- At $26,745 to start, the base 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE is $1,010 more expensive than the 2022 model.
- The SEL Premium sees a $1,220 price hike, while the other trims see a smaller $150 bump.
- Hyundai’s new Santa Cruz ‘Night’ splits the difference between the SEL-based Activity Package and the SEL Premium, for $37,105.
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist and Safe Exit Warning are now standard across the entire 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup.
Most of the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup will look familiar, with a few pricing and standard feature tweaks.
Hyundai published updated pricing for next model year’s compact pickup Thursday, revealing a $1,010 price bump to the entry-level SE. The SEL Premium also sees a noteworthy $1,220 price bump, while the rest of the range rises by a more modest $150. Most of the trim walk remains the same, as well, although 2023 models get an edgier ‘Night’ trim.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Night is based on the SEL trim, but adds in the more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged engine like the SEL Premium and Limited. On top of that, you also get a dark chrome grille, bespoke 20-inch alloys, blacked out front and rear fascias, mirror caps and door handles, as well as dual side steps for the added cost.
Some other packaging changes
This year brings in two exterior color changes across the lineup. One is just a name change: Ice White is now called ‘Atlas White’ instead. The other is a replacement for this year’s Mojave Sand and will be called ‘California Sand’. At the moment, we don’t have a photo of what that new color will look like.
Other minor changes focus on the top-end SEL Premium and Limited trims. The former no longer gets HomeLink capability — that feature is now solely available with the auto-dimming rearview mirror on Limited models. However, the SEL Premium does get Hyundai’s 10.25-inch infotainment display, Dynamic Voice Recognition, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, like the more expensive Limited.
Here’s the updated, full price walk for 2023 models.
As before, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz brings one of two powertrain configurations, depending on which trim you buy. The base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder offers up 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The less powerful variants mate up to a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, with the option for either front- or all-wheel drive.
Santa Cruz Night, SEL Premium and Limited trims get the more potent 2.5-liter turbo engine. That swaps out the standard automatic for an 8-speed dual clutch and bumps the output to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Neither engine’s figures change from the 2022 models.
FWD models (2.5L non-turbo only):
| Trim | 2023 MSRP* | Difference from 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| SE | $26,745 | +$1,010 (was $25,735) |
| SEL | $29,085 | +$150 (was $28,935) |
| SEL w/ Activity Package | $32,355 | +$150 (was $32,205) |
AWD models (2.5L N/A or Turbo, as noted):
| Trim | 2023 MSRP* | Difference from 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| SE (2.5L N/A) | $28,245 | +$1,010 (was $27,235) |
| SEL (2.5L N/A) | $30,585 | +$150 (was $30,435) |
| SEL w/ Activity Package (2.5L N/A) | $33,855 | +$150 (was $33,705) |
| Night (New) (2.5L Turbo) | $37,105 | N/A |
| SEL Premium (2.5L Turbo) | $38,645 | +$1,220 (was $37,425) |
| Limited (2.5L Turbo) | $41,615 | +$150 (was $41,465) |
Check out more on the Hyundai Santa Cruz below:
