2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz makes a strong case for itself with an impressive suite of technological and safety features. With its sleek exterior design and inviting, distinctive interior, this new model is arguably the most advanced and well-equipped Santa Cruz yet.

For those who prioritize technology, the Santa Cruz delivers with a new panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for a total of nearly 25 inches of high-tech screen space. For ultimate convenience, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are now standard on every trim, ensuring a clutter-free and connected experience from the moment you get in.

Hyundai's focus on innovative technology extends to security and access as well. A new fingerprint scanner allows you to start the vehicle and access your personalized driver profile without a key, complementing other available features like the Proximity Key and Remote Starter.

In terms of safety, the Santa Cruz is ahead of the curve. It comes standard with a robust set of driver-assistance features, including a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a standard Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. These systems provide not just warnings but also active steering or braking assistance to help prevent a collision. Drivers can also rely on standard features like Lane Following Assist and High Beam Assist.

On the adventurous XRT trim, a Surround View Monitor is available, giving you a full 360-degree view of your surroundings. This is a game-changer for maneuvering through tight trails or fitting into a tricky parking spot in the city.

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The 2026 Santa Cruz continues to impress with a cabin that is both stylish and highly comfortable, especially for those in hot climates like the Phoenix area. An acoustic-laminated windshield keeps the interior quiet, allowing you to enjoy the high-quality sound system without the distraction of road noise. The redesigned cabin features a new steering wheel, modern air vents, and distinct rectangular elements that give the dashboard a clean, sophisticated look.

For drivers in the desert, the Santa Cruz is a true oasis. The dual automatic temperature control system features a unique multi-air mode that diffuses cool air through multiple vents for a gentle and even cool-down, preventing the harsh blast of direct A/C. The controls are easy to use, with responsive capacitive buttons instead of being buried in the touchscreen. 

Backseat passengers also get their own dedicated rear A/C vents, a must-have feature for comfort on sweltering days. For the ultimate in comfort, the top-of-the-line Limited trim adds ventilated front seats that quickly circulate air to keep you cool and dry.

When the weather turns, you're covered with available features like a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. The Santa Cruz's versatility is also a key part of its design, with rear seats that have a split-fold function and clever tip-up cushions to reveal a hidden storage space for your belongings.

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The 2026 Santa Cruz offers a choice of two robust powertrains. The standard 2.5-liter engine is a highly capable machine, delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth and efficient 8-speed automatic transmission. All Santa Cruz models also feature a self-leveling rear suspension, which automatically adjusts to a heavy load to ensure a consistent ride height, handling, and stability.

For those who want a swift and powerful experience, the turbocharged engine is the way to go. It churns out an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A significant change for the 2026 model year is the replacement of the previous dual-clutch setup with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, providing a more refined and familiar driving feel. Both engines can be equipped with the HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system, which intelligently distributes torque between the axles for maximum traction, even offering a "Sport" mode that sends more power to the rear wheels for a dynamic feel.

When it comes to towing, the Santa Cruz is well-equipped for its class. The standard powertrain can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the turbocharged model boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, a figure that rivals many larger vehicles. All Santa Cruz trucks come pre-wired for trailering, and their lightweight alloy wheels help keep unsprung weight low for better handling.

The Santa Cruz’s truck bed is an exercise in intelligent design. Though compact, it is engineered to be incredibly useful. A lockable under-bed storage compartment provides secure, waterproof space for your gear. You can use it to store muddy boots, a small cooler for tailgating, or valuable belongings, and it comes with a handy drain for easy cleaning.

The bed itself is made of a durable, sheet-molded composite that resists dents and scratches better than a traditional metal bed. It features special sidewall compartments for smaller items and heavy-duty D-rings for securing cargo. The available utility track rail and cleat system adds even more flexibility with its dual c-channels, allowing you to tie down a variety of loads. For loading and unloading, built-in rear bumper steps and available side steps provide easy access.

For added convenience and security, many owners choose the available retractable tonneau cover. It rolls up seamlessly into the cabin wall when not in use and, when deployed, provides a secure 27 cubic feet of dry storage. The available bed lights and a roof-mounted cargo light are also great for working after dark or when you're setting up camp at night.

If you want to experience the smart versatility of the Santa Cruz for yourself, we invite you to schedule a test drive. 

Visit our Phoenix-area Hyundai dealership to get a closer look at this unique vehicle. Earnhardt Hyundai is conveniently located in North Scottsdale.