Wow, awesome to hear! The Santa Cruz SE might be a little harder to come by vs the other trims but you definitely won't need to wait 13 months to find one.
While most reviewers like to to use the Limited with turbo, you covered the base trim that many of us in the rank and file are most interested in. Thank you. I have an '07 Ridgeline that was also the lowest trim and this SE is going to be a luxury with the additional safety features and AWD settings. Thanks for covering the important stuff. Have my Blue Stone SE on order.
Thanks Steve! The Blue Stone is a great color. It will certainly be an upgrade like you mentioned but it won't be crazy such as stepping up to the Santa Cruz Limited.
I gotta say congratulations to you for being the"ONLY" person on UA-cam FINALLY reviewing the base model in detail. Kudos If it were me, this is more than enough. Unfortunately here in Canada our base model is the SEL premium/ or preffered and it only goes up from there. Which really is bummer. I'll putting a factory order for the most base model which in Canada is 41,000 cad for 2023 SEL If Hyundai would stop being so picky and build a few of these base models in Canada they'd be selling alot more I feel. Imo I think they are overpriced for what it offers especially for the more higher trims. The maverick imo is always gonna be a better bargain, that's why it's winning in sales. If I wasn't an upcoming family man I'd do the maverick instead, however SEL and SE for the Santa Cruz I think are excellent. Everything after that is excessive for my taste anyway.
Thank you! That is a great point that Canada only selling the SEL Preferred (Premium) and Ultimate (Limited). This means you only have access to the 2.5T engine too. This would definitely push the price higher than the base 2.5 NA engine. I do wonder why Hyundai only sells the higher trims up there and not a single version with the less powerful engine. Personally, find the SEL Premium a trim I would like here especially because it gets the 10.25" screen, smart cruise, etc. for 2023MY. I totally see why a base SEL or SEL Activity package here in the states is desirable. The SEL Activity package gives you the built in tonneau cover. Thanks for the comment!
This is my next vehicle! Base model without the bed cover, analog gauges, physical temperature and volume controls, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, hidden under the bed storage in the back (yes that’s standard in all trims), those cool wheels, the little storage compartment under the rear seats which is also standard… the price makes sense to me than the top trim with digital display/haptic feedback. This thing is just unique!
@@CarsMadeSimple Thank you but not yet looking since my current vehicle is fully paid for and running great so unless it was an emergency, I’m not trying to be making any monthly payments for a long time. Also, I don’t want AWD since I don’t live in a bad climate. The less complicated the car the better. Ha!
This is all the the things I want in a truck,much more equipment and less expensive than a maverick and a whole lot more comfortable to drive and ride. styling plus i bought a two wheel drive $26.700.00 with a ten year warranty. Whats not to love. Mine shows up next month.
You can find more info on Hyundainews.com. The 2023s should but up on the Hyundai website shortly as 2023's have been on dealer lots for 4-6 weeks depending on the region.
This will be my next vehicle...I really like the base model dash vs the digital one. Good power and towing, comfort, and a great warranty. I will probably option the heated seats/ steering wheel but otherwise it needs nothing.
It does have great standard features! Unfortunately, you have to opt for the top Limited trim to get a heated steering wheel. The SEL comes with heated front seats though and this would be the one I would recommend to you as it keeps the majority of the basic features but adds a few nice features such as heated seats, proximity entry, power drivers seat with lumbar, heated mirrors, etc.
I know you keep calling the Santa Cruz a "entry-level truck", but everytime I see a Santa Cruz, all I think of is that it's a modern-day version of the El Camino.
I like the real buttons. Guess I’m an old man, but I hate touch controls for radios and ac. Sucks you have to get base for knobs, or did they change to knobs now?
The Santa Cruz SE remains as seen in this video while every other trim now has dual zone climate control with partial or full touch controls (Depending on the trim). I really do like the appeal of physical buttons.
Great review and video ! I test drove one and I find pretty tight in the back seat and I felt the price I would pay for a Santa Cruz I would be better off getting a Honda Ridgeline .
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is a valid point given the Santa Cruz is smaller than a Ridgeline. Many people opt for the Ridgeline due to the V6 engine, slightly larger bed, and the larger interior like you mentioned. They are very similar all around however the Ridgeline is just slightly larger all around.
Great question. It may be possible to install the tonneau cover however I believe the OEM roof rails cannot be installed. I am not 100% certain on either aspect but I have seen owners owners online discussing the roof rail situation and it doesn't look easy (if possible).
V6... this isn't 1980 anymore. To be perfectly honest, modern day 4 Cylinder engines often have more horsepower than older V6 engines.... and in 2022/23, its just they way all but the largest of vehicles come with... if you're going to swear-off never getting a 4 Cylinder, you're going to limit yourself to nothing but the largest more expensive cars and highest trims... anything remotely close to lower cost or smaller are all going to come with a 4 Cylinder engine.
@@wolfshanze5980, I don't know what 1980 has to do with it. I used to drive only V8's. I have downsized, but refuse to go any further. I have a neighbor that bought a Sante Cruz with a nonasperated 4 cylinder and he said it was a dog. He, as I also don't like turbos, because they cause more wear on engine components. Meanwhile, I have a V6 Blazer on order, so I am good for the next ten years anyway.
If you want to see a base model truck the Ford maverick is basic base cheap ugly wheels and interior ect, six month maybe longer waiting list made in mexico HHMMMM shorter warranty and Turbos are blowing up RECALLED
If you speak of the infotainment system, what's wrong with it and what are you comparing it to? This is the cheapest trim of a cheap vehicle, i've seen far worse infotainment systems on more expensive vehicles. It's very straight forward, has everything you need and is WIRELESS android-auto/apple car-play which isn't exactly standard on cheap trims of cheap cars. Please tell us why you say what you say.
Thank you for this video. What a deal. This video sold me that it is not worth waiting 13 months for my maverick
Wow, awesome to hear! The Santa Cruz SE might be a little harder to come by vs the other trims but you definitely won't need to wait 13 months to find one.
Bro would still be waiting..
While most reviewers like to to use the Limited with turbo, you covered the base trim that many of us in the rank and file are most interested in. Thank you. I have an '07 Ridgeline that was also the lowest trim and this SE is going to be a luxury with the additional safety features and AWD settings. Thanks for covering the important stuff. Have my Blue Stone SE on order.
Thanks Steve! The Blue Stone is a great color. It will certainly be an upgrade like you mentioned but it won't be crazy such as stepping up to the Santa Cruz Limited.
I gotta say congratulations to you for being the"ONLY" person on UA-cam FINALLY reviewing the base model in detail. Kudos
If it were me, this is more than enough. Unfortunately here in Canada our base model is the SEL premium/ or preffered and it only goes up from there. Which really is bummer.
I'll putting a factory order for the most base model which in Canada is 41,000 cad for 2023 SEL
If Hyundai would stop being so picky and build a few of these base models in Canada they'd be selling alot more I feel. Imo I think they are overpriced for what it offers especially for the more higher trims. The maverick imo is always gonna be a better bargain, that's why it's winning in sales. If I wasn't an upcoming family man I'd do the maverick instead, however SEL and SE for the Santa Cruz I think are excellent. Everything after that is excessive for my taste anyway.
Thank you! That is a great point that Canada only selling the SEL Preferred (Premium) and Ultimate (Limited). This means you only have access to the 2.5T engine too. This would definitely push the price higher than the base 2.5 NA engine. I do wonder why Hyundai only sells the higher trims up there and not a single version with the less powerful engine. Personally, find the SEL Premium a trim I would like here especially because it gets the 10.25" screen, smart cruise, etc. for 2023MY. I totally see why a base SEL or SEL Activity package here in the states is desirable. The SEL Activity package gives you the built in tonneau cover. Thanks for the comment!
Can a roof rack and tonneau cover be added to the se base model after purchase?
Damn the base trim has the best center console with actual physical buttons!
This is my next vehicle! Base model without the bed cover, analog gauges, physical temperature and volume controls, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, hidden under the bed storage in the back (yes that’s standard in all trims), those cool wheels, the little storage compartment under the rear seats which is also standard… the price makes sense to me than the top trim with digital display/haptic feedback. This thing is just unique!
I believe we have a Black and a Sage Gray SE AWD on the way if you're interested!
@@CarsMadeSimple Thank you but not yet looking since my current vehicle is fully paid for and running great so unless it was an emergency, I’m not trying to be making any monthly payments for a long time. Also, I don’t want AWD since I don’t live in a bad climate. The less complicated the car the better. Ha!
The 2.99 interest rate on this baby is mighty inticing. Its a nice littke truck.
This is all the the things I want in a truck,much more equipment and less expensive than a maverick and a whole lot more comfortable to drive and ride. styling plus i bought a two wheel drive $26.700.00 with a ten year warranty. Whats not to love. Mine shows up next month.
Will be buying the 2023 Santa Cruz SE with Front Wheel Drive; cost is less, gets better gas mileage (and one less thing to go wrong 🙃).
Love the video and review. Been looking at this car for a while. Where can you find info on this? I don’t even see the 2023 model on Hyundais website
You can find more info on Hyundainews.com. The 2023s should but up on the Hyundai website shortly as 2023's have been on dealer lots for 4-6 weeks depending on the region.
This will be my next vehicle...I really like the base model dash vs the digital one. Good power and towing, comfort, and a great warranty. I will probably option the heated seats/ steering wheel but otherwise it needs nothing.
It does have great standard features! Unfortunately, you have to opt for the top Limited trim to get a heated steering wheel. The SEL comes with heated front seats though and this would be the one I would recommend to you as it keeps the majority of the basic features but adds a few nice features such as heated seats, proximity entry, power drivers seat with lumbar, heated mirrors, etc.
@@CarsMadeSimple Does the SEL force you to get the digital dash ?
No, that comes with the SEL Activity Package.
I know you keep calling the Santa Cruz a "entry-level truck", but everytime I see a Santa Cruz, all I think of is that it's a modern-day version of the El Camino.
The Santa Cruz is the one with the open bed. The Santa Fe is the midsize SUV.
@@CarsMadeSimple too many Santa's at Hyundai.
Awesome review.
I like the real buttons. Guess I’m an old man, but I hate touch controls for radios and ac. Sucks you have to get base for knobs, or did they change to knobs now?
The Santa Cruz SE remains as seen in this video while every other trim now has dual zone climate control with partial or full touch controls (Depending on the trim). I really do like the appeal of physical buttons.
This vehicle is lot more appealing than Limited which costs 1/3rd more
EVERBODY LOVES A TRUCK
Great review and video ! I test drove one and I find pretty tight in the back seat and I felt the price I would pay for a Santa Cruz I would be better off getting a Honda Ridgeline .
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is a valid point given the Santa Cruz is smaller than a Ridgeline. Many people opt for the Ridgeline due to the V6 engine, slightly larger bed, and the larger interior like you mentioned. They are very similar all around however the Ridgeline is just slightly larger all around.
You won't be buying a new Ridgeline for anywhere even close to 30k...
I have the 2023 santa cruz limited there's a lot more comfort & features than the SE or the SEL for that matter
The Limited does have a nicer interior with more features.
Of course for about $8,000 more
@@amattson6578 more like $12,000.
Can you add a roof rack and factory tonneau cover to the SE base model after purchase? I am reading from some that it is not possible??
Great question. It may be possible to install the tonneau cover however I believe the OEM roof rails cannot be installed. I am not 100% certain on either aspect but I have seen owners owners online discussing the roof rail situation and it doesn't look easy (if possible).
@@CarsMadeSimple sounds like hyandai did that intentionally to try and sell the activity package and higher trims.
Is the Santa Cruz a pick up version of the Santa Fe?
Not exactly. I would say it's closer to a Tucson with a stretched wheelbase.
Awesome
If this had a V6, I would have looked at one. Not interested in 4cyl or turbos.
Thanks for the comment!
Everyone is going to 4 cylinder turbo,even Toyota...the tacomas and highlander's are now 4 bangers with turbo's.
V6... this isn't 1980 anymore. To be perfectly honest, modern day 4 Cylinder engines often have more horsepower than older V6 engines.... and in 2022/23, its just they way all but the largest of vehicles come with... if you're going to swear-off never getting a 4 Cylinder, you're going to limit yourself to nothing but the largest more expensive cars and highest trims... anything remotely close to lower cost or smaller are all going to come with a 4 Cylinder engine.
@@1976axerhand, yes, I realize Toyota is all 4cyl now, and that is why I'm not buying a Toyota.
@@wolfshanze5980, I don't know what 1980 has to do with it. I used to drive only V8's. I have downsized, but refuse to go any further. I have a neighbor that bought a Sante Cruz with a nonasperated 4 cylinder and he said it was a dog. He, as I also don't like turbos, because they cause more wear on engine components. Meanwhile, I have a V6 Blazer on order, so I am good for the next ten years anyway.
If you want to see a base model truck the Ford maverick is basic base cheap ugly wheels and interior ect, six month maybe longer waiting list made in
mexico HHMMMM shorter warranty and Turbos are blowing up RECALLED
I got one and it's been giving me no start problems. Might have to trade in for a santa cruz.
display sucks
For a base/standard display, it's quite nice.
If you speak of the infotainment system, what's wrong with it and what are you comparing it to? This is the cheapest trim of a cheap vehicle, i've seen far worse infotainment systems on more expensive vehicles. It's very straight forward, has everything you need and is WIRELESS android-auto/apple car-play which isn't exactly standard on cheap trims of cheap cars. Please tell us why you say what you say.