2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz - Book Today!
The range of Hyundai vehicles continues to grow in both scope and impressive quality. And while the automaker may be mainly known for family SUVs, the latest addition to their lineup expands their influence into the small pickup arena. The newly released 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is now available for sale at our Kanata dealership, and here's why this small truck is likely to make a big splash.
Unique Form
The Santa Cruz is based on the Hyundai Tucson SUV platform, renowned for its power and sturdiness. However, its body design takes the vehicle in an entirely new direction. Nestling behind the four-door, two-row cabin is an open pickup bed measuring 132cm, and while this is around 20cm shorter than most mid-size beds, it still adds a valuable amount of cargo versatility compared to a regular SUV.Under the Hood
But the innovative design is only the start of the Santa Cruz story. There are two powertrain options available, each suitable for different tasks. At the entry level there's a 2.5L four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 181lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission to power either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. This basic configuration offers a great blend of everyday performance and economy, making the Santa Cruz a good choice for general driving use with added pickup flexibility when needed.But to really make the most use of the Hyundai's truck design, trading up to the 2.5L turbo engine brings a meaty 281hp and 311lb-ft. All-wheel drive is standard for this model, while the eight-speed automatic transmission is upgraded to a dual-clutch variety. This powertrain offers the capability levels to make the Santa Cruz a viable small truck for lighter duties, pairing genuine power with the agility, convenience, and lean fuel consumption of the smaller SUV-like footprint.
Fuel Economy
The entry-level front-wheel drive model boasts impressive fuel economy figures of 11.2L / 100km in the city and 9L / 100km on the highway. The all-wheel drive version matches the city figure but actually improves the highway rating to 8.7L / 100km.As you'd expect, the turbo engine reduces the city economy to a slightly thirstier 12.4L, although the highway rating holds firm to the same 8.7L as its lower-powered sibling.
Interior and Technology
Get inside the Santa Cruz's cab and you'll immediately see its SUV heritage, with comfort levels rarely seen in a regular truck within the same price range. A fully digital gauge cluster is offered as standard, backed up by an 8" or 10.3" touchscreen display to handle infotainment.Wireless device charging is standard, along with wireless smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a range of remote services are offered through Hyundai's Blue Link system.
And lastly, the safety technology is just as advanced, with standard features including forward collision warnings, automated emergency braking, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, and more.