Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Santa Cruz comes in trim levels called SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited. The powertrain on the first three pairs an inline four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque) with a SHIFTRONIC 8-speed automatic transmission and a standard front-wheel drivetrain (FWD). According to the EPA’s official estimations, this powertrain returns 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. HTRAC all-wheel-drive (AWD), which is optional for these trims, will reduce both city and highway fuel economy by a single mile per gallon. The XRT and Limited get a turbocharger with their inline four-cylinder, generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. They also come standard with HTRAC AWD and achieve fuel economy of 18 city/25 highway.

The entire lineup gets a selectable Terrain Mode, but the XRT adds exclusive Mud, Sand, and Snow settings. Every Santa Cruz is equipped with independent MacPherson front struts with coil springs and a self-leveling multi-link rear suspension. When it’s properly equipped with trailer brakes, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD. Four-pin trailer pre-wiring is standard, but the SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited are eligible for seven-pin pre-wiring. Only the XRT and Limited come with Tow Mode.

Standard Features

The SE is well equipped with remote start, cloth seating surfaces, manually adjustable front seats, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, proximity key with push-button ignition, automatic projector bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, LED roof-mounted cargo lights, an acoustic-laminated windshield, integrated rear bumper steps, a driver-side auto-up/down window, four USB ports (two front, two rear), 60/40 split tip-up lower rear seat cushions, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The SEL is improved with H-Tex leatherette upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, a dual automatic HVAC system with an auto defogger and Multi-Air Mode, capacitive-touch temperature controls, heated side-view mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators, auto-up/down front windows, and roof rails. The SEL Activity adds a power tilt/side sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, rear console-mounted HVAC vents, and a sliding rear window.

The XRT is distinguished by black H-Tex upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, XRT-branded badging and accents, a trim-exclusive front grille, fender flares, tow hooks, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Limited receives a leather interior, heated and ventilated front seats, an 8-way power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated HomeLink, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The Santa Cruz’s standard 52.1-inch sheet-molded composite bed features a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, and a multi-functional tailgate with remote release and assisted open/close. The SEL Activity and higher trims’ bed upgrades with LED lighting, an integrated tonneau-style bed cover, T-slot utility racks, a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, and a 115-volt outlet.

Safety and Driver-Assist Technology

Every Santa Cruz comes equipped with elements of Hyundai’s SmartSense driver-assist technology suite. The SE gets forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, high beam assist, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit alert, and rear occupant alert. The XRT adds Smart Cruise Control 2 with stop-and-go, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with curve control, highway driving assist, intelligent speed limit assist, a blind spot view monitor, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection. The Limited alone has a 360-degree surround-view monitor.

Infotainment, Audio, and Connectivity

The base Santa Cruz infotainment system is accessed through a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio technology, and Bluetooth hands-free calling with wireless audio streaming. The XRT and Limited upgrades include onboard navigation, dynamic voice control, and Hyundai Pay. The lower four trims get six unbranded speakers, while the Limited model alone boasts an upscale Bose audio system. Every 2026 Santa Cruz comes standard with Hyundai’s Bluelink+ connected car system for remote smartphone access.