Hyundai Santa Cruz trim comparison
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE vs SEL
The Santa Cruz SE starts at $26,900 while the SEL is $29,650. That $2,750 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
$2,750 more is ~$48/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
Stay with the SE if keeping roughly $48/month in your budget matters. Step up to the SEL only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $2,750 trim jump.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the SE to the SEL is about $48/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $2,880 more by the time interest is counted. For a budget-minded buyer, that payment change is large enough that the added equipment should matter every week, not just on the brochure.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the SE and SEL share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and Crew Cab cabin and bed dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,750 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $2,750 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 2 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,900 | $29,650 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 22 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,900/yr | $1,900/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,708 lbs | 3,724 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 118.3" |
| Length | 195.7" | 195.7" |
| Width | 75.0" | 75.0" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.7" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE vs SEL Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Compact Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Santa Cruz SEL cost than the SE?
The SEL starts at $29,650 compared to $26,900 for the SE (both Crew Cab FWD). That is a $2,750 difference, or approximately $48/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and SEL have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2024 Santa Cruz SE and SEL come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2024 Santa Cruz SE or SEL safer?
Both share the same Hyundai Santa Cruz platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz come with?
All 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims, including both the SE and SEL, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $2,750 Gets You
The Santa Cruz SEL costs $2,750 more but shares the same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy as the SE. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
What Both Trims Share
The Santa Cruz SE and SEL share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $2,750 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Summary
$2,750 more for the Santa Cruz SEL gets you 1 real difference. At $48/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SEL when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.