2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2022 Santa Cruz: What Are the Differences?
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t much different from the 2022 model. Although it’s a new model year, nearly everything has carried over unchanged. Unfortunately, most models get a slight price bump with each passing year, and the Hyundai compact truck is no different. Fortunately, the automaker made it feel a little worth your while to spend more for the pickup.
What’s new with the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
According to Car and Driver, the Hyundai Santa Cruz underwent a few changes for the new model year. First, base models now come with standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The same driver assists were completely unavailable to the SE model for the 2022 model year. Additionally, the SEL Premium model now gets the 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, previously exclusive to the Limited trim. Next, SEL Premium owners now gain adaptive cruise control with GPS-based curve control, more advanced voice-recognition software, and the ability to automatically match the posted speed limit.
In less exciting news, the Santa Cruz is now available in Atlas White and California Sand paint colors. The two replaced Ice White and Mojave in the lineup of selections that came with the 2022 version. Finally, there’s a new Night model, which is exactly what it sounds like. Moreover, the special edition gets 20-inch black wheels, a dark grille, black-painted door handles, mirror caps, and side steps. While it does enhance the look of the Santa Cruz, it’s still a tiny, car-like pickup.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is more expensive than the 2022 Santa Cruz
For the 2023 model year, the Hyundai Santa Cruz comes in five different trim levels. Within the lineup, prices vary from just over $27,000 to nearly $42,000. Compared to the 2022 model year, the lineup is expanded by one trim, and prices are each a bit higher. For example, the 2023 Santa Cruz SE costs $27,035, while the 2022 version is just $25,735. Although it isn’t an outrageous difference, every dollar adds up, especially if you add options.
The new Night edition is also the cheapest way to get the more potent engine. It comes with a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, good for 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Although identical to the previous model year’s high-trim engine, the Night model is cheaper than the SEL Premium. 2022 model-year customers needed the SEL Premium for this engine, which was a minimum of $37,425. Buying the latest version of the compact truck’s Night trim is $37,395.
| Hyundai Santa Cruz trim | 2023 price | 2022 price |
| SE | $27,035 | $25,735 |
| SEL | $29,525 | $28,935 |
| Night (2023 only) | $37,395 | N/A |
| SEL Premium | $38,935 | $37,425 |
| Limited | $41,905 | $41,465 |
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2022 Santa Cruz: More standard features, higher price
In conclusion, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is only different from the 2022 Santa Cruz in a few ways. Mostly, changes come in the form of new standard features for a few different trims. Additionally, there is a brand new Night model that adds blacked-out features all around the compact truck. Finally, new colors and a new set of higher prices enter the lineup for the latest version.
Are you interested in the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, or does the cheaper 2022 model seem like a better deal?
