Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL: Review, Specs, And More

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL. If you're looking for a vehicle that blends the versatility of a pickup truck with the comfort and agility of an SUV, the Santa Cruz might just be your perfect match. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its design and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL

The Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL stands out in the crowded automotive market as a unique Sport Adventure Vehicle (SAV). Unlike traditional trucks, the Santa Cruz sports a unibody construction, similar to SUVs, which results in a smoother ride and better handling. The SEL trim offers a sweet spot in the lineup, providing a balance of features and affordability. It’s designed for those who need the utility of a truck bed for hauling gear or DIY projects but also want a comfortable and stylish vehicle for daily commutes and weekend adventures. The Santa Cruz distinguishes itself with a bold and modern design, incorporating Hyundai's signature cascading grille and distinctive T-shaped lighting signature. Inside, the cabin is well-appointed with user-friendly technology and comfortable seating, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Let's delve deeper into the specifics to see what makes this vehicle such a compelling option.

Performance and Engine Options

When it comes to performance, the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL offers a robust and reliable experience. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4, producing around 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and light-duty tasks. However, if you're looking for more punch, you might consider the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which cranks out an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade transforms the Santa Cruz into a much more spirited performer, making it ideal for towing or tackling more challenging terrains. Both engines are paired with an smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring seamless gear changes and optimal fuel efficiency. The Santa Cruz SEL also comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. With the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a capable companion for weekend getaways or home improvement projects. The ride quality is surprisingly refined for a vehicle with a truck bed, thanks to the independent rear suspension that absorbs bumps and minimizes vibrations. Overall, the Santa Cruz SEL delivers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience, blending performance with practicality.

Interior Features and Technology

Stepping inside the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL, you'll find a well-designed cabin that prioritizes comfort and convenience. The interior boasts a modern and intuitive layout, with user-friendly controls and high-quality materials. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a breeze. The SEL trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, but you can upgrade to leather for a more premium feel. Technology is a key highlight, with an 8-inch touchscreen display serving as the infotainment hub. This system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. The SEL also features a six-speaker audio system, providing clear and crisp sound quality. Other notable tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports for charging your devices. Available upgrades include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display, a premium Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. Safety is also well-addressed, with standard features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and driver attention warning. Overall, the interior of the Santa Cruz SEL is a comfortable and tech-savvy space that enhances the driving experience.

Exterior Design and Utility

The Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL makes a bold statement with its distinctive exterior design. Its front fascia features Hyundai's signature cascading grille, flanked by striking T-shaped LED daytime running lights that give it a modern and aggressive look. The side profile showcases a sleek and aerodynamic silhouette, while the rear features a unique bed design that sets it apart from traditional trucks. The SEL trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, adding to its stylish appeal. The truck bed itself is a standout feature, offering a versatile space for hauling cargo. It includes a built-in tonneau cover to protect your belongings from the elements, as well as a hidden under-bed storage compartment for stashing smaller items. The bed also features adjustable tie-down cleats, making it easy to secure your cargo. With a bed length of approximately four feet, it's perfect for carrying groceries, sports equipment, or DIY project materials. The Santa Cruz SEL also offers practical features like a rear bumper step for easy access to the bed and available roof rails for mounting additional cargo carriers. Overall, the exterior design of the Santa Cruz SEL is both stylish and functional, making it a head-turner on the road while providing the utility you need for everyday tasks.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies to help protect you and your passengers. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential hazards and apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. Lane departure warning with lane keeping assist helps you stay within your lane by providing gentle steering corrections if you start to drift. Driver attention warning monitors your driving behavior and alerts you if it detects signs of fatigue or distraction. Other standard safety features include a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. Available upgrades include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These advanced features provide an extra layer of protection by monitoring your surroundings and alerting you to potential dangers. The Santa Cruz has also performed well in crash tests, earning high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With its robust safety features and strong crash test performance, the Santa Cruz SEL offers peace of mind for you and your family.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for any vehicle, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL strikes a decent balance between performance and economy. With the standard 2.5-liter engine, the Santa Cruz SEL achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. This is competitive with other compact trucks and SUVs in its class. If you opt for the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops slightly to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While the turbocharged engine offers more power and towing capability, it does come at the expense of slightly lower fuel efficiency. However, the Santa Cruz SEL still offers respectable fuel economy for a vehicle with its capabilities. Factors that can affect your actual fuel economy include driving habits, road conditions, and the use of accessories like air conditioning and four-wheel drive. To maximize fuel efficiency, it's recommended to drive conservatively, avoid excessive idling, and keep your tires properly inflated. Overall, the Santa Cruz SEL offers reasonable fuel economy that won't break the bank.

Pricing and Trims

The Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL is positioned as a mid-range trim that offers a compelling value proposition. The starting price for the SEL trim is around $28,000, which is competitive with other vehicles in its class. However, the final price can vary depending on the options and packages you choose. Other available trims include the SE, Limited, and XRT, each offering different levels of features and equipment. The base SE trim is the most affordable, but it lacks some of the desirable features found on the SEL. The Limited trim is the top-of-the-line model, offering a host of premium features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose audio system. The XRT trim adds rugged styling cues and off-road enhancements for those who want a more adventurous look. When choosing the right trim for you, it's important to consider your budget and your specific needs and preferences. The SEL trim offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it a popular choice for many buyers. Be sure to compare the different trims and options to find the Santa Cruz that best fits your lifestyle.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL:

Pros:

• Unique and stylish design
• Comfortable and well-appointed interior
• Versatile truck bed with built-in tonneau cover
• Available turbocharged engine with strong performance
• Available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
• Comprehensive suite of safety features

Cons:

• Truck bed is smaller than traditional trucks
• Rear seat legroom can be limited for taller passengers
• Fuel economy could be better with the turbocharged engine
• Some desirable features are only available on higher trims

Final Verdict

The Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023 SEL is a standout vehicle that offers a unique blend of truck utility and SUV comfort. Its stylish design, versatile truck bed, and comfortable interior make it a great choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures. While it may not be a traditional truck, it offers plenty of capability for most drivers. If you're looking for something different and practical, the Santa Cruz SEL is definitely worth considering.