2023 – 2024 Truck 2023 and 2024 Pickup Truck Models: In-depth reviews and ratings about new and future pickup trucks.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the upcoming pickup truck that’s built on a unibody construction. This model is using the Tucson platform that’s much longer and wider. However, for the 2023 year, the manufacturer will make some changes, and we can expect a much more attractive outlook and a more comfortable cabin.
In terms of performance, the Santa Cruz will come with a choice of two engines. It can be chosen with a 2.5-liter inline-4 or turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4. On top of that, Hyundai pickup will have full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), which means Santa Cruz will provide great run in urban and outdoorsy environments.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Facelift
Like many compact crossovers, the upcoming 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz blends the 4-door cabin with the utility of a short truck bed. Moreover, thanks to a unit-body design, this model looks more solid than the rest of the trucks in the class. The front of this truck dominates with the bold grille that uses hidden lighting, similar to what we saw on the latest Sonata and new Tucson. There are LED daytime running lights, as well as a skid-plate at the bottom of the front fascia.
From the side, the truck looks retro-modern, with a raked C-pillar and 18-inch wheels. According to Hyundai, the Santa Cruz’s bed is four feet long, with an adjustable tailgate.
Cabin Features
From what we know, the new 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz cabin has the same refinement and modern style as many of Hyundai models. With that, we primarily mean on models like the Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe, and Palisade. We anticipate the same front-seat space as in the new Tucson. However, the rear seats might be slightly smaller, and the legroom should be closer to that of a subcompact SUV.
On the technology side, the manufacturer added an excelent 10.25-inch screen. This gadget is the highlight, as well as the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You can also expand the list of safety features with the addition of Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance, Safe Exit Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, a Surround View Monitor, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engine Specs
Under the hood, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck is powered by two powertrains. The standard model comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 191-horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. As for the transmission, the manufacturer added 8-speed automatic. The towing capacity of this model using a base engine is 3,500 pounds.
However, everyone who wants more power can opt for the turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. This unit produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the base engine, this one comes with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters. With the optional engine, towing capacity rises to 5,000 pounds. Also, the turbocharged 2.5-liter is available only with an all-wheel drive.
Release Date and Cost
Arriving in the summer of 2022, the upcoming 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz will be more attractive than ever. This unibody truck has a starting price of $23,990. However, a more potent turbo model starts at $35,680, and it can go up to $40,000, depending on equipment.
Besides Hyundai Santa Cruz, there are two other unibody pickups available on the market. The Ford Maverick is the first one with a starting MSRP of $20,000, and the second one is the Honda Ridgeline that costs $37,665.
