The Santa Cruz is available in four trims, the SE and SEL are both available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive while the SEL Premium and Limited are only available on the AWD models. The Santa Cruz is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the all-wheel drive SEL Premium and Limited a turbo charged version of the same engine is available that provides a boost to 281 horsepower and adds an 8-Speed Automatic w/SHIFTRONIC. The SE and SEL trims have a towing capacity of 3500 pounds while the SEL Premium and Limited can tow up to 5000 pounds.
One of the most versatile features of the new Santa Cruz is the pickup bed, while smaller than other trucks it's loaded with convenience features that make it extremely useful. There are built in cubbies on either side of the bed for storing small items, a soft-open damped tailgate, a household outlet for charging a phone or powering lights or speakers, a bonus cargo bin under the bed, steps built-in to the bumper, tie down points and a pair of rails with adjustable tie-down points.
Even the base SE trim comes loaded with features including 18-inch alloy wheels, an LED pickup box cargo light, an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control, 2 USB ports, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity).
Upgrading to the SEL trim provides heated side mirrors with turn signals, push button start, heated front seats, and an HD satellite radio.
SEL Premium (and Limited) adds a power sunroof, roof rails, LED headlights, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic dual-zone climate control, a 120V power outlet, as well as wireless device charging.
The Limited trim gets bigger 20-inch wheels, cooled front seats, leather upholstery, a heated leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, an 8-speaker sound system, a 10.25-inch touch screen, 4 USB ports, integrated navigation with real-time traffic display, intelligent cruise control with traffic stop-go, and surround view cameras.
Standard safety equipment on all Santa Cruz models includes an active lane departure warning system, forward collision mitigation, a pedestrian detection system, a driver attention alert, rear collision mitigation and an active blind spot warning system.
Compact Pickup
Seating For Five
Cargo Bed Storage
Comfortable Nimble Ride
Loaded With Tech Features
The Hyundai Santa Cruz gets a few minor changes for 2023, a new Night trim was added, and more standard safety features have been added.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz competes with other compact pickup trucks such as the Ford Maverick, and the Honda Ridgeline. Pricing is competitive with those vehicles, with a very low starting base price. The Santa Cruz combines the best parts of a small SUV with the convivence of a pickup truck.
