As a small truck, there is a lot to like about the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. It might not be the rugged mid-size truck that you’re used to, but it’s also not trying to be. And that’s pretty refreshing in today’s automotive world. It boasts things like all-wheel drive and can produce up to 281 horsepower. Here are five quick facts you might be wondering about Hyundai’s compact pickup truck.

Does the Hyundai Santa Cruz have a hybrid model?

Unfortunately, if you want a hybrid truck, you will need to look somewhere other than the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Ford’s small truck comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, but there is not one available for Hyundai’s pickup. The Santa Cruz offers the same engines featured in the Hyundai Tucson. 

The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-foot of torque. According to Car and Driver, it can feel pretty lackluster. If you want a small truck that makes some additional power, opt for the turbocharged engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. 

Does the new Santa Cruz have a spare tire?

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz does offer a spare tire. It is a donut that is located under the bed, making for easy access. A spare tire is something that is nice to have. Especially as more brands are switching away from spare tires. Instead, opting for cheaper fix-a-flat systems. 

Of course, you should not drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time. So, if you do experience a flat in your Santa Cruz, you’ll want to replace the tire as soon as possible. Spare tires are not rated to pack on the miles. 

Does the 2023 Hyundai pickup truck come with a manual transmission?

Like most modern vehicles, the Santa Cruz does not offer a manual transmission. The Ford Maverick lacks one as well, so if you want to row your own gears, you’ll have to look at a mid-size truck. Both engines of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz are mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions. 

They do offer smooth shifting, and if you appreciate a traditional automatic, you will likely enjoy that Hyundai did not put a CVT in its small truck. Still, a compact pickup with 281 hp and a manual transmission would be fun to drive. 

Does the 2023 Santa Cruz have all-wheel drive?

For an additional fee, you can opt to equip your Santa Cruz with AWD. Even if you opt for the less powerful engine, you can still get AWD. The larger powerplant comes standard with the feature. AWD is ideal for handling things like winter conditions, and it can improve handling. 

Although Hyundai’s small truck does offer power to all four wheels, it’s not a vehicle you would want to subject to serious off-road conditions. 

Does Hyundai’s small truck have a sunroof?

Depending on the trim level, the new Hyundai Santa Cruz does offer a sunroof. With a power sunroof, you can open up your pickup to the outside world. If you opt for the Santa Cruz SE, you cannot equip your truck with a sunroof. But, the other trims do have this feature as an option or a standard item.