New Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

The heart of the 2026 Santa Cruz beats with a standard engine that produces a robust 191 horsepower and still maintains good fuel economy. What truly sets it apart is its 181 lb-ft of torque, a notable advantage over the modest 151 lb-ft offered by the Ford Maverick.

For those seeking even more power and excitement, the Santa Cruz XRT features a turbocharged engine and a special 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This advanced system comes equipped with paddle shifters, adding an element of manual driving fun to the mix. With 311 lb-ft of torque at your command, this truck is a dream to drive.

Santa Cruz tow ratings stand at 3,500 lbs for FWD and a substantial 5,000 lbs for AWD turbo variants.

Turbos gain a new 8-speed automatic transmission for the new year. Plus Turbo AWD models have a sport mode. It shifts the bias to the rear wheels. This gives it a racy demeanor that most trucks can't achieve. All of these models have a special rear air suspension that helps drivers feel confident and helps riders feel cushioned against bumps and dips.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz bed is a versatile tool designed to accommodate a wide range of tasks. It features a lockable under-bed compartment and sidewall storage units to keep your equipment secure. Heavy-duty cargo D-rings offer added convenience for securing your gear. The tailgate, with assisted open and close functions, offers multiple configurations, including the ability to be raised flat, creating the widest and longest flat surface for efficient hauling.

Integrated steps facilitate easy access to and from the truck bed, while the tonneau cover allows for a flush closure against the wall, maximizing space for oversized loads. Inside the vehicle, rear cushions can be flipped up to create additional interior storage capacity.

With a generous ground clearance of 8.6 inches across all models, the Santa Cruz is prepared to tackle challenging terrains. The 2026 Santa Cruz XRT comes equipped with bed rails, skid plates, special side steps, front & rear tow hooks, and special Wrench-styled alloy wheels. Some models feature extra LED lighting for the truck bed.

Key specifications include a bed volume of 27 cubic feet, a bed depth of 19.2 inches, a payload limit of 1,411 lbs, and a roof rail load limit of 220 lbs.

As one of the trimmer members of the mid size trucks class, the new Santa Cruz in Phoenix can promise to fit into tighter spaces whether that’s a home garage, parking spot, or forest trail. Ready for adventure? New Hyundai Santa Cruz loans and leases are available with our convenient financing.

Upgraded for style and technology, every 2026 Santa Cruz cabin is designed to offer ample space for both passengers and cargo, with a total of 104 cubic feet of interior volume. The standard interior comes with cloth upholstery that resists stains and odors, ensuring ease of maintenance.

Additional interior features include an acoustic windshield and an electronic parking brake, enhancing comfort and convenience. The Santa Cruz SEL trim stands out with extra amenities for the driver, including a power chair. The dual automatic climate controls offer a special multi-air mode, and both front seats come with a power heat function, providing comfort in all seasons.

The rear glass window offers natural air circulation, and an available sunroof adds to the open-air experience. The Night Package introduces darker exterior elements and black HTex soft-touch materials in the interior. The 2026 Santa Cruz XRT also features black H-Tex upholstery with logo embossed seatbacks. Santa Cruz Limited trims boast luxurious leather seats.

Rear passengers are not left out, as they can enjoy dedicated USB ports and console-mounted A/C vents for their comfort and convenience. This 2026 model year adds a center armrest for cupholders. For more information about trim levels, you may also want to check out this 2026 Santa Cruz review.

With the most refined equipment it has ever offered, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz elevates your driving experience. These systems keep you connected, entertained, and informed while on the road.

The centerpiece of the new dashboard is the available panoramic display with digital instrumentation and a large touchscreen. These 12.3-inch displays provide built-in navigational tools including a traffic watch function.

These new midsize trucks can seamlessly integrate with your smartphone, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even better, these two systems are now entirely wireless. You can access your favorite apps, make calls, send messages, and enjoy personalized entertainment right from the touchscreen.

If you don't opt for the most high-tech cockpit, you still enjoy the benefits of an 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver screen. Key upgrades include a push-button start and BlueLink technology, which adds a remote starter to your Santa Cruz.

Adding a touch of sophistication, the Hyundai Digital Key is a standout feature. It takes convenience to the next level, allowing you to lock, unlock, and start your Santa Cruz using your smartphone. This advanced technology is a game-changer for modern drivers.

In the new Hyundai Santa Cruz, an array of advanced safety features work together seamlessly to prioritize your security on the road. These safety enhancements are designed to create a harmonious driving experience that prioritizes your well-being.

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist & Pedestrian Detection takes proactive measures to detect potential forward collision risks and pedestrians, helping to mitigate or prevent accidents. A watchful eye guards your blind spots and rear cross-traffic. Unlike the typical blind spot-rear traffic system, this one can actually intervene to help avoid collisions. Lane Keeping & Lane Following Assists help the Santa Cruz driver maintain their intended lane, reducing the chance of causing an accident.

Junction-Turning Assistance enhances safety at intersections by detecting turning dangers and potential oncoming traffic threats. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist helps the Hyundai truck stay within legal speed limits, enhancing safety by preventing excessive speeding. A Leading Vehicle Departure Alert ensures the small pickup will stay in sync with the vehicle ahead, reducing the risk of delays and rear-end collisions.

Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control uses navigation data to provide a more refined and efficient cruise control experience, especially around curves and bends in the road.

Santa Cruz drivers benefit from a semi-automated driving experience when using the Highway Driving Assist feature. It combines lane-following assist with smart cruise control, simplifying highway driving. An available Blind-Spot View Camera System monitors your blind spots and enhances your awareness of adjacent vehicles.

To learn more about the Hyundai Santa Cruz and experience its exceptional features and capabilities, schedule a test drive at Earnhardt Hyundai in North Scottsdale.