Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Activity Package Worth It?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz Activity package is optional on the SEL trim. Here’s how to decide whether it’s worth it for you.
Written by Rebecca Wardell
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
background
Available as an optional upgrade on the Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL trim, the Activity Package allows buyers to access some of the luxury features that come standard on higher trims without making a huge price jump.
  • The Activity package includes 10 features that complement the SEL trim. It is not available on other trims.
  • It may be worth purchasing this package if you desire the qualities of a higher trim without paying the higher price tag.
Marketed as the first-ever sport adventure vehicle, the Santa Cruz combines the popular compact SUV style with the practicality of a truck bed. Although it’s certainly not the most heavy-duty truck on the market, the Santa Cruz is a comfortable ride with thoughtful features throughout.
Buyers who are looking into the Santa Cruz SEL trim can add the Activity package for $3,270. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Hyundai Activity package.

What is the Hyundai Activity package?

The Hyundai Activity package is an available upgrade on the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz that’s only available on the SEL trim. With a collection of practical features, this package ensures that your SEL is equipped with everything you need for your next big adventure.

What’s included

The SEL features plenty of standard features, like remote start, power driver seat, proximity key with push button start, and heated front seats and side mirrors. The Activity package builds on the SEL’s standard features to offer ten upgrades. Here’s what they are:
  • Integrated tonneau cover
  • Conventional sunroof
  • Roof side rails
  • Rear sliding glass with defroster
  • 115V AC power inverter in bed
  • Dual C-channel utility tracks on the bedside rail system with cleats for each side
  • LED bed lighting
  • LED map lights
  • 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
  • Wireless device charging

What it does

The Activity package is  a way to get some of the high-end features found on upper trims while sticking with the Santa Cruz’s base engine and SEL pricing. The features found in the SEL’s Activity package are features that come standard on the Night, SEL Premium, and Limited trims.
A few of the upgrades included in the Activity package focus on the bed of the Santa Cruz. Tonneau covers are used to protect a truck’s bed and can prevent theft, while a utility track system is used to fasten cargo. 
With the Activity package, the truck bed also gets technology upgrades, including LED bed lighting and a 115V AC power inverter.
Another exterior upgrade added is roof rails, which are a must for buyers who want to get the most adventure out of their Santa Cruz. The sunroof and rear sliding glass (with a defroster!) make the Santa Cruz SEL equipped to drive in a range of weather conditions.
Small differences can be a big deal. The Activity package offers a few technology upgrades including LED map lights, a 10.25-inch gauge cluster (compared to the 4.2-inch one on the SE and SEL), and wireless device charging.

How much is a 2023 Hyundai Activity package?

The Activity package costs $3,270, which might seem like a lot, but the purpose of the package is to give buyers access to high-end features on a lower trim. If you’re not willing to bump up to a higher trim but really want the high-end features, this package might be the way to go. 
Let’s take a look at how the pricing of an SEL with the Activity package fits into the existing lineup.

2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim pricing

Trim
Starting price
SE
$25,700
SEL
$28,190
SEL (with the Activity package)
$31,460
Night
$36,060
SEL Premium
$37,600
Limited
$40,570

Is the Activity package worth it?

According to Car and Driver, the SEL Premium is the best Santa Cruz trim to get thanks to its more powerful engine, fancier equipment, and standard all-wheel drive. As great as it sounds, making the roughly $10,000 jump from the SE or the SEL to the SEL Premium isn’t practical for many buyers.
For buyers who want some of the high-end features available on higher trims without the expensive price tag, consider adding the Activity package to your Santa Cruz SEL.
MORE: Are Hyundais expensive to maintain?

The bottom line

If the Activity package isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, you can opt to add other features as individual add-ons. It’s worth noting that Hyundai doesn’t offer any packages for the other trim levels, and some features that come standard on higher trims aren’t available as single add-ons on the lower trims.
The Activity package offers a range of practical features without extra fluff, so if adding $3,270 to the SEL’s starting MSRP of $28,190 is still within your budget, it’s a good idea.
“I was looking for a liability insurance plan for my truck until I can afford more coverage.
Jerry
made it simple to shop around for the best deal for me. Thank you!” —Jake L.
Make auto loan refinancing easy with PriceProtect™
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers
Reduce your monthly car payments in minutes?
Find out if Jerry can reduce your payments by an average of $150/month
Check your rate!

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings