We really helpful the SEL Premium beforehand. Rebranded because the XRT, we predict it is nonetheless the one to get. Admittedly, this trim presents a steep MSRP climb over the SE and SEL, however the extra highly effective turbocharged engine is a should for anybody who cares about acceleration. The stronger engine additionally lifts the tow ranking to 5000 kilos, and the XRT comes with all-wheel drive that is a expensive possibility on the SEL. There’s some rugged-looking tools to intensify the aesthetic, and darkish chrome trim besides.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

There are two powertrains obtainable for the Santa Cruz, with the engine alternative determined by the trim. The SE and SEL match a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, shifting by an eight-speed computerized transmission. After we examined the identical motor within the Hyundai Tucson SUV—on which the Santa Cruz is predicated—we discovered the acceleration sluggish at finest. The Evening, XRT, and Restricted trims include a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4 with 281 horses and 311 pound-feet, figures a lot better suited to city driving. This engine will get an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All trims besides the SE will be had with all-wheel drive. The Santa Cruz is shorter and decrease than its phase rivals, which makes it simpler to maneuver round city. The highest-of-the-line Restricted mannequin we drove showcased the truck’s refined trip and agile dealing with.

Towing and Payload Capability

When optioned with base four-cylinder, the Santa Cruz is rated to tow 3,500 kilos. With the premium turbocharged engine, the little truck’s tow ranking matches that of the one different unibody vans on this class, the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick. All are capped at a 5000-pound towing capability.

Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG

Outfitted with the bottom engine and front-wheel drive, the 2023 Santa Cruz is rated at 22 mpg within the metropolis and 26 mpg on the freeway. Including all-wheel drive drops metropolis and freeway figures by 1 mpg. The turbocharged model has estimates of 19 mpg metropolis and 27 freeway. We ran a turbocharged Santa Cruz on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is a part of our intensive testing routine, and it returned 30 mpg freeway. For extra details about the Santa Cruz’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Hyundai has a behavior of designing interiors that look costlier than they’re. The Santa Cruz advantages by having one of many nicest cabins amongst each the compact and mid-size pickup segments. It is the primary truck in its class to supply a completely digital gauge cluster, and we respect that it has a conventional shifter on the middle console as a substitute of a rotary knob or pushbuttons. The Santa Cruz is barely obtainable with a four-door crew cab, and passenger house within the entrance and the again is aggressive with equally sized vans. Its cargo mattress is among the shortest within the phase at about 4 toes lengthy, however it’s very versatile, with a lockable tonneau cowl and a helpful in-bed trunk that is just like what the Honda gives.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The bottom SE and SEL come normal with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The SEL will be optioned with a bigger 10.3-inch show, the three trims above include it. Crisp graphics and easy operation are pluses; nevertheless, we predict the corporate’s determination to omit any bodily controls is a misstep. Digital options embrace wi-fi machine charging, wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Hyundai’s Blue Hyperlink providers supplied free for 3 years. With Blue Hyperlink, house owners can do issues like remotely lock and unlock the doorways and begin the Santa Cruz by utilizing an app, the Web, or Amazon Alexa. Inside, the most effective sounds are had with the Bose premium audio setup, however it’s solely obtainable on the Restricted trim.

Security and Driver-Help Options

The Santa Cruz gives an array of driver-assistance expertise, together with a typical driver-attention warning and non-compulsory adaptive cruise management. For extra details about the Santa Cruz’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

• Commonplace forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Commonplace lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
• Commonplace blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Hyundai—together with its company counterpart, Kia—has lengthy supplied among the best guarantee plans within the business, with particularly noteworthy powertrain protection. The corporate additionally gives complimentary scheduled upkeep that bests mainstream rivals equivalent to Toyota.

• Restricted guarantee 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep covers three years or 36,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs