2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs, Redesign, Price – In an effort to keep up with the ever-changing car market, Hyundai introduced the daring 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This groundbreaking vehicle offers a one-of-a-kind blend of practicality and good looks, straddling the segment between small SUVs and pickup trucks. In our in-depth study of the forthcoming 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, we will go over all the details with you, making sure to cover all the bases in terms of performance, safety, technology, and design.
Two very different takes on the tiny truck are born from Hyundai’s Santa Cruz range split. Available with either front-or all-wheel drive, the base SE and SEL trim levels come with a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine. However, a vivacious 281-horsepower turbo-four engine or all-wheel drive are standard in the three most feature-packed (and pricey) trims: the Night, the XRT (which supplants the SEL Premium), and the top-tier Limited. These trim levels highlight the Santa Cruz’s utility and how nice it is to drive. Even though they use touchscreens more and have fewer physical buttons, the highest trims also have the greatest technical features and the prettiest interiors.
The 2026 Santa Cruz offers a good package to those who know what they’re getting, even though pickup truck fans will argue over whether it’s a “real” truck or not. With the right options, it mimics the handling and ride quality of the Hyundai Tucson SUV. Still, with its 5000-pound tow capability and cargo box, this Hyundai can cover a lot of ground as a daily truck. You won’t realize it’s a truck until you really need it, like we said before.
Following in the footsteps of the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson XRT models, Hyundai has debuted a new XRT version to supplant the SEL Premium grade. Luxurious SEL Premium amenities are joined with rugged SEL & optional Activity Package characteristics in the Santa Cruz XRT. In addition to widened fender flares, side phases, and bed rails, buyers may anticipate amenities like an adaptive cruise control system, black faux-leather furnishings, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, and Hyundai’s Digital Key. All models now come equipped with LED projector headlights as standard equipment.
Furthermore, lane maintain assist & blind spot collision prevention now come standard on all trim levels with haptic input via the steering wheel. Every trim level save the entry-level SE comes standard with dual-zone temperature control and a mechanical defogger. While the Base, Night, XRT, and Special grades come standard with a 10.3-inch touchscreen screen, the SEL Sports Package brings it to 10.5 inches. Finally, the Black faux-leather upholstery is carried over to the Night trim from the new XRT. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The external design of the newly released 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz was eye-catching and mixes modern elegance with a tough edge. It commands attention as you drive thanks to its striking front grille, modern LED headlights, and powerful body lines. Roof railings and a tonneau cover are two further sporty touches that the Santa Cruz offers. Urban travelers who value adaptability will love this vehicle for its small size and sleek style.
An XRT trim level has been added to the Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup, superseding the previous SEL Premium trim level. With the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Tucson already having the XRT variant, this vehicle follows in Hyundai’s footsteps. Under Santa Cruz Limited, you’ll find Santa Cruz XRT 2026. Aside from the distinctive orange disc center caps, black doorknobs, and mirror caps, this updated version stands out thanks to revised fenders, foot steps, trunk rails, and ornamental details beneath the doors. The tailgate has an XRT emblem and a black rearview mirror.
Moreover, the front and back bumpers are dark, the grille is covered with dark chrome, and the words “Santa Cruz” are matte black on the rear trunk. Six exterior paint colors will be available for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Ghost Black, Blue Stone, Arctic White, Hampton Gray, and California Sand. A two-zone automatic climate control system and LED projector headlights are standard features of the vehicle.
The cabin of a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is roomy and inviting the moment you step inside. On lengthy journeys, you may unwind on the comfortable and supportive chairs. There is more than enough space for front and back passengers in the Santa Cruz. This car guarantees that everyone will travel in luxury, whether you’re going on a weekend trip or just doing errands around town.
A 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s multi-purpose cargo bed is a notable feature. Its 52.1-inch length provides more than enough room to transport bicycles, camping equipment, or anything else you could need for an excursion. You may add peace of mind knowing that your valuables are safe with the bed’s optional lockable tonneau cover. A split-folding back seat is another feature available on the Santa Cruz that lets you arrange the cabin to fit bigger things when you need to.
When it comes to interior design, Hyundai has a talent for making their vehicles look more costly than they are. Among little and midsize pickups, the Santa Cruz has a cabin that is among the most plush. Its digital gauge cluster makes it the first truck of its kind, and we like that it has a regular shift on the center console instead of a rotary knob or buttons.
There is adequate room for front and rear passengers in the Santa Cruz, which is comparable to other vehicles of its size, and the only option is a four-door crew cab. With a lockable clamshell cover and a practical in-bed trunk, comparable to what Honda offers, it offers tremendous adaptability despite its relatively short (approximately four feet long) cargo bed.
An assortment of state-of-the-art technological innovations enhance the driving pleasure in her 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. You can connect your cell phone for hands-free talking, music streaming, & navigation with the standard 8-inch touchscreen display which enables Apple Car Play and Android Automobile integration. An enhanced music system and a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen display are available on higher trim levels.
A standard eight-inch infotainment touchscreen is included in the SE and SEL basic versions. The three trim levels above the SEL all come with the option to upgrade to a bigger 10.3-inch display. Although the touchscreen is easy to use and has beautiful visuals, we think it was a mistake for the makers to remove the conventional controls.
Wireless charging for devices, Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay, and Hyundai’s Blue Link services—offered at no cost for three years—are notable digital features. The Santa Cruz’s Blue Link system allows owners to start the vehicle, lock and unlock doors, and even use Amazon Alexa from anywhere with an internet connection or smartphone app. The Limited trim is the only one that comes with the Bose deluxe audio equipment, which provides the finest audio experience inside the car. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs
Engine & Performance
Impressive performance on sidewalks and off-road terrains are engineered into a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter inline-four producing 190 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque; an optional 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is also available, producing 275 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic gearbox, which comes standard on both engines, allows for quick and easy gear changes.
Santa Cruz trim levels dictate which of two available powertrains you get. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque is standard on the SE and SEL models. An eight-speed gearbox is mated to this engine. Our testing of the same engine inside the Hyundai Tucson SUV—the Santa Cruz’s platform—revealed, to put it mildly, slow acceleration.
However, the Night, XRT, and Limited models are more suited for city driving because to their turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, which provide 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled with a dual-clutch eight-speed gearbox. You can get all-wheel drive on every model except the SE.
Compared to its rivals, the Santa Cruz stands out thanks to its diminutive stature, which facilitates manoeuvring in congested city streets. The opportunity to take the wheel of the Limited, the highest trim level, revealed the truck’s responsive steering and comfortable ride.
The Santa Cruz can pull 3,500 pounds when fitted with the standard four-cylinder engine. This compact truck may not have the highest towing capability, but when paired with the top-tier turbocharged engine, it can hold its own against the sole other unibody vehicles in its class?the Ford Maverick and the Honda Ridgeline?with a combined maximum of 5,000 pounds.
With its versatile design, new 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz can handle both urban driving and off-road activities. Its sturdy suspension system improves stability and control, and its all-wheel drive system makes it ideal for rough terrain. Even the most daring drivers will be impressed by the Santa Cruz’s off-road prowess, whether you’re navigating sandy dunes or muddy tracks. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is becoming a major consideration when buying a car in today’s eco-conscious society. With its competitive fuel economy ratings, new 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a cost-effective option for both daily commutes and lengthy road trips. More specifically, the turbocharged engine gets around 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg when driving interstate, whilst the regular four-cylinder engine gets about 23 mpg in the urban and 26 mpg on the highway.
The 2023 Santa Cruz’s fuel economy with the standard engine and front-wheel-drive configuration is 22 city mpg and 26 highway mpg. There is a one-mpg drop in city and highway fuel economy when all-wheel drive is installed. An estimated 19 city and 27 highway mpg are achievable with the turbocharged engine. In our rigorous testing procedure, which includes a 75-mph fuel-economy route, we found that a turbocharged Santa Cruz could get 30 mpg on the interstate. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Features
To ensure the safety of you and your passengers, Hyundai has outfitted the 2026 Santa Cruz with cutting-edge safety systems. Front and rear cross-traffic alerts, exiting a warning, blind spot monitoring, and collision warning are all standard features. An additional comfort feature for lengthy road trips is adaptive cruise control, which is an optional option.
As part of its suite of driving aids, the Santa Cruz is equipped with adaptive cruise control as an optional extra and a driver attentiveness warning as standard equipment. Stop by the NHTSA and IIHS websites for more details regarding the Santa Cruz’s crash-test scores. Important safety measures consist of:
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
- Standard forward-collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Release Date & Price
Many different trim levels involving the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz are available to accommodate a wide range of tastes and price points. Starting with the reasonably priced SE trim, you can get a ton of great standard features; going up the trim ladder to SEL, Limited, plus Ultimate adds even more luxury and cutting-edge innovation. Santa Cruz prices range from about $25,000 with the base model to about $40,000 for the top-of-the-line model with every option.
The XRT is the new name for the SEL the premium, which we suggested before. To this day, we maintain our conviction that such a trim is ideal. The greater sticker price puts off people who need quickness more than anything else, but the more potent turbocharged engine makes it worth it. The XRT comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the SEL offers it as a costly option, and the tow capability is increased to 5,000 pounds thanks to the enhanced engine. Along with dark chrome accents, the XRT’s rugged-looking equipment adds to its visual appeal.
| Trims | Price |
|
SE
|
$27,986 |
|
SEL
|
$30,736 |
| Night | $39,546 |
| XRT | $41,186 |
| Limited | $42,406 |
Conclusion
Combining the best features of a small SUV and a pickup truck, the revolutionary 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz revolutionizes the car business. This vehicle is perfect for adventurers who value practicality and good looks equally, thanks to its roomy cabin, comprehensive safety features, state-of-the-art technology, and off-road prowess. The Santa Cruz comes fearlessly prepared to take on any landscape, be it the city streets or the highlands.
Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.
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