2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Looking for a vehicle that combines the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck? The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a distinctive solution for drivers who want a versatile vehicle without moving to a full-size pickup. With five-passenger seating, an open cargo bed, available all-wheel drive, and two engine options, the Santa Cruz is designed for everyday transportation and weekend adventures.

Whether you’re commuting through Delray Beach, loading beach equipment for a weekend outing, or towing a recreational trailer, the Santa Cruz provides practical flexibility. Its compact dimensions make it easier to maneuver around town, while available turbocharged performance and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds add capability when you need it.

Explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s pricing, trims, engine options, fuel economy, truck bed, interior technology, and safety features below. When you’re ready to see available models, browse our Hyundai Santa Cruz inventory at Delray Hyundai.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: At a Glance

The 2026 Santa Cruz offers five main trim levels with several drivetrain configurations. Drivers can choose an efficient naturally aspirated engine or upgrade to a more powerful turbocharged engine with standard HTRAC All-Wheel Drive.

Specifications vary by trim and drivetrain. Starting MSRP excludes destination charges, taxes, title, license, options, and applicable fees. Maximum towing capacity requires proper equipment and trailer brakes.

Bold Exterior Design with Everyday Practicality

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out by combining familiar SUV proportions with the functionality of an open pickup bed. Its four-door crew cab, distinctive front grille, integrated lighting, and compact truck bed create a design that looks equally appropriate on city streets and during weekend outdoor activities.

At approximately 195.7 inches long on most trims, the Santa Cruz is significantly shorter than many traditional pickup trucks. Its 118.3-inch wheelbase and manageable exterior dimensions make it a practical choice for drivers navigating parking structures, shopping centers, and busier streets in Delray Beach.

LED exterior lighting contributes to a modern appearance, while available roof rails and cargo accessories expand carrying possibilities. The XRT trim introduces unique exterior treatments and a more rugged look, while the Limited emphasizes premium styling details and larger 20-inch alloy wheels.

For drivers who want a pickup that fits comfortably into everyday life, the Santa Cruz offers a distinctive combination of style, versatility, and manageable size.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, transporting supplies for a home project, or meeting friends along Atlantic Avenue, the Santa Cruz offers the flexibility of a pickup without requiring the size of a full-size truck.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engine Options and Performance

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two engine options that serve different driving needs. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder focuses on everyday efficiency and versatility, while the available turbocharged engine delivers stronger acceleration and greater towing capability.

2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine

The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides smooth power for everyday commuting, highway driving, and lighter hauling tasks.

Front-wheel drive is standard on these trims, while HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available. Drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency and do not regularly tow heavy trailers may find the standard powertrain to be the most practical choice.

2.5L Turbocharged Engine

The XRT and Limited feature a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This substantial increase in torque provides stronger acceleration when merging onto highways, carrying heavier loads, or towing.

Both turbocharged trims include standard HTRAC AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC. Tow Mode is also standard, helping the driver manage certain towing conditions when properly equipped.

Both engines provide useful everyday capability, but the turbocharged XRT and Limited are better suited to drivers who want stronger performance and regularly transport heavier recreational equipment.

Towing Capacity and HTRAC All-Wheel Drive

One of the main reasons shoppers choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz is its ability to handle recreational equipment without requiring a large pickup truck. Whether you’re transporting a utility trailer or towing personal watercraft, the Santa Cruz offers useful capability for a vehicle of its size.

Santa Cruz SE, SEL, and SEL Activity models equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. This provides capacity for certain smaller trailers, personal watercraft, and equipment loads when properly equipped.

The turbocharged XRT and Limited increase maximum towing capacity to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes. Their 281-horsepower engines and standard HTRAC AWD provide additional capability for drivers who tow more regularly.

HTRAC AWD can distribute power between the front and rear wheels when traction conditions change. This can be especially useful during Florida’s frequent rainstorms and on certain slippery surfaces. However, the system does not replace appropriate tires, careful driving, or proper trailer equipment.

Before towing, drivers should verify their trailer’s fully loaded weight, tongue weight, hitch compatibility, braking requirements, and the vehicle’s payload and towing limits. The team at Delray Hyundai can help explain the equipment available for different Santa Cruz configurations.

Truck Bed Dimensions and Cargo Versatility

The Santa Cruz’s open cargo bed is one of its most distinctive features. While many compact SUVs provide generous enclosed cargo space, the Santa Cruz offers a separate pickup bed that can accommodate items that may be inconvenient to transport inside a passenger cabin.

The 2026 Santa Cruz features a 52.1-inch-long truck bed with a maximum width of 53.9 inches. The bed measures 42.7 inches between the wheel wells and 19.2 inches deep, providing approximately 27 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The Santa Cruz includes a durable bed surface and cargo tie-down features to help secure items. Certain trims add an integrated tonneau cover, which can help protect covered cargo from exposure and provide a more enclosed storage area when needed.

For beach trips, the truck bed provides a convenient place to transport chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and other equipment without bringing sand or moisture into the passenger cabin. It is also useful for gardening supplies, home improvement materials, and recreational gear.

Drivers interested in additional cargo accessories can contact the Delray Hyundai parts department to learn about compatible bed accessories, protective equipment, and cargo management options.

Fuel Economy and Everyday Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for drivers who want the utility of a pickup without the higher fuel consumption often associated with larger trucks. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers competitive fuel economy for its size, particularly when equipped with the standard 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive.

The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity FWD configurations achieve an EPA-estimated 22 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and 25 MPG combined. Adding all-wheel drive reduces combined fuel economy slightly, while the more powerful turbocharged XRT and Limited prioritize performance and towing capability.

For drivers who regularly commute along I-95 or between Delray Beach and Boca Raton, the naturally aspirated FWD configurations offer the highest fuel efficiency. Their 30-MPG highway rating can be particularly attractive to buyers who want pickup utility while keeping everyday gasoline expenses manageable.

The turbocharged AWD models consume more fuel but offer considerably greater horsepower, torque, and towing capability. Choosing between the two powertrains ultimately depends on how frequently you plan to haul heavy equipment or tow trailers.

Interior Comfort and Five-Passenger Seating

Although the Santa Cruz features an open pickup bed, its passenger cabin is designed to provide the comfort and convenience of a modern SUV. Every 2026 Santa Cruz includes a four-door crew cab with seating for five passengers.

Front occupants enjoy 41.4 inches of legroom, while rear passengers have 36.5 inches. The rear bench also includes a 60/40 split tip-up lower cushion arrangement, providing additional flexibility when storing smaller items inside the vehicle.

The SE features practical cloth seating and essential comfort equipment. Moving to the SEL introduces additional amenities such as heated front seats and upgraded seating materials. The SEL Activity adds further convenience features, while the XRT combines comfort equipment with its rugged exterior design.

The Limited trim emphasizes a more premium experience with leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, and additional convenience features. These upgrades can be particularly useful during South Florida’s warmer months, when ventilated seating and automatic climate control contribute to a more comfortable drive.

Whether you’re commuting to work, transporting family members, or taking friends on a weekend outing, the Santa Cruz provides a comfortable passenger environment alongside its practical cargo bed.

Technology, Connectivity, and Infotainment

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a strong selection of standard and available technology, helping drivers stay connected during their daily commute and longer trips.

Every Santa Cruz comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows compatible smartphones to connect without requiring a cable, providing convenient access to navigation, music, calls, and other supported applications.

The SE and SEL feature a 4.2-inch gauge-cluster display, while the SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited upgrade to a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This larger display provides a modern dashboard appearance with customizable driving information.

Depending on trim, available technology features include:

• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Hyundai Bluelink+ connected services
• Available navigation system
• Available wireless smartphone charging
• USB charging ports for front and rear passengers
• Available Bose premium audio system
• Available over-the-air software updates

The XRT and Limited trims add built-in navigation and additional connected technology, while the Limited features an available premium Bose audio system. Hyundai Bluelink+ also provides compatible connected vehicle features, including remote access and vehicle status information, subject to applicable terms.

For drivers in Delray Beach and surrounding communities, the Santa Cruz combines pickup versatility with the connectivity and convenience features expected from a modern passenger vehicle.

Safety and Hyundai SmartSense Driver Assistance

Safety is an important consideration when choosing a truck or family vehicle. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, providing independent recognition of its safety performance.

The 2026 Santa Cruz received Good ratings in the IIHS small-overlap front and updated side crash tests, along with an Acceptable rating in the updated moderate-overlap front test. Its standard headlights also received a Good rating.

Depending on trim, Hyundai SmartSense includes features such as:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Helps detect certain potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can provide braking assistance.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Helps the driver maintain appropriate lane positioning.
• Lane Following Assist: Provides steering assistance to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning: Helps detect vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Helps detect approaching traffic while reversing.
• Driver Attention Warning: Monitors certain driving patterns and provides alerts when appropriate.
• High Beam Assist: Can automatically adjust high-beam usage under certain conditions.

The XRT and Limited add more advanced assistance features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Highway Driving Assist, and Blind-Spot View Monitor.

These upper trims also offer Surround View Monitor, providing a view of the vehicle’s surroundings that may be especially useful when maneuvering in parking spaces or positioning a trailer.

All driver-assistance systems have operating limitations and do not replace attentive driving. Buyers should review individual trims to confirm which safety features are standard and which require additional equipment.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup includes five main trim levels and eight configurations when front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions are counted separately. Starting prices range from $29,750 for the SE FWD to $43,700 for the Limited AWD.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable daily driver, a comfortable truck with additional convenience features, or a turbocharged model with stronger towing capability, the Santa Cruz offers several options.

Base MSRPs exclude the $1,600 destination charge indicated in the supplied vehicle data, plus applicable taxes, title, license, dealer charges, and optional equipment. Destination charges may change. Verify current pricing with the dealership.

Santa Cruz SE

The SE provides an affordable entry into the Santa Cruz lineup, with a 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine, comfortable five-passenger seating, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and practical truck-bed functionality. It’s a strong option for buyers who want pickup versatility primarily for daily driving.

Santa Cruz SEL

The SEL adds comfort and convenience features, including heated front seats, upgraded seating materials, and additional interior equipment. It maintains the standard engine’s fuel economy while offering a more refined everyday driving experience.

Santa Cruz SEL Activity

The SEL Activity builds on the SEL with additional convenience and cargo-related equipment. Features such as a panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, and integrated tonneau cover make it particularly attractive to drivers who frequently use the truck for recreation and weekend activities.

Santa Cruz XRT

The XRT emphasizes performance and capability. It includes the 281-horsepower turbocharged engine, standard HTRAC AWD, rugged exterior treatments, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Advanced camera and driver-assistance features provide additional convenience.

Santa Cruz Limited

The Limited is the premium trim, combining the turbocharged engine and standard AWD with upscale interior features such as leather seating, ventilated front seats, and a Bose premium audio system. It’s designed for buyers who want strong truck capability with additional comfort and technology.

Hyundai Warranty and Long-Term Ownership

In addition to its everyday practicality, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz benefits from Hyundai’s manufacturer warranty program. This coverage can provide additional confidence to drivers planning to keep their truck for several years.

Hyundai provides a 5-year / 60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and a 10-year / 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty for eligible original owners. The Santa Cruz also receives five years of roadside assistance with unlimited mileage.

Routine maintenance remains important, particularly for drivers who frequently carry heavy loads, tow trailers, or travel near coastal environments. Tire care, brake inspections, fluid changes, and manufacturer-recommended service help keep the Santa Cruz operating properly.

For assistance with service and maintenance, visit the Delray Hyundai service department to learn more about recommended maintenance schedules and available services.

Shop the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Delray Beach, FL

If you’re searching for a Hyundai Santa Cruz near Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, or nearby South Florida communities, Delray Hyundai can help you explore available models and find a configuration that fits your needs.

Our team can help you compare front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, explore the differences between the standard and turbocharged engines, and determine which features are most important for your lifestyle.

Whether you’re interested in the affordable SE, comfortable SEL, versatile SEL Activity, powerful XRT, or premium Limited, you can browse Santa Cruz inventory online before visiting.

Visit Delray Hyundai at 655 NE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483, or call our sales team at (561) 462-1994 to ask about current inventory or schedule a test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

How much does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $29,750 MSRP for the SE FWD. Higher trims add comfort, technology, and performance features, with the Limited AWD starting at $43,700 MSRP. Prices exclude destination and other applicable fees.

Which Santa Cruz trim offers the best fuel economy?

The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity front-wheel-drive models achieve the highest EPA-estimated fuel economy at 22 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and 25 MPG combined. These configurations use the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine.

How much can the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz tow?

The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims can tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. The turbocharged XRT and Limited increase maximum towing capacity to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with trailer brakes. Towing limits depend on equipment and vehicle loading.

Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offer all-wheel drive?

Yes. HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity models and comes standard on the XRT and Limited. AWD can provide additional traction in certain wet or slippery driving conditions.

How big is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz truck bed?

The Santa Cruz truck bed measures 52.1 inches long, 53.9 inches wide at its widest point, and 42.7 inches between the wheel wells. It provides approximately 27 cubic feet of cargo volume, making it practical for recreational equipment, home improvement supplies, and everyday cargo.

What is the difference between the Santa Cruz XRT and Limited?

Both the XRT and Limited feature a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine, standard HTRAC AWD, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The XRT emphasizes rugged styling and capability, while the Limited adds premium comfort features such as leather seating, ventilated front seats, and Bose audio.

How many passengers can the 2026 Santa Cruz seat?

Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz features a four-door crew cab with seating for five passengers. Front legroom measures 41.4 inches, while rear passengers have 36.5 inches of legroom.

Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Available technology varies by trim and includes navigation, wireless charging, and digital instrument displays.

Where can I test drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz near Delray Beach?

Visit Delray Hyundai at 655 NE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483. You can browse Santa Cruz inventory online or call (561) 462-1994 to ask about available trims and schedule a test drive.

Experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Delray Hyundai

Ready to explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for yourself? Visit Delray Hyundai to compare available trims, review engine options, and learn more about the truck’s towing and cargo capabilities. Our team can help you explore inventory, available features, and financing options before scheduling a test drive.