Hey guys! Are you thinking about getting a new ride that's both a truck and an SUV? Then, let's dive into the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL. This awesome vehicle has been turning heads, and we're here to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know. We'll explore its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right fit for you.

What's the Hype About the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL?

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL has carved out a unique niche in the automotive market by blending the versatility of a pickup truck with the comfort and maneuverability of a compact SUV. This innovative combination caters to a wide range of drivers, from urban adventurers to weekend warriors. The Santa Cruz SEL stands out with its distinctive design, featuring a bold front grille, sleek lines, and a sporty profile. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate city streets and parking lots, while its truck bed offers ample space for hauling gear, groceries, or DIY project materials. Inside, the Santa Cruz SEL boasts a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating, user-friendly technology, and a range of convenience features. Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance assist and lane keeping assist. Under the hood, the Santa Cruz SEL is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth and responsive shifting. Available all-wheel drive provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions, making the Santa Cruz SEL a capable and confident performer on both paved and unpaved roads. With its blend of style, versatility, and value, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL is an appealing option for drivers seeking a vehicle that can handle both everyday tasks and adventurous pursuits. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or exploring the great outdoors, the Santa Cruz SEL offers a compelling combination of practicality and fun.

Standout Features of the Santa Cruz SEL

Let's get into the standout features of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL. The Santa Cruz SEL really shines with its blend of practicality and comfort. On the outside, it's got this cool, modern look that sets it apart from your typical trucks. The integrated bed is super useful, perfect for hauling stuff without sacrificing the ride quality you'd expect from an SUV. Inside, you'll find a well-designed cabin with comfortable seats and plenty of tech to keep you connected and entertained. The infotainment system is easy to use, and the available safety features give you extra peace of mind on the road. One of the best things about the Santa Cruz SEL is its versatility. It's small enough to be easy to maneuver in the city, but it's also capable enough to handle light off-roading and hauling duties. Whether you're heading to the beach with surfboards, picking up supplies for a home improvement project, or just running errands around town, the Santa Cruz SEL is up for the task. Plus, with its comfortable ride and quiet cabin, it's a great choice for long road trips. In terms of technology, the Santa Cruz SEL comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Available features include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, a Bose premium audio system, and a digital key that allows you to use your smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle. Safety is also a priority, with standard features like forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Available safety features include blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control. Overall, the Santa Cruz SEL offers a compelling package of features that make it a standout choice in its class. It's stylish, versatile, and well-equipped, making it a great option for anyone looking for a vehicle that can do it all.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL doesn't disappoint. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for most driving situations, making it suitable for daily commutes and weekend adventures. The engine produces around 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, providing enough oomph for confident acceleration and merging onto highways. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, contributing to a comfortable and refined driving experience. For those seeking more power, an available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade transforms the Santa Cruz SEL into a much more thrilling vehicle, offering brisk acceleration and enhanced towing capability. With the turbocharged engine, the Santa Cruz SEL can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for hauling small trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles. The Santa Cruz SEL's handling is another strong point. Its compact size and well-tuned suspension make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate winding roads. The steering is precise and responsive, providing good feedback to the driver. The ride quality is also commendable, as the suspension effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, delivering a comfortable and composed ride. Available all-wheel drive enhances traction and stability, especially in slippery conditions. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels as needed, optimizing grip and control. This feature is particularly useful for drivers who live in areas with snow, rain, or unpaved roads. Fuel economy is also a consideration for many buyers, and the Santa Cruz SEL delivers respectable numbers. The standard engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged engine returns slightly lower figures of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. Its capable engines, smooth transmission, and confident handling make it a versatile and practical choice for a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Comfort

Let’s talk about the interior and comfort of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL. The cabin is designed with both practicality and comfort in mind. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them comfortable for long drives. The materials used throughout the cabin feel durable and high-quality, giving the interior a premium feel. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with controls that are easy to reach and use. The 8-inch touchscreen display is well-integrated into the dashboard and provides access to a variety of features, including navigation, audio, and smartphone integration. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to stay connected and entertained on the road. The Santa Cruz SEL offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The front seats offer ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults. The rear seats also fold down to create a larger cargo area, providing additional flexibility for hauling larger items. The truck bed is another key feature of the Santa Cruz SEL. It's equipped with a tonneau cover that keeps your belongings safe and dry, and there's also a hidden storage compartment under the bed floor. This is a great place to store tools, equipment, or other items that you want to keep out of sight. Other comfort and convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control, which allows you and your passengers to set your preferred temperature, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, which makes it easy to find the perfect driving position. The Santa Cruz SEL also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the interior of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL is a comfortable and well-designed space that's perfect for both daily commutes and long road trips. With its spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and user-friendly technology, the Santa Cruz SEL is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and practical vehicle.

Tech and Safety Features

Alright, let's dive into the tech and safety features of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL. This ride is packed with goodies to keep you connected and safe on the road. Standard tech features include an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This means you can easily connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation right on the screen. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to stay connected while keeping your focus on the road. The Santa Cruz SEL also comes standard with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when backing up. This is a great feature for avoiding accidents and making parking easier. Available tech features include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display, a Bose premium audio system, and a digital key that allows you to use your smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle. The larger touchscreen display provides more screen real estate for navigation and other apps, while the Bose audio system delivers crisp and clear sound. The digital key is a convenient feature that eliminates the need for a traditional key fob. When it comes to safety, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Standard safety features include forward collision avoidance assist, which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate an accident. Lane keeping assist helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections if you start to drift. Driver attention warning monitors your driving behavior and alerts you if you're showing signs of fatigue or distraction. Available safety features include blind-spot collision avoidance assist, which can detect vehicles in your blind spot and warn you of a potential collision. Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist helps you avoid accidents when backing out of parking spaces by detecting vehicles approaching from the side. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance between you and the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed. Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL offers a wide range of tech and safety features that enhance your driving experience and help keep you safe on the road.

The Final Verdict

So, what’s the final verdict on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL? Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a versatile and stylish vehicle that perfectly balances the functionality of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. Its unique design, combined with a well-appointed interior and a range of useful features, makes it a standout option in its class. Whether you need a vehicle for daily commutes, weekend adventures, or light-duty hauling, the Santa Cruz SEL is up to the task. The Santa Cruz SEL offers a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and style. Its truck bed is perfect for hauling gear, groceries, or DIY project materials, while its comfortable cabin and user-friendly technology make it a great choice for long road trips. The available all-wheel drive provides added confidence in various weather conditions, and the range of advanced safety features helps keep you and your passengers safe on the road. While it may not be a traditional pickup truck, the Santa Cruz SEL offers a unique and appealing alternative for those who want the versatility of a truck without the bulk and cumbersome handling of a larger vehicle. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in city streets and parking lots, while its comfortable ride and quiet cabin make it a pleasure to drive on the highway. In conclusion, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a great combination of style, versatility, and value. If you're in the market for a new vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks and provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, the Santa Cruz SEL is definitely worth considering. Its unique design, practical features, and competitive pricing make it a standout choice in its class. So go ahead, take it for a test drive and see for yourself what the hype is all about!