The Santa Cruz pickup is scheduled to arrive in a few months. Because we know virtually everything about this model, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is already the subject of numerous rumors. It is a small unibody pickup truck. Interestingly, many people assert that this is not a pickup truck due to its diminutive size. On the other hand, Hyundai claims that this is an excellent substitute for the larger Honda Ridgeline, which is also a unibody vehicle. As with the Ridgeline, the Santa Cruz will be available in a crew cab configuration with a shorter bed.
In comparison to Honda, Hyundai has a more distinctive style, which includes an updated front fascia and bodywork. The interior, in our opinion, is not as impressive. The lack of buttons simplifies things, and the cabin area isn’t as spacious as it could be. Nonetheless, Santa Cruz offers an exceptional level of comfort, which is wonderful to see. In essence, Santa Cruz will compete with the new Ford Maverick, another subcompact pickup.
2023 Santa Cruz Exterior Design
The new 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz will debut a new design in 2022. Despite its compact dimensions, we believe the Santa Cruz pickup truck looks modern and attractive. As you may know, Hyundai introduced its all-new design language with the Tucson SUV. Santa Cruz, as expected, will wear the same style, and both versions will be constructed identically.
Santa Cruz is a unibody truck with a sportier exterior design and a sharper exterior. The front fascia is stunning, and the rear section is highlighted by a large “Santa Cruz” moniker above the tailgate. According to some sources, it is more accurately described as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle” than a pickup truck. Nonetheless, it is a model that will compete with Ford’s new Maverick pickup.
Interior Modifications
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s cabin appears to be surprisingly modern and roomy. Clearly, the manufacturer chose to use more upright materials throughout its lineup of crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. While the comfort is excellent, we believe the interior is quite plain. To begin, Santa Cruz has a contemporary design with an entirely digital instrument cluster. A rotary knob is not available because the conventional shifter sits in the center console.
The Santa Cruz is only available as a crew-cab four-door, with limited rear-seat legroom. This pickup truck comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display. A larger 10-inch device is also available. Hyundai will include numerous standard features as well as a new infotainment system.
Two Engine Configurations
The upcoming 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available with two engine options. The entry-level engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This gasoline-powered variant is capable of producing up to 190 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the same 2.5-liter engine is available with a turbocharger, producing 275 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
Both models will use an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the turbocharged version featuring a dual-clutch system. Regardless of which engine you choose, all-wheel drive is available as an option. The Santa Cruz pickup is nimble and has an excellent ride quality. Santa Cruz will have a towing capacity of approximately 5,000 pounds. Finally, fuel economy delivers 23 miles per gallon with the base engine and 22 miles per gallon with the optional powertrain.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Price and Release Date
Hyundai’s upcoming 2023 Santa Cruz will have a starting price of approximately $25,000. The price will remain unchanged because the 2023MY is essentially a carryover. Sales should begin in the first half of 2022. Interestingly, the Santa Cruz N may also go on sale. It’s a sportier treatment with a more athletic stance and a more upscale interior.