Skip to main content

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup truck has many positive attributes, including its sedan-like handling, refined interior, in-bed trunk, useful technologies, and value-orientated price. However, the Santa Cruz isn’t for everyone, especially those that desire a traditional pickup truck. Also, there are other affordable trucks that you can get. Here are three great 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz alternatives that cost less than $28,000.

Affordable pickup trucks to get instead of a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Front angle view of blue 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, highlighting affordable pickup truck alternatives costing under $28,000
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

The new 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck has a starting price of $25,450 MSRP. There are many things to like about the Santa Cruz, but there are other trucks worth considering. Check out these three affordable pickup truck alternatives to the Santa Cruz that cost under $28,000, along with their starting price (MSRP):

  1. 2023 Ford Maverick: $22,195 MSRP
  2. 2023 Toyota Tacoma: $27,250 MSRP
  3. 2023 Ford Ranger: $26,400 MSRP

2023 Ford Maverick: The only new pickup truck that’s cheaper than the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Front angle view of orange 2023 Ford Maverick, affordable Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck alternative costing under $28,000
2023 Ford Maverick | Ford

One of the best alternatives to the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the 2023 Ford Maverick, which starts at $22,195 MSRP. It’s the cheapest new pickup in the United States — and the only one that costs less than Santa Cruz. It’s also the only other compact truck available. 

In addition to its budget-friendly price, the Maverick provides high-level efficiency, especially for the hybrid model. The Maverick Hybrid has an estimated gas mileage of up to 42 city/33 highway mpg, while the fully gas-powered version gets a fuel economy of up to 23 city/30 highway mpg.

Other highlights of the Maverick include its versatile pickup bed, good handling, and high-quality interior. Also, the Maverick offers a new Tremor off-road package for the 2023 model year. 

2023 Toyota Tacoma: A great truck to get for those that want to go off-road

Side view of Barcelona Red Metallic 2023 Toyota Tacoma
2023 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

Another affordable pickup truck alternative to the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz that costs less than $28,000 is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma midsize truck. It has a starting price of $27,250 MSRP. A major strength of the Tacoma is its off-road capabilities, with a much-deserved reputation for being able to drive over rough terrain for wilderness adventures.

The Tacoma is also very durable. It provides the toughness to handle the beating it takes during rigorous jobs and excursions. Additionally, the Tacoma has many driving assistance technologies. It offers a wide range of configuration options, too. While the Tacoma is showing its age and is due for a redesign, it’s still a highly capable pickup truck — with a large base of enthusiastic fans.

2023 Ford Ranger: An affordable pickup truck alternative

Front angle view of blue 2023 Ford Ranger, affordable Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck alternative costing under $28,000
2023 Ford Ranger | Ford

Our third choice for a pickup alternative to the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the 2023 Ford Ranger. It starts at $26,400 MSRP, which makes it one of the cheapest midsize trucks available in the U.S, as detailed by Cars.com. Along with its affordable price, the Ranger boasts impressive towing capabilities, a powerful turbocharged engine, favorable driving dynamics, many driving assistance technologies, and off-road prowess. 

Affordable pickup truck alternatives to the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz that cost under $28,000 include the 2023 Ford Maverick, 2023 Toyota Tacoma, and 2023 Ford Ranger. The Santa Cruz is a solid choice for truck shoppers, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, then you might want to consider these other models.