cars.
Instead, think of it as a Hyundai Tucson compact SUV with a truck bed. After all, the two share a platform and engines.
The range of engines includes a four-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower and an optional 281 horsepower engine that energizes Santa Cruz performance.
While the weaker engine is available with front or all-wheel drive, the tough mill pairs only with all-wheel drive—it's reserved for the two highest trim levels.
The SEL Premium and Limited have the best technology and the best interiors, but they trade fewer physical controls for less convenient touchscreen buttons, and they're much more expensive than lower-end models. Still, the 2023 Santa Cruz shines for its balance of functionality and fun-driving personality.
Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 price and specifications
There are no notable changes in the Santa Cruz for the 2023 model year, and Hyundai increases the starting price of the entry-level SE from $1,010 to $26,745.
However, it now comes standard with a blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, which should mitigate the price hike since driver assistance wasn't even offered on last year's SE.
Other equipment changes include the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that trickles down to the SEL Premium (previously reserved for the Limited Edition).
Likewise, the SEL Premium now has adaptive cruise control with GPS-based curve control, more advanced voice recognition software, and the ability to automatically match the posted speed limit.
The Ice White and Mojave sand paint colors were replaced with Atlas White and California Sand, respectively.
For people who want a semi-villain look from Santa Cruz, there's a new night model.
Its appearance is distinguished by 20-inch black wheels, a darkened grille, as well as black painted door handles, mirror caps and side steps.
Even if it's dressed that way, the Santa Cruz is hardly intimidating. The Santa Cruz is available in five trim levels with different features and the SEL Premium is thought to be the best.
Unlike the lower-end SE and SEL, it has a more powerful engine along with fancier equipment that includes standard all-wheel drive and the system is a $1,500 option on lower-end models.
The SEL Premium comes standard with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
and a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced navigation and voice commands, adaptive cruise control with GPS-based curve control.
Engine, transmission and performance inside the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz comes with two different powertrain options and the standard setup is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
However, based on the heavy acceleration it delivered the Tuscon crossover tested, this entry-level engine is best avoided.
The upgraded engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. Its added power and more aggressive responses are more suited to the Santa Cruz.
Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic, but the turbo option is shared with a dual-clutch set-up.
All-wheel drive is also available with both four-cylinders. The Santa Cruz is shorter and lower than its class competitors, helping to make it easier to maneuver around town.
Towing and payload capacity of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Although the Santa Cruz monocoque isn't able to tow as much as its chassis-based rivals like the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, it can tow the only other monocoque in this class, the Ridgeline.
Both trucks are capped at 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, but that's with Hyundai's more powerful turbocharged engine. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is only rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Fuel economy and MPG in the real world
Equipped with the base engine and front-wheel drive, the 2023 Santa Cruz is rated at 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Adding all-wheel drive drops the highway number by 1 mpg.
The turbocharged version has estimates of 19 mpg city and 27 highway. The Santa Cruz was turbocharged on the road. Fuel economy of 75 mph, part of the test system, returned 30 mpg to the road. rapid.
Information, entertainment and connectivity within the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai ensures that its pickup truck is equipped with a contemporary infotainment system in the form of an available 8.0-inch diagonal screen or an available 10.3-inch touchscreen.
However, the company's decision to omit any physical controls is believed to be a mistake. Besides wireless device charging, Santa Cruz offers wireless pairing for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Those who want an upgraded stereo can opt for the eight-speaker Bose audio system. With Hyundai's Blue Link services, provided free for three years, users can start the truck, lock and unlock the doors, and more remotely via the Internet and offline apps. Countless, and even Amazon Alexa.
Also read: The best Mercedes so far
Safety and driver assistance features in the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz offers an array of driver assistance technologies, including a standard driver warning and optional adaptive cruise control. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- Standard lane departure warning and lane keep assist.
- Standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
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