What to Know About the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Jan 20, 2026

Hyundai of Grand Island – What to Know About the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz blends everyday comfort with weekend capability in a way that feels instantly useful. It looks right at home downtown yet delivers the open bed, smart storage, and confident power you want when plans call for gear, trails, or long highway stretches. If you have been considering a compact truck or an adventurous SUV, Santa Cruz makes a persuasive case to have both in one sleek, maneuverable package.

Design is more than a look here. The bed integrates lockable underfloor storage, available rails and cleats, and an available retractable tonneau cover that helps keep cargo secure. Inside, a panoramic curved display brings a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen together with an available digital cluster for a clean, modern cockpit. Pair that with available HTRAC All Wheel Drive and confident powertrains, and you get a Sport Adventure Vehicle that feels equally ready for carpool mornings and alpine weekends.

Versatile bed design: Integrated storage, standard tie downs, and available tonneau cover make loading and organizing gear simple.
Confident performance: Available turbocharged power and HTRAC All Wheel Drive help with passing, merging, and light off-road routes.
Road trip comfort: Supportive seating, quiet ride tuning, and available amenities reduce fatigue on longer drives.
Top-tier tech: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available Digital Key, and an available 12.3-inch cluster keep you connected.
Advanced safety: Hyundai SmartSense features, including available Highway Driving Assist and Surround View Monitor, support peace of mind.

Five trims let you match Santa Cruz to your priorities. The SE and SEL emphasize strong value and everyday essentials. SEL Activity layers in style and tech upgrades. XRT adds rugged attitude and capability, while Limited brings premium conveniences and advanced driver assistance features. No matter the trim, Santa Cruz focuses on thoughtful utility without giving up a refined on-road feel.

SE: A well-equipped entry point with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration.
SEL: Adds comfort and convenience touches like available heated seats and practical roof side rails.
SEL Activity: Ups the ambiance with a power sunroof, digital instruments, and an integrated tonneau cover.
XRT: Rugged design cues, all-terrain tires, available terrain modes, and HTRAC confidence.
Limited: Premium appointments, advanced driver tech, and features like an available memory driver seat.

Beyond features, Santa Cruz shines in daily use. The compact footprint makes parking straightforward, while the bed solves tasks that hatchbacks and crossovers struggle with. Bikes, coolers, muddy boots, and bulky boxes are easier to manage when the space is open, washable, and thoughtfully organized. For towing, the available turbocharged engine enables impressive capability when properly equipped, giving you flexibility for small campers and watercraft.

At Hyundai of Grand Island, we focus on helping you choose the right Santa Cruz for your lifestyle, from trim selection to accessories that fit how you work and play. Our product specialists can walk you through bed solutions, roof systems, protection packages, and the latest tech features to ensure you drive home ready for every season. Visit us to explore options in person, schedule a test drive, or review incoming inventory serving Hastings, St. Paul, and Central City.

Explore trims and features: Compare standard equipment, available packages, and bed accessories that match your routine.
Confirm performance needs: Decide between standard power and available turbo power with HTRAC All Wheel Drive.
Assess cargo solutions: Add rails, cleats, and the retractable tonneau cover for secure, flexible storage.
Plan your test drive: Experience ride quality, visibility, and tech usability on routes that mirror your commute.
Personalize your order: Select colors, protection add-ons, and must-have tech to create your ideal setup.

Ownership confidence matters, and Santa Cruz brings the assurance of Hyundai’s long warranty coverage and available over-the-air updates for select systems. That means thoughtful protection up front and an easy path to keep features fresh over time. Add in driver assistance innovations and practical service intervals, and you have a vehicle built to support miles of active living with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What sets the 2026 Santa Cruz apart from compact pickups and SUVs?

Santa Cruz pairs a comfortable, maneuverable unibody ride with a functional open bed. You get the versatility of a truck for cargo and towing with the refined driving dynamics, tech, and comfort of a modern SUV.

Is All Wheel Drive available, and how does HTRAC help?

Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive actively distributes traction to help in rain, snow, and on unpaved roads. It works with drive modes to fine-tune response, supporting confidence when conditions change.

How much can the 2026 Santa Cruz tow?

When properly equipped with the available turbocharged engine, the Santa Cruz is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Always consult the Owner’s Manual for details on equipment, payload, and trailer braking requirements.

What bed storage solutions stand out?

The lockable underfloor bin, standard tie-down points, available C-channel rails with cleats, and an available retractable tonneau cover make it easy to secure and organize everything from camping gear to home improvement supplies.

Which trim should I choose?

Start with how you drive. If you value essentials at a strong value, look at SE or SEL. For enhanced tech and style, consider SEL Activity. If you want a bolder look and capability, XRT is a smart pick. For premium convenience and advanced driver assistance, Limited leads the way.

Ready to experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in person. Visit us for a tailored walkaround, bring your gear to test bed fit, and take an extended drive to see how comfortably Santa Cruz fits your life. We are here to help you build a setup that feels just right from day one.