2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2026 Hyundai
SANTA CRUZ
When it debuted for the 2022 model year, the Hyundai Santa Cruz helped launch a renaissance for compact pickups, which was reinforced by last model year’s refresh. For 2026, the Santa Cruz continues its mission of providing open-bed utility without the bulk of a traditional truck. At the same time, this distinctive model blends crossover-like handling with practical cargo space and available all-wheel drive, plus towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.
Hyundai has also introduced targeted refinements to boost this lovable truck’s capability and comfort. For example, the XRT now has a multi-surface terrain mode for improved traction off the pavement. They have also replaced the previous dual-clutch gearbox in the turbocharged trims with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission for smoother daily driving.
How we describe this model: fuel-efficient, uniquely styled, versatile, strong
Shop this vehicle against: Ford Maverick, Honda Ridgeline
SANTA CRUZ Highlights
- durable composite cargo bed
- available leather upholstery and heated/ventilated front seats
- 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity
- SmartSense safety tech bundle
- ground clearance: 7 inches
- available Bose sound system
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SANTA CRUZ Powertrain
- standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque
- EPA-estimated fuel economy with FWD: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway; 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with AWD
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- standard front-wheel drive (FWD), available all-wheel drive (AWD)
- available turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 281 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque)
- EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway (AWD)
- towing capacity: 3,500 (SE, SEL, SEL Activity FWD); 5,000 pounds (SEL Activity AWD & XRT)
SE Interior
Cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seat with underseat storage, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 4.2-inch driver information display, two USB ports per row, rear privacy glass
SE Exterior
Remote start, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, LED lights with automatic headlamps, composite cargo bed with underbed and sidewall storage, four-pin trailer pre-wiring, 18-inch wheels
SE Safety
SmartSense driver-assist suite (forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist), driver attention warning, high beam assist, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, backup monitor
SE Infotainment
12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, access to Hyundai’s Bluelink+ connected services, six speakers
SEL
Contents of SE plus:
- H-Tex leatherette upholstery
- automatic climate control with two zones
- heated front seats
- eight-way power driver’s seat
- heated side-view mirrors with built-in turn indicators
- illuminated sun visors
- roof rails
SEL Activity
Contents of SEL plus:
- power sunroof
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- wireless device charging
- rear air-conditioning vents
- four- or seven-pin pre-wiring for trailer
- sliding rear window
- tonneau cover (integrated)
- adjustable cargo rail and cleat system
- 115V outlet in cargo bed
- LED lights in cargo bed
XRT
Contents of SEL plus:
- digital key
- exclusive exterior styling
- all-terrain tires
- wireless device charging
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- multi-surface terrain mode
- rear air-conditioning vents
- sliding rear window
- integrated tonneau cover
- LED lights and 115V outlet in cargo bed
- adjustable cargo rail and cleat system
- surround view monitor
- blind-spot view monitor
- upgraded adaptive cruise control
- upgraded forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning detection)
- highway driving assist
- integrated navigation
- dynamic voice recognition for infotainment system
Limited
Contents of SEL Activity plus:
- digital key
- ambient interior lighting
- leather upholstery
- heated and ventilated front seats
- heated steering wheel (leather-wrapped)
- leather-wrapped shift knob
- rain-sensing windshield wipers
- auto-dimming rearview mirror
- dark-chrome exterior accents
- 20-inch wheels
- blind-spot view monitor
- surround view monitor
- upgraded adaptive cruise control
- upgraded forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning detection)
- highway driving assist
- Bose audio with eight speakers
- integrated navigation
- dynamic voice recognition for infotainment system
Prices do not include negotiable $995 conveyance fee. Sales tax, title, and reg fees not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the vehicle. Stock photos may not represent actual vehicle. Listed MPG are based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions and how you drive and maintain your vehicle. See full site disclosure here. For In-Transit Inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Please contact your local Hyundai dealer for availability details.
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| Vehicle eligibility | 6 model years old and newer with 80k miles or less |
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| Vehicle inspection | 173-point inspection | 117-point inspection |
| Limited warranties |
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