The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz will hit the market next year, featuring more attractive design, new exterior colors, and some extra options. Also, we expect the interior of the Santa Cruz to be refreshed as well and to look more like a classy crossover than a pickup. That’s no surprise, considering that this truck uses the same unibody platform as the Hyundai Tucson SUV.
As for the performance, the latest Hyundai Santa Cruz will be powered by a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The manufacturer paired this unit with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Facelift
As mentioned, the upcoming 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz will use the same unibody platform as the Hyundai Tucson SUV. In general, both models will share identical front fascia. Both come with the same segmented headlights, sharp shoulder line, and A-pillar rake.
However, the forthcoming Santa Cruz gets its own personality. This truck features a more unique grille, hood, and front bumper. It also differs from the Tucson SUV in many things. Around back, the Santa Cruz comes with a compact truck bed and distinctive taillights.
Interior
Inside, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz looks modern and is filled with many advanced technologies. Space on the front is ample, and you can optionally get a heated and ventilated front seat, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The rear seat is not for grown-ups, but for kids and taller people is ideal.
As standard equipment, Hyundai offers an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, and a pair of USB ports. Moreover, you can still upgrade optionally to a larger 10.25-inch screen with more touch-sensitive controls.
Safety
As before, this truck comes with vast numbers of safety features. However, the IIHS hasn’t completed crash tests on the newly introduced Santa Cruz. We know it will come standard with automatic emergency braking and with active lane control. Optionally, you can get adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, blind-spot cameras, and a surround-view camera system.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engine Specs
The base engine of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz will continue to use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, delivering 191-horsepower. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and there is a choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Moving up to the optional, Hyundai also offers a more potent turbocharged 2.5-liter powertrain that makes 281-horsepower. As you can see, the engine provides considerably more grunt than the base one. On top of that, with more powerful engine, you will unlock the full 5,000-pound towing capacity of this model.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Price, Release Date
We expect the new Hyundai Santa Cruz to start at $23,000 for the base SE trim. As you can see, this truck is very affordable, at least compared to the entry-level rivals. However, going up to the mid-range SEL trim, you must prepare around $27,000, while the SEL Premium starts at $36,000. Lastly, the range-topping Limited is in the region of $40,000. We expect the new truck to go on sale next year, likely in the secound half.
Source: carsdirect.com