2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

Since engineers started from the ground up, they were able to create a truck tough enough for the work ahead. This includes a composite bed with an array for clever features. This approach works well for long term use, avoiding the rust that comes with steel.

Since composite can be molded, these beds have more organizational aspects. Sidewall bed storage helps you protect smaller items and stay organized. Heavy duty cargo D-rings and an adjustable cleat system on utility rails offer ways to tie down the load. Pre-cut tabs can be used in a variety of ways, including attaching a tent for camp-outs.

There’s a handy trunk that is under the bed floor. Easily accessed, the compartment can provide security or a dry place for important tools or gear. A drain means its easy to clean if you toss muddy boots in there before the ride home. When clean, you can load it with ice and drinks. Then later you drain the water to return it to its normal, dry state.

Owners will notice the low load height is useful for quickly moving gear into or out of the bed. Furthermore, the rear bumper steps offer molded grip to prevent slipping.

If the multi-function tailgate is kept flat, it’s easy to secure longer, bigger items for safe hauling. A clever function allows the driver to raise the tailgate height, avoiding the wheel wells. This provides the width needed to haul sheets of plywood.

Ready for the daily commute as well as hauling duties, the Santa Cruz is both fun to drive and tough as nails. Hyundai engineers have ensured that the pickup truck serves both purposes equally well.

The base engine is a powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Smartstream that is harnessed to a capable automatic transmission. An asset for this compact pickup truck’s fuel economy, continuously variable valve timing allows it to do more with every drop of gas. Ready to work hard, output is 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

Stepping up, the SEL Premium trim level has a turbocharged 2.5L engine and is controlled by a dual clutch automatic transmission. The output rises steeply to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Shoppers will be happy to know that the Santa Cruz Limited trims also have this speedy engine. Schedule a test drive just for fun.

Beds can offer up to 27 cubic feet of storage within the 19.2-inch walls. Payload is 1,753 pounds on the SE while the SEL can handle up to 1,532 pounds. The turbo models can handle 1,521 lbs with front-wheel drive and 1,609 lbs with all-wheel drive.

The top trims’ cross rails can handle up to 220 pounds of gear, providing a handy place to stash your kayak or bikes. Inside the truck, there are tip-up cushions as part of the 60/40 split rear seats. These make it easy to claim more interior cargo space, which is easily accessible by either rear door.

A heavy-duty transmission oil cooler is important trailering prep for either engine. Every truck comes with pre-wiring for trailer hookup. Without trailer brakes, the truck can still tow 1,650 pounds. However, with the important braking equipment, the base engine towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. This rises to 5,000 pounds with the 2023 Santa Cruz turbo.

With its athletic build and helpful handling aids, there’s no doubt that the 2023 Santa Cruz was designed for the driver’s pleasure. The truck offers 8.6 inches of ground clearance whether it’s front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Let’s compare that to rivals. The all-wheel drive Honda Ridgeline can claim only 7.6 inches of clearance. While the Ford Maverick AWD models can match the Santa Cruz, the front wheel drive Mavericks can claim only 8.3 inches. Chevy Colorados typically claim 8.4 inches.

Self-leveling dampers are one way that this compact truck differentiates itself from rivals. When the bed is empty, this auto-leveling rear suspension regulates the bounce to provide better ride quality and more responsive handling.

If you prefer four-wheel capability, H-Trac all-wheel drive is on the menu. This on demand system is ready to intervene when needed. You can get information on loans and leases from the knowledgeable staff in our finance department.

Just like the 2022 Santa Cruz, the new model year comes in SE, SEL, SEL Premium and Limited editions. Two rows of passengers share an ample 104 cu ft of space. The seats are covered in Hyundai’s special cloth upholstery. This material is stain and odor resistant.

Every truck has a large touch screen carefully integrated into a low-profile dash. This gives the driver a good view of the road while keeping important information close at hand. Windshield and front window solar glass reduces the glare and helps you get more out of the excellent air conditioning system.

SEL models make the driver feel at home with a power-adjustable chair. The cockpit is upgraded with push button start. Both front seats gain power-heat functions. With the SEL Activity package, shoppers enjoy many of the SEL Premium amenities.

In addition to these choices, there’s a Santa Cruz Night edition. It’s easy to recognize by its more aggressive take on the exterior. This ranges from the darkened grille to blacked-out trim elements and special wheels. Earnhardt is your North Scottsdale Hyundai dealer where you can find the latest Santa Cruz offers.

With the turbo engine, the SEL Premium trim level is already a cut above the rest. You can see that reflected in the cockpit where there is fun digital instrumentation behind the steering wheel.

Drivers enjoy the larger touchscreen, navigation, and a wireless charger.

There’s more control over your atmosphere with dual-zone climate controls and fresh air from two new sources, a sliding rear window and a sunroof. A lockable tonneau cover adds more storage possibilities. The bed gains LED lights to assist you at night.

Clearly the richest choice, the 2023 Santa Cruz Limited has the ventilated front seats that every Phoenix AZ driver needs during our long hot summers. For year round comfort, Limited seats are wrapped in a handsome leather. Bose audio surrounds the cabin with concert-worthy sound.

There’s more driver assistance, too, including a 360 degree camera system. It shows front, sides and rear, and it can help with trailering, camping, and rough road excursions.

You don’t have to change trim levels to enjoy the benefits of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This important connectivity is on every Hyundai truck. These systems will let you enjoy Apple Maps or Google Maps on your screen, and you can have the driving directions read to you in real time, just as if it were a built-in system.

Upgrading to a 10.3-inch touch screen, the driver enjoys system-based navigation and high resolution images. One of its most exclusive features in the midsize truck class, Hyundai’s advanced adaptive cruise control utilizes GPS to anticipate curves and other situations where it will help to reduce the throttle early. This makes ACC more like a human driver than before.

To unlock or start your truck remotely, the BlueLink system makes it easy. Drivers may take advantage of Amazon Alexa to connect their home and car systems seamlessly.

Hyundai took care to insulate this cabin from vibrations and engine noise, leaving passengers freer to enjoy conversation and music. An acoustic windshield aids in keeping the cabin quiet.

Although the Santa Cruz driver is focused on fun, it’s nice to know that this compact pickup truck was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The 2023 model builds on the success of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz by providing more of the advanced driver assistance that modern drivers want.

An autobrake system responds to a pedestrian watch as well as a forward collision warning. Likewise, the truck has a lane departure warning that works with a lane keeping assist to help the truck stay safely inside the lane lines.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz truck has new standards to prevent accidents in traffic and in parking lots. The blind spot monitor is there to assist every 2023 Santa Cruz driver with safer lane changes. The standard rearview camera is now assisted by a rear cross traffic alert. This watchful system warns drivers when traffic is coming toward the vehicle from either side during slow maneuvers.

An exclusive feature in this truck class, an intuitive radar system works as a safe exit assist. If traffic is detected too close to the vehicle, it may lock the doors. This should prevent passengers from stepping out into a dangerous situation.

Check out our lineup of Santa Cruz trucks. You can learn more from online chat or just stop by to chat in person with our helpful staff at this Earnhardt Hyundai dealership.