
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is only rated to tug up to 3500 pounds. Both trucks are capped at a 5000-pound towing capacity, but that's with the Hyundai's more powerful turbocharged engine. 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Gets a Price BumpĪlthough the unibody Santa Cruz isn't able to tow as much as its body-on-frame rivals such as the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, it can pull just as much as the only other unibody in this class, the Ridgeline.The top-of-the-line Limited model we drove showcased the truck's refined ride and agile handling. The Santa Cruz is shorter and lower than its segment rivals, which helps make it easier to maneuver around town. All-wheel drive is also offered with both four-cylinders. Both engines mate to eight-speed automatics, but the turbo option partners with the dual-clutch variety. Its added power and punchier responses are much better suited to the Santa Cruz. The upgraded engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four with 281 horses and 311 pound-feet. However, based on the languid acceleration it provided the Tuscon crossover we tested, this entry-level engine is best avoided. The standard setup is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The Santa Cruz comes with two different powertrain choices. The SEL Premium comes with standard LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation and enhanced voice commands, and adaptive cruise control with GPS-based curve control.

The system is a $1500 option on the lesser trims. Unlike the lesser SE and SEL, it has a more powerful engine along with fancier equipment that includes standard all-wheel drive. We think the SEL Premium is the one to get. The Santa Cruz is available in five trim levels with various features. Even dressed this way, though, the Santa Cruz is hardly intimidating. Its appearance is distinguished by black 20-inch rims, a dark grille, as well as black-painted door handles, mirror caps, and side steps. For folks who want a semi-sinister-looking Santa Cruz, there's a new Night model. The paint colors Ice White and Mojave sand have been replaced by Atlas White and California Sand, respectively. Likewise, the SEL Premium now has adaptive cruise control with GPS-based curve control, more advanced voice-recognition software, and the ability to automatically match the posted speed limit. Other equipment changes include the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system trickling down to the SEL Premium (previously it was reserved for the Limited trim).
Santa cruz hyundai no brasil driver#
However, it now comes standard with a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, which should reduce the sting of the price hike since those driver assists weren't even offered on the SE last year. Hyundai does increase the starting price of the entry-level SE trim by $1010 to $26,745. There aren't any notable changes to the Santa Cruz for the 2023 model year. Still, the 2023 Santa Cruz shines for its balance of functionality and pleasant driving persona.Ģ Hyundai Santa Cruz STARTING AT: $26,745 What's New for 2023?

The SEL Premium and Limited have the best tech and nicest interiors, but they trade fewer physical controls for less-convenient touchscreen buttons and are considerably pricier than the lesser models. While the weaker engine is available with front- or all-wheel drive, the burlier mill pairs only with all-wheel drive it's reserved for the top two trim levels. The engine lineup includes an underpowered 191-hp four-cylinder and an optional 281-hp turbo-four that invigorates the Santa Cruz's performance.

After all, the two share a platform and powertrains. Instead, think of it as a Hyundai Tucson compact SUV with a truck bed. But the Santa Cruz isn't trying to impersonate those angry-looking, trail-eating, worksite-mule pickups. Sure, there are mid-size trucks that can tow more-the Hyundai's max is 5000 pounds-and perform better in the mud and on rocky paths. Whether or not the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz qualifies as a true pickup truck is open to debate, but less debatable are its distinctive design and useful cargo box.
