2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz review

1. No compromise truck

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers real truck versatility without the drawbacks. The base 2.5L engine delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.

Car-like road manners mean a smooth and quiet ride, combating all those potholes and cracked roads in your commute. The length of just over 16 feet long means this truck is shorter than some cars, so you can take the Santa Cruz downtown for easy parallel parking.

2. Drivetrain options

The 2023 Santa Cruz has the power to get the job done. The base 2.5L four-cylinder has 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the front wheels or through a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic, with optional all-wheel drive. If you need an upgrade, check out higher-end SEL Premium and Limited trim levels. Those trims get a turbocharged 2.5L engine for a burly 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, paired with a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission. AWD is standard with the turbo engine.

3. Storage solutions

Whether commuting to work or road-tripping across the country, you've gotta have a place for your stuff. The Santa Cruz has a hard tonneau bed cover that keeps valuable cargo out of sight. Underneath the bed floor is a hidden trunk space the size of a large cooler. An additional cargo bed box the size of a 12V battery lets you store tools out of the elements. Inside, the Santa Cruz seats up to five, and with a simple flip, the rear bench seat allows access to even more storage.

4. Solid towing

Trucks need to haul for work or recreation and the Santa Cruz has you covered there, too. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to an estimated 5,000 lbs with the base engine when properly equipped.

That's a trailer with three cows for a day out in the fields, or a similar trailer with two large personal watercraft for a weekend at the lake. If you have smaller cargo needs, the bed has 27 cu-ft of storage - roughly 14 bags of mulch - and can hold an impressive estimated 1,600 lbs.

5. Stylish looks

You didn't want to blend in anyway, right? The Santa Cruz features snazzy styling front to rear, making this look like no other truck on the road. Up front, a giant grille blends with the futuristic headlights, looking like the hero's ride from a sci-fi movie. The profile looks sporty with sharp creases, a massively raked rear pillar, and a short four-foot cargo bed. The unique horizontal taillights and massive Santa Cruz lettering dominate the rear. You'll never lose the Santa Cruz in the garden center parking lot, but you'll notice the low lift-over height every time you put something in the bed.