Recently the carmaker announced pricing for the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Its cost is raised from $710 to $1,780 across the range. A version called “Night” is now available.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has entered its 2nd model year with some innovations. The 2023 prices are up through the lineup by as much as $1,780, namely:

SE, SEL, and SEL Activity prices shown here are for front-wheel-drive models. They can be also available with all-wheel drive, and in this case, cost $1,500 more. Under the hoods, meet a familiar naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.

Night, SEL Premium, and Limited trims come only with AWD, and they are powered by a 2.5L turbo-four making 281 hp and 311 lb-ft paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The new, black-finished Night package (in the photo) is based on SEL Activity equipment, including 20-inch wheels, and dual side steps. With this package, the truck looks elegantly sinister.

All 2023 Santa Cruz models got such standard features as rear cross-traffic assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and safe-exit warning.

This justifies the price increase to some extent but does not negate the fact that the cheapest 2023 Santa Cruz is almost $5K pricier now than the 2022 Ford Maverick. Even the range-topping Maverick Lariat with a 2.5-liter hybrid engine is not much more expensive than the base Santa Cruz.

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Ford Maverick

Both are good unibody pickup trucks for suburban homeowners or adventurers who want to have an open-bed comfortable vehicle.

The Maverick beats the Santa Cruz in some key areas: price, fuel economy (Maverick hybrid), a bed (it is is longer in the Ford).  

The Santa Cruz outperforms the Maverick when it comes to towing and payload capacities, interior (it is swankier in Hyundai’s truck), and the number of standard features.

The final choice comes down to price and personal preference.