
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Not fully a truck but also not totally an SUV, either. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz falls in the happy medium between the two. As a result, it offers the best of both worlds when it comes to utility and accommodation. More than that, it models a unique presentation as it can easily be seen as a crossbreed, blending both the SUV and pickup vehicle classes into one.
For this reason, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a distinct vehicle in its own right. But the question you most likely have on your mind is: Does the Hyundai Santa Cruz make for a safe, reliable, and multifaceted vehicle? Keep reading to find out.
What's New for 2023?
When it comes to new features for model year 2023, not much has changed when it comes to noteworthy additions. However, that doesn't mean nothing has been improved or enhanced. Hyundai equipped the entry-level SE trim with standard rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. Other modifications include a 10.3-inch touchscreen monitor that trickles down to the stylish SEL Premium. The colors of Mojave Sand and Ice White have been replaced by California Sand and Atlas White.
Stylish Exterior
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz boasts an aggressively futuristic design. This gives it character and distinction that you'll be hard-pressed to find on other models. It sports a sharp and stylish front grille, and as a result, has a boldness to its overall presentation. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a pickup of style and elegance that is immediately recognizable.
Additional exterior features include the following:
- LED headlight setup
- 20-inch aluminum alloy rims
- Sleek fender flares
- Individualized step rails
- Blacked-out roof rails
Considering the quality of its overall presentation, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz instantly gives you an impression of confidence. Its stance is strong and majestic; its style is bold and unfettered, and its design is unique and versatile. As a result, this pickup-SUV blend is truly in a league of its own.

Comfortable Interior
When you step inside the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, you'll instantly be greeted by modern technology and smooth surfaces. You can enjoy comfort with the 8-way adjustable driver's seat and experience a sense of openness with the SUV-inspired cabin design. Indeed, the Hyundai Santa Cruz has left no stone unturned. Other interior features include the following:
- Heated leather steering wheel
- Rear and front cup holders
- Heated and ventilated front bucket seats
- Standard steering wheel controls
- Mini overhead console
- 2 12V DC power outlets
The main thing about the interior of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the feeling. You don't feel like you're in a truck. You feel as if you're nestled in a large and cozy crossover. And that's what helps the Hyundai Santa Cruz stand out when it comes to its interior design.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with 5 different trim levels. Each one has its own set of special features and, as a result, a corresponding price point. In this section, we'll explore the key features and MSRP of each trim level.
SE
The SE trim is the base model within the lineup. As a result, it comes with the most affordable price point. With an MSRP of only $27,035, the SE trim comes fully loaded with all the essential standard features. Some of these include lane-keep assist, blind-spot collision, body-colored power side mirrors, and much more.
SEL
Moving up the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim hierarchy is the SEL. This model sports all the amenities for a safe and comfortable ride quality. Some of these special attributes include an anti-lock braking system, heated front bucket seats, driveline traction control, and more. As a result, it comes with an MSRP of $29,525.
Night
At the midway point of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup, we arrive at the Night trim. It delivers a more rugged appearance package compared to its predecessors. For this reason, it immediately has a distinguishing quality. With an output of 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, the Night also has a stronger performance than the previous models as well. It has an MSRP of $37,395.
SEL Premium
As its namesake suggests, the SEL Premium has a more upscale look and feel to its presentation. Additionally, it comes with a whole host of tech features that include a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation. As a result, you also gain features such as intelligent speed limit assist and dynamic voice recognition. The SEL Premium trim has an MSRP of $38,935.
Limited
At the top of the ranking order within the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup is the Limited trim. This is where luxury and technology meet within the lineup. Moreover, it's also where no stone was left unturned. The Limited comes fully equipped with fully galvanized steel panels, a generously sized 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and more. As a result, it comes with an MSRP of $41,905.
Engine, Power, and Performance
Let's talk about performance. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz has relatively adequate capacity when it comes to its output and performance capabilities, especially when you opt for the upgraded engine setup. While the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers an output of 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, the upgraded, turbocharged 2.5-liter engine option spikes those figures up to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, respectively.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz 0-60 Time
So, what kind of punchy performance can the Hyundai Santa Cruz deliver with its turbocharged engine? With its upgraded 2.5-liter setup, the Santa Cruz can leap from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. Not bad at all for an SUV-pickup hybrid.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity
Again, with the 2 available engine options, there are 2 variations of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz's towing capacity. When it's equipped with the upgraded and more potent 2.5-liter engine, the Santa Cruz has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. Conversely, with the standard engine option, the towing capacity is reduced to about 3,500 lbs.
Fuel Efficiency
So, how does the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz stack up regarding fuel efficiency? When armed with the base engine, the Santa Cruz has a fuel efficiency score of 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Conversely, the turbocharged setup is estimated to produce 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway, according to EPA estimates.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Features
Hyundai, as an auto brand, has long been associated with safety and reliability. You can bet that the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is no exception to this rule. The Santa Cruz boasts a sweeping array of safety features, some of which include the following:
- Side-impact beams
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blue Link connected car service
- Rear child safety locks and more
The Santa Cruz is a reliable vehicle that prioritizes safety in every sense of the word. As a result, you can feel at ease knowing your family is well-protected every time you enter its cabin.
Hyundai SmartSense
The Hyundai SmartSense system is a network of sensors, radars, and cameras that monitor your vehicle and its surroundings. It's equipped with numerous safety features such as highway driving assist, rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, and more.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Warranty
The Santa Cruz warranty comes with a slew of advantages when it comes to its warranty specification. Some of these benefits include:
- 60,000 miles (or 5 years)
- 100,000 miles (or 10 drivetrain years)
- 36,000 maintenance miles (or 3 years)

Reliability and Driving Experience
The Santa Cruz delivers a surprisingly punchy acceleration. To top it off, that surprise-punch is coupled with a smooth, stable, and controlled ride quality that enhances the driving experience. As a result, the Santa Cruz delivers an unexpected kick to its performance and also handles exceptionally well.
Why Choose the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Style, modernity, and performance are just a few of the advantages of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This model is a special blend of a pickup and an SUV. As a result of this unique combination, the Santa Cruz is both versatile and accommodating. So, if you're looking for a vehicle that is as robust as it is family-friendly, look no further than the Santa Cruz.
Get Your Hyundai Santa Cruz at Hyundai of Saco
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz checks every box. It's practical, inviting, and modern, allowing it to deliver something for everybody. For this reason, you simply can't go wrong with the Santa Cruz. The best part is that we at Hyundai of Saco in Saco, ME, are here to pair you with yours. Our team of experts is here to answer your questions and guide you in the right direction.
So, if you're ready to get your Hyundai Santa Cruz at Hyundai of Saco, contact us today to learn more.