2026 Midsize Truck Comparison: Where the Hyundai Santa Cruz Falls In

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two engine choices, a 191-hp base engine and a 281-hp turbocharged option with up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Interior materials scale from cloth on the SE trim to genuine leather with ventilated seats on the Limited trim. Every Santa Cruz includes Hyundai's strong warranty coverage, with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for original owners. If you've been cross-shopping trucks and SUVs without finding anything that quite fits, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is worth a serious look. It blends the ride quality and cabin comfort of a Tucson-based SUV with genuine pickup bed utility, and Hyundai has refined it further for the 2026 model year. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a crew cab pickup built on the same platform as the Hyundai Tucson, which gives it car-like handling most trucks can't match. It comes in five trim levels (SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited), each seating five passengers and pairing an open bed with a surprisingly upscale interior. For 2026, the Hyundai Santa Cruz remains largely unchanged from its recent refresh last year but with one notable update. The turbocharged trims now use a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission in place of the old dual-clutch unit. This means smoother low-speed shifting for XRT and Limited model buyers. There are other minor updates that we will explain. Extra Performance Options For Confidence Every 2026 Santa Cruz starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims for drivers who want extra confidence in rain or snow. Step up to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT or Limited trims and you get a turbocharged version of that same 2.5-liter engine. It now produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque with standard all-wheel drive. The base engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the turbocharged setup bumps that to 5,000 pounds, giving buyers real flexibility depending on what they plan to haul. An MPG That Varies Fuel economy varies noticeably in the 2026 Santa Cruz between the two engine choices. The naturally aspirated engine returns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, landing around 24 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine trades some of that efficiency for power, coming in around 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. It's a fair tradeoff for buyers who prioritize towing capacity and quicker acceleration over maximum fuel economy. 0-60 MPH Acceleration is one of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz quiet strengths in this segment. With the turbocharged engine, the 2026 Santa Cruz has been clocked at roughly 6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. That kind of performance means merging onto the highway or passing on a two-lane road never feels like a struggle. It's part of why reviewers keep pointing out that the 2026 Santa Cruz drives more like an SUV than a traditional truck. A Generous Interior Materials and comfort features in the 2026 Santa Cruz scale up as you move through the trim lineup. SE trims start with cloth seating, while the SEL through XRT trims use H-Tex leatherette upholstery. The Limited trim gets genuine leather with ventilated front seats for added comfort on long drives. Space is generous too, with around 101.8 cubic feet of passenger volume and roughly 27 cubic feet of bed volume. The bed itself includes a lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug, which is a clever touch for keeping gear secure and dry, along with side storage compartments that add extra everyday utility. Easy-To-Use Technology Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, giving every trim a modern, easy-to-use infotainment setup. The SE and SEL pair that touchscreen with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster. SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited trims step up to a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument panel for a fully digital dashboard. Comfort tech is well represented too, with heated front seats and a wireless smartphone charger available starting on the SEL Activity trim. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity come standard across the lineup, so drivers stay connected no matter which trim they choose. Full of Safety Hyundai equips every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim with Hyundai SmartSense, its suite of standard driver assistance technology. Higher trims add further conveniences including adaptive cruise control, giving families and daily commuters extra peace of mind on longer drives. Consumer reliability ratings for 2026 Hyundai the Santa Cruz have also been strong, which adds another layer of confidence for buyers researching long-term ownership. Standard Safety Features Include: Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Lane Keeping Assist Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Price Pricing for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts around $29,750 for the base SE trim with front-wheel drive. This makes it one of the more accessible options in the compact truck segment. From there, pricing climbs to just over $43,000 for a fully loaded Limited trim with all-wheel drive. All in all, you can expect the price of a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz to cost anywhere between $30,000-$45,000. 2026 Santa Cruz Price by Trim Each 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim is built around a distinct type of buyer, so understanding what separates them makes it easier to choose the right fit. It’s important to note that the prices listed below are strictly estimates. We highly recommend visiting your local Hyundai dealer in person to determine 100% accurate prices. SE: $29,750 – Serves as the value-focused entry point, with cloth seating and the standard 4.2-inch gauge cluster alongside the 12.3-inch touchscreen. SEL: $31,400 – adds a step up in comfort with H-Tex leatherette upholstery. SEL Activity: $34,450 – often considered the sweet spot of the lineup since it adds a factory tonneau cover, bed cargo rails with anchor points, a household-style power outlet, and the full digital instrument cluster. XRT: $41,350 – moves to the turbocharged engine with standard all-wheel drive and adds a Terrain mode with mud, snow, and sand settings for a more rugged, adventure-ready personality. Limited: $43,700 – tops the lineup with genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and the most complete feature set Hyundai offers on this model. Hyundai Warranty Hyundai backs the 2026 Santa Cruz with one of the strongest warranty packages in the industry. Every new 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with a five-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty for the original owner. On top of that, Hyundai includes a seven-year, unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty against rust, along with five years of unlimited-mile roadside assistance. It's worth noting that starting with 2026 models, Hyundai discontinued the complimentary three-year maintenance program that came with earlier model years, so buyers should factor routine maintenance costs into their ownership plans. Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Tulsa Hyundai The best way to understand what makes the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz different is to get behind the wheel yourself. Whether you're drawn to the value of the SE, the versatility of the SEL Activity, or the performance of the XRT and Limited, seeing the lineup in person makes it much easier to find the right match. If you’re not interested in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, then check out our plethora of other Hyundai vehicles. We carry the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Phone 918-779-3064 Address 9777 S Memorial Dr., Tusla, OK 741333 Return to Blog

Pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz include powerful engine options, smart feature integrations, a luxury interior, and impressive handling. Cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz include the semi-high prices, a confusing infotainment screen, and mediocre second row seating. Test drive a Hyundai truck at Tulsa Hyundai to experience the pros and cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great choice for buyers who want the practicality of a pickup without sacrificing comfort or drivability. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic and tight parking spaces. Some of the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz include qualities that set it apart from traditional pickups. Unlike most trucks, it’s built on a unibody platform, giving it a smooth, SUV-like ride. Inside, it feels unexpectedly upscale, with a refined cabin and modern tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and advanced safety systems. It also offers clever touches like a lockable, drainable under-bed storage compartment, which is essentially a hidden trunk. Despite its compact size, the turbocharged version can tow up to 5,000 pounds! Not to mention it delivers better fuel economy than many midsize trucks. Plus, it’s assembled in Montgomery, Alabama, making it a made-in-USA Hyundai. Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview If you like the idea of a pickup truck but find full-size models like the Chevy Silverado or Ford F-150 too large or costly, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the perfect solution. Beyond its utility, the Santa Cruz impresses with a smooth ride, a quiet and stylish interior, and a generous array of tech and convenience features. This makes it just as livable as a traditional SUV. Thanks to its unique blend of practicality and comfort, the Hyundai Santa Cruz earns a top spot on many people’s lists. What’s New for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Exterior updates for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz include a bolder front grille, vertical LED headlights, and new wheel designs. Also, this year we get fresh colors like Rockwood Green and Canyon Red for the XRT. Interior updates for the 2025 Santa Cruz includes a panoramic dual 12.3" curved display, tactile HVAC controls, a new steering wheel, and improved ergonomics. As far as individual 2025 Santa Cruz trim changes go, we see the discontinued Night edition. Some might see this as a major con of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, but rest assured, there’s a replacement! Coming in as one of the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the newly introduced XRT (off‑road oriented) trim. Tech upgrades were done to the infotainment screens. There is also the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Hyundai Pay, Digital Key 2 Touch, and OTA updates as well. Pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Needless to say, with all the updates that were done for this new model, there are inevitably an abundance of pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Major areas we find pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz are around the engine options and comfort level. 1. Powerful Engine We can’t talk about the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz without talking about its impressive engine. The turbocharged 2.5L delivers 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, offering confidence on‑road acceleration and towing up to 5,000 lbs. This puts it to where the Santa Cruz significantly outperforms the base variant's 191 hp. The optional 2.5L turbocharged engine that’s only available on XRT and Limited trims, delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This is one of the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz that really sets it apart because it’s one of the quickest compact pickups in its class. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. 2. Convenient Features Both experts and fans alike, praise the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SUV-like ride quality, tuned suspension, and quiet cabin. One of the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the fact that the 4-foot bed is full of technological features! Features like lockable under-bed storage, integrated bed lighting, a sliding tonneau cover, and a 115V power outlet. Great for weekend hauls, camping gear, or tailgating, this is a step up from an SUV. 3. Luxury Feel Inside The interior pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz mimics luxury. It’s surprisingly comfortable and refined, more like a well-equipped SUV than a typical pickup. The seats are supportive and nicely cushioned, with available options like heated and ventilated front seats and power adjustments. Materials throughout the cabin are high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern, minimalist design. Higher trims offer features like a fully digital gauge cluster, and a large touchscreen that adds to the upscale feel. The cabin is also well-insulated from road and wind noise, making it a quiet and relaxing place to spend time, whether you're on your daily commute or road-tripping. 4. Impressive Handling Car-like handling and agile cornering, even in off-road trims like XRT offer spirited performance. This benefits from all-terrain tires, better approach angle, surround-view camera, and red tow hooks. Like mentioned earlier, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is built on a unibody crossover platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson. This is one of the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz because that makes it drive more like an SUV than a truck. Steering is responsive, the suspension is well-tuned for everyday comfort, and it feels planted on curves. Cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz are minimal, but notable. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a truck with full truck-related capabilities, the Santa Cruz might not be for you. To determine whether or not the cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz are deal breakers, it's best to visit your local Hyundai dealer in person. 1. Lacks Typical Truck Utility The 2025 Santa Cruz does not have all the same utility as a regular full-size truck. One of the more notable cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is that it has a 4.3-foot truck bed that's 42.7 inches wide between the wheel wells. Also, the 2025 Santa Cruz towing capabilities are significantly less than full-size trucks like the Silverado that can tow up to 13,300 pounds. 2. Uncomfortable Second‑Row Seats Rear seating is cramped with upright cushions. Reviews from Edmunds mention that back seats are not very comfy and flat with limited legroom. The rear seat area is one of the more annoying cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Seatbacks are upright and not very supportive, with limited legroom for adults on longer drives. Unfortunately, taller passengers may feel squeezed in both leg and headroom. 3. Infotainment Can Be Confusing This con of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz specifically has to do with the system relying heavily on touch controls. While the new curved display is one of the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, some owners criticize overly touch‑focused controls and inconsistent keyless tech. Physical buttons for climate and volume are limited, which can be frustrating to use while driving. Some users also report a learning curve when using Hyundai's native interface. Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Worth It? If you seek crossover comfort, modern tech, and light-duty pickup capabilities, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a strong pick. The design for this year’s model highlights the luxury and towing edge over its number one rival, the Ford Maverick. However, if rear passenger comfort, true truck utility, or aggressive pricing matter most, these cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz might be a deal breaker. Investing in the pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz will be worth it in the long run. This is especially true for drivers who want a versatile, comfortable truck with  SUV-vibes and a luxury feeling interior. Its unibody construction and fuel-efficient engines also makes it cheaper to run than most traditional trucks. Hyundai’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds long-term peace of mind. For the right buyer, it serves as the best option for a mid-size pickup truck. Experience Pros and Cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz At Tulsa Hyundai The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a polished blend: part SUV, part truck, laden with tech and modern styling. It's powerful, comfortable, and luxurious. This is especially true for higher trims. Thinking about taking a test drive locally? Tulsa Hyundai carries the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, pros, cons, and all! If you’d like to enjoy the pros and cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, then Tulsa Hyundai has your back! If you’re not interested in the Santa Cruz, then check out our plethora of other vehicles including the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Phone 918-779-3064 Address 9777 S Memorial Dr., Tusla, OK 741333 Return to Blog

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz remains the one-of-a-kind sport adventure truck from Hyundai. Notable updates for the 2025 Santa Cruz include a new exterior look and advanced power capabilities. Shop for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Tulsa Hyundai in Oklahoma. Blending smart utility with refined aesthetics, the Santa Cruz loves to challenge expectations in the pickup world. Hyundai first designed this compact truck in 2021 with durability and style in mind. The aim is to make it ideal for drivers who want both rugged performance and upscale comfort in a pickup truck. Since its debut, Hyundai has made subtle updates each year, listening and catering to what Hyundai fans are wanting. This makes it so that the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a fresh perspective on what a light-duty pickup can be, every single year. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz brings a bold new look and even more capability to the table with a range of substantial updates. The refreshed exterior now features aggressive vertical headlamps, enlarged air intakes, bigger daytime running lights, and a redesigned lower fascia. All of these combined features give it a more commanding road presence. The XRT trim enhances its off-road appeal with rugged 18-inch alloy wheels styled with a wrench-inspired design, all-terrain tires, and a higher approach angle for better trail performance. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz also received notable updates inside the cabin. The instrument panel has been reimagined with a sleek vertical layout that puts information and controls within easy reach. We think this was to reflect the brand’s focus on innovation and user-friendly design. For all you tech-savvy drivers out there, the 2025 model now supports over-the-air updates! You’re now able to keep your vehicle’s software and firmware current with the latest features. Performance Under the hood, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers dependable power with two engine choices. The standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, ideal for daily tasks and light hauling. For more muscle, upgrade to the available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, giving the Santa Cruz enhanced performance and acceleration when you need it most. Top Speed Thanks to its responsive turbocharged engine, the 2025 Santa Cruz can go from 0 to 60 mph in just six seconds! Offering brisk acceleration for a pickup in its class. The turbo model tops out at 133 mph, making it quick enough for highway cruising while remaining smooth and composed at higher speeds. MPG Ratings Fuel efficiency is another strong suit. The standard engine delivers an estimated 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The turbocharged version offers around 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, with a slight dip when opting for all-wheel drive. These ratings make the 2025 Santa Cruz a smart choice for those who want the versatility of a truck without sacrificing fuel economy. Interior Design The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz interior combines smart utility with comfort and style. A newly enhanced 10.25-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, offering a modern interface and easy connectivity. You’ll also find clever storage solutions like under-seat compartments and a secure bed trunk. You’ll be properly prepared for taking care of business in the front, and space for a party in the back. Additionally, higher trims offer leather-trimmed seating, an upgraded Bose audio system, AND ambient lighting for a more personalized party. Safety Features Equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes loaded with advanced driver-assistance technology. Standard safety features include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist Higher trims introduce even more high-tech aids: Highway Driving Assist Surround View Monitor Infotainment Center Stay connected and in control with the updated 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, and navigation are all standard or available depending on trim level. The intuitive interface is complemented by physical controls for ease of use, and voice commands make navigation and entertainment hands-free and seamless. Price of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz prices are offered with this flexible lineup. Each trim blends rugged performance with upscale features. The general price of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at just below $29,000. Going up from there will get you more advanced features, but also a higher price tag. The top trim option price of the 2025 Santa Cruz comes in at $43,000. Regardless of which trim you choose, the 2025 Santa Cruz delivers it all in a uniquely compact way. Price of the 2025 Santa Cruz by Trim The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz prices by trim below are all estimates and might change depending on additional features and location. To ensure 100% accurate prices, be sure to visit your local Hyundai dealer in person. SE – $28,750 A solid base with all the essentials, including advanced safety features and wireless connectivity. SEL – $30,450 Adds comfort features like heated seats, keyless entry, and upgraded interior materials. SEL Activity – $33,450 Some would say this trim is built specifically for weekend getaways. This trim includes roof rails, a sunroof, and a 115-volt power outlet. XRT – $40,250 Rugged and adventure-ready with a sportier design, increased ground clearance, and underbody skid plates. Limited – $42,750 The most refined of the lineup, with leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and all the top-tier tech. Hyundai Warranty The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is covered by one of the best warranties in the industry. With the Hyundai warranty, buyers get a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. It’s a package designed to give you peace of mind anytime, anywhere. Buy a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Tulsa Hyundai If you’re looking to buy a Hyundai Santa Cruz in Oklahoma, Tulsa Hyundai is the place to go. With a vast inventory of new Hyundai vehicles, knowledgeable staff, and competitive financing options, Tulsa Hyundai makes the car-buying process seamless. If you’d like to enjoy the smooth ride of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, then Tulsa Hyundai has your back! If you’re not interested in the Santa Cruz, then check out our plethora of other vehicles including the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Phone 918-779-3064 Address 9777 S Memorial Dr., Tusla, OK 741333 Return to Blog