Hyundai Santa Cruz
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Gilbert, AZ
MSRP
$25,700
MPG
22 City
27 Highway
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review | Hyundai Midsize Truck
Following its premiere as a 2022 model, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is now an established member of the truck marketplace.
Different reviewers all seem to agree that the Santa Cruz is unique. Edmunds notes its funky looks. Car and Driver calls it a distinctive and daring design. These reviewers also note it is fun to drive and has impressive handling.
Still, is this Hyundai truck right for your needs? Check out this model year review which covers performance, handling, bed features, technologies, and other major aspects of this new sport adventure vehicle.
Engines, Transmissions and Drivetrains
While the typical midsize truck weighs more than 4500 pounds, the Santa Cruz weight stays closer to 4100 pounds. That lighter overall weight helps it make the most of every horse under the hood.
To control this excellent output, a dual clutch 8-speed automatic transmission can direct torque to all four wheels. This sport adventure vehicle tows up to 5,000 pounds. You can discover the power for yourself when you schedule a test drive.
The SE and SEL trim levels are equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder base engine. This slick system generates 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Mated to either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the automatic transmission is a smart 8-speed unit. With standard trailer sway control to help, tow capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds.
SEL Premium and Limited trim levels are speedier thanks to a turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive. Output is 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That torque rate is available at rpms as low as 1700.
Handling, Ground Clearance, and Off-Road Capability
With either engine, this Hyundai is truly fun to drive. Drivers will feel at home with this truck’s more car-like body structure. It’s stiffer than the traditional pickup body-on-frame. Plus it sits lower than other midsize trucks, and that improves maneuverability.
Ground clearance is a tall 8.6 inches. This helps it handle parking in a grassy field or driving a graded dirt road. With all-wheel drive it has more tools for adventure driving. The departure angle is 23.2 degrees, ensuring that it won’t get stuck like many similarly sized vehicles.
Truck Bed Features
Instead of stamped steel, the Santa Cruz composite-formed bed is lighter weight. It won’t dent or rust over time. This molded composite allows for numerous compartments and cubbies.
With the tailgate flat, the small bed becomes long enough to handle kayaks, dirt bikes and other long adventure gear. You can adjust the tailgate height to the wheel well height. This utilizes the maximum bed width and allows the truck to haul 4-by-8 plywood sheets.
The in-bed trunk offers a place for muddy boots. It is easily drainable. In fact, when clean, this is the perfect place for food, drinks, and ice.
Plus, bumper side steps make it easy to get in and out. The available tonneau cover retracts completely to ensure the maximum space is available when hauling cargo. For camping, the bed rails have pre-cut tabs for an available canopy system.
Trim Levels
Hyundai has chosen a four-door crew cab that provides 104 cubic feet of space for its passengers. The design is marked by a low-profile dash. This clean look also allows for better visibility.
In addition to driver assistance and dash tech, the SE is notable for its acoustic windshield and 60/40 split rear seats. The SEL adds a power-adjustable driver’s chair, push button start, and heated front seats. With the Activity package, drivers gain a wireless charger and a sunroof. Behind the steering wheel, there’s exciting digital instrumentation.
SEL Premium models step up to the more powerful engine, all-wheel drive and GPS-enabled adaptive cruise control. The bed gains a lockable cover, sliding rear window, LED lighting, and an AC power outlet. SEL Premium cabins are outfitted with Activity package features and dual-zone climate controls.
Limited models have ventilated front seats, the perfect antidote to our hottest summer days in Phoenix AZ. Cabins are richer with a lush leather upholstery and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. A 360-degree parking camera gives the Santa Cruz Limited driver a view of everything surrounding the truck.
Dash Tech
Rather than mounting the touch screen above the dash, everything is tucked neatly into it. This 8-inch touch screen system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When equipped with a full digital gauge cluster, this truck leads its class as the only midsize with this feature. A 10.3-inch touch display is an advanced high-resolution system with built-in navigation. In another class first, the GPS actually interfaces with adaptive cruise control to anticipate changes in road pitch and angle.
Blue Link provides apps that can remotely start or lock the vehicle. It also adds Amazon Alexa connectivity. To get started toward your favorite trim, click here for Hyundai financing.
Exterior Colors and Features
From the curb, onlookers won’t see the overly muscled look of a typical pickup truck. Instead the design is more flowing with the front resembling an SUV and the rear bed making it clear this is a truck. Available roof-mounted crossbars are a rarity on trucks, another class-leading element on the Santa Cruz.
All Santa Cruz models sport a gloss black shark-fin roof antenna. Handsome brightwork is a distinguishing feature of the bold grille. New exterior colors include California Sand and Atlas White.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Night has a darkened grille and many black-out elements. These include black-painted side steps, mirrors, exterior door handles, and 20-inch trim-specific alloy wheels.
Driver Assistance
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz truck offers driver assistance. This included an emergency autobrake that could be triggered by either a forward collision warning or a pedestrian detection device. It also included the lane departure warning and its counterpart, a lane keeping assist.
You can check out this truck in our inventory. Please call, use our online chat or stop by for a closer look at this exciting Hyundai midsize truck.
For 2023, Hyundai has added two more standard systems to its midsize truck. Now there is a blind spot monitor watching for traffic alongside. Likewise there is a rear cross traffic alert, a natural partner to the rearview camera.
Another new standard is the safe exit assist. This isn’t available on rivals such as the Ford Maverick. It helps protect passengers from accidentally stepping out when a vehicle’s approach is too close for safety.
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