2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Memphis, TN

Performance

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz occupies a distinct space as a Sport Adventure Vehicle, blending the driving dynamics and comfort of a compact SUV with the utility of an open-bed pickup. Under the hood, it offers two powertrain choices depending on the trim level. A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive or available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive. For higher performance and increased capability, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is available on trims like the XRT and Limited, generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity ranges from 3,500 pounds with the base engine up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the turbo configuration.

Exterior Features

Externally, the Santa Cruz features a sculpted front fascia, a wide mesh grille integrated with modern LED headlights, and rugged body cladding. Its signature feature is a four-foot composite cargo bed designed to maximize versatility for active lifestyles. The bed includes a lockable and drainable underfloor storage compartment, adjustable tie-down anchor points, and an available integrated tonneau cover to protect equipment from the elements. The off-road-oriented XRT trim further enhances utility with specialized exterior styling elements and a Terrain Mode Select system featuring specific calibrations for snow, mud, and sand conditions.

Interior

Inside the cabin, the layout prioritizes ergonomic comfort and passenger space across two rows. Seating configurations accommodate up to five passengers with split-folding rear seats that lift to reveal additional under-seat storage. Depending on the trim level, interior appointments range from durable cloth and synthetic leather to premium genuine leather upholstery. Higher trims add cold-weather features such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, alongside ventilated front seats and power-adjustable driver and passenger configurations for enhanced long-distance comfort.

Technology Features

Technology integration centers on a prominent 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen across the lineup, which pairs with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster within a continuous panoramic curved display on upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, accompanied by multiple USB-C charging ports and Bluelink+ connected services. Advanced convenience features, such as Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch—allowing smartphone-based vehicle access—and wireless device charging, are available to streamline the driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety is supported by Hyundai’s standard SmartSense suite of driver-assistance technologies. This suite equips every model with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Additional available safety equipment includes a 360-degree surround-view monitor, a Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays live camera feeds in the gauge cluster when a turn signal is engaged, and adaptive cruise control for structured highway travel.