![]() With limited knobs and buttons, some people may question how the controls are set up, and will be wishing for additional tactile and non-touchscreen controls, but the voice commands are so strong that an easy solution is to just speak the changes you want for navigation, audio and phone calls. Directly in front of the driver is a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment setup on the Santa Cruz is focused around a bright, modern-looking 10.25-inch screen (8 inches on some trims) that hosts the navigation setup and comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Its systems are easy to master, both by touch and by voice commands. In recent years, Hyundai has figured out the secret sauce for excellent tech setups, and their lineup is stronger for it. Towing capacity is capped at 5,000 pounds on the 2023 Santa Cruz. There are 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The Santa Cruz can handle some basic off-roading, but don’t go too crazy. Sport is the most fun, but lowers fuel economy. The smaller size also makes the vehicle more nimble than larger trucks.ĭrive Modes include Normal, Sport, Smart and Snow, depending on your driving situation. It’s a stout driving package that beats all of its compact and midsize truck rivals, and more often than not you don’t even realize you’re behind the wheel of a mini truck. The vehicle is powerful and moves quickly, but also delivers a smooth ride, handles in the corners well, and has responsive brakes. But the Santa Cruz is an exception, due to its underlying design. Both FWD and AWD versions of the Santa Cruz are available.Īcceleration is impressive in the Santa Cruz, with the turbo engine taking just over 6 seconds to go from 0-to-60.mIt’s a rarity that I would describe a truck as “fun to drive”, as they tend to be on the lumbering side. The difference between the two is significant, and the turbo Santa Cruz option is also more powerful than the best engine offered on the Ford Maverick.Īll Santa Cruz engines come with an automatic 8-speed automatic transmission, and paddle shifters are offered. The more pedestrian option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.īut if you’re wise, you’ll opt for a Santa Cruz with the upgraded engine - a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder option claiming a healthy 281 horses and 311 pound-feet. HOW’S THE RIDE?Ī pair of power plants are offered on the 2023 Santa Cruz. There are a similar amount of small storage spaces for drinks and other belongings as you would find in a typical small to midsize SUV. Front seats are especially comfortable.Īt the center of the vehicle design is a large, clear touchscreen with modern design that is easy to master. In terms of passenger comfort, the Santa Cruz is tight in the rear for passenger leg room, but offers excellent head room throughout the vehicle. The sliding rear window lets you get some air flowing. The flip-up seats are a cool feature, allowing for more cargo space in the rear, including a storage bin in the floor, plus a tire change kit. While not on the level of a luxury ride, the Santa Cruz still offers a nicer interior than most small to medium sized trucks. Interior features in the 2023 Santa Cruz I tested included dual-zone automatic temperature control, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 60/40 flip-up rear seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting. Lighting in the truck bed is offered and you get corner steps on the rear bumper for easy access. There is also a storage area under the floor of the bed, plus two small side storage areas. Moving to the highly functional truck bed in the Santa Cruz, the tonneau cover is easy to open and close, and includes a rope. Who will want this vehicle?: Buyers looking for a unique, truck-SUV mix that is more than capable of transporting them to their next adventure.Best feature: Unique and versatile design, powerful turbo engine, strong tech features.Read on for a full breakdown of what the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz has to offer. It has only one true competitor - the Ford Maverick - and a great opportunity to capture some market share in the truck market due to its sharp looks, strong drive quality and quality tech features. One such category is smaller trucks, including the unibody design on vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which is reminiscent of vehicles of the past like the Subaru Baja.īack for its second year in 2023, the Santa Cruz combines the abilities of SUVs and pickups in a way that few other vehicles can. One of the best trends of recent years has been the return of some automotive categories that had been long neglected.
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