2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is offered in a tightly curated lineup that expresses distinct exterior identities. SE establishes the platform with a clean, athletic profile, LED lighting, and restrained surfacing that highlights proportion and stance. SEL builds outward with larger wheels, additional exterior detailing, and a more assertive visual rhythm without sacrificing refinement. Night introduces a darker aesthetic, replacing bright accents with blacked-out trim, wheels, and mirrors, creating a low-profile, performance-oriented appearance. XRT shifts focus toward rugged intent, adding unique front and rear fascias, all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and visual cues aligned with trail use. Limited sits at the top, defined by premium wheels, LED signature lighting, and a cohesive, upscale finish that balances sophistication with edge. Across all trims, the integrated open bed and bold front fascia remain defining elements.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is offered with two purpose-built powertrains, each engineered for consistency, durability, and real-world utility. The standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration delivers smooth, predictable power suited for daily commuting, light hauling, and extended highway travel. For drivers requiring additional output and towing capability, the available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine elevates performance to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. For the 2026 model year, this turbocharged powertrain is now paired with a refined 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous dual-clutch setup. The result is improved shift smoothness, enhanced long-term reliability, and more consistent power delivery under load. When properly equipped, the turbocharged Santa Cruz supports towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds, reinforcing its position as a compact sport adventure vehicle built with genuine capability rather than cosmetic bravado.

Performance in the Santa Cruz is shaped by balance rather than exaggeration. Front-wheel drive is standard, while available HTRAC all-wheel drive actively manages torque distribution to maintain traction across changing road conditions. The turbocharged configuration delivers confident acceleration, controlled passing power, and capable towing when properly equipped. Suspension tuning favors stability and composure, absorbing uneven pavement while preserving steering accuracy. Its compact footprint enhances maneuverability in urban environments, while highway behavior remains settled and predictable. The Santa Cruz feels purposeful, not theatrical.

Inside, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a driver-centric cabin defined by clarity and utility. Materials emphasize durability with a refined finish, and the layout prioritizes intuitive access to controls. Seating for five is supported by generous headroom and legroom, while the rear seats fold to expand interior cargo flexibility. The infotainment system integrates a wide touchscreen display and digital instrument cluster with seamless smartphone connectivity. Higher trims introduce leather-trimmed seating, ambient interior lighting, premium audio, and power-adjustable front seating. Storage solutions are integrated throughout the cabin, reinforcing function without clutter.

Safety systems in the 2026 Santa Cruz are comprehensive and engineered to operate unobtrusively. Standard advanced driver-assistance technologies include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. Highway-focused systems support driver awareness during extended travel, while structural reinforcements and a full airbag system provide passive protection. These technologies work continuously in the background, enhancing confidence without distraction.