Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder (281 hp)

The available 2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine transforms Santa Cruz into a quick, confident performer. With an output of 281 horsepower, passing and merging feel effortless, even with camping gear or bikes in the bed. Pair it with the available package that supports towing, and you can confidently pull up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped. The turbocharged setup is engineered to deliver strong low- and mid-range response, making everyday errands, rural commutes, and trailhead approaches feel relaxed rather than strained. For shoppers in need of easy drivability around town with power on tap for weekend adventures, this powertrain hits the sweet spot, complementing Santa Cruz’s nimble footprint and predictable handling.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive with Terrain Mode Select

Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive is your ally across Nebraska’s four seasons. It helps distribute power for grip on rain-soaked streets, gravel roads, and wintry byways. With select trims adding Terrain Mode Select, you can tailor response to Snow, Mud, or Sand, optimizing traction and stability in low-traction conditions. This thoughtful calibration supports confidence whether you are navigating unpaved access roads or a surprise storm during a weekend trip. The system works seamlessly in the background, lending all-weather peace of mind without adding complexity to daily driving. For customers who want extra capability without upsizing into a full-size truck, HTRAC All Wheel Drive is a compelling match for Santa Cruz’s right-sized agility.

Innovative Bed With Underfloor Storage and Integrated Tonneau Cover

Santa Cruz’s bed design is a standout. The sealed underfloor bin that drains is ideal for stowing wet gear, tools, or roadside essentials. Standard tie-down points make it easy to secure odd-shaped loads, and available adjustable C-channel utility rails with cleats give you flexible anchor points as your needs evolve. The available integrated retractable tonneau cover adds a clean, secure way to protect items you would rather not keep in the cabin, and an available 115-volt power outlet lets you power accessories at the campsite, job site, or tailgate. Molded-in slots support cross planks to create a cargo “shelf,” multiplying your organizational options. This is a utility that feels purpose-built for active owners who want both convenience and creativity in how they haul.

Panoramic Curved Display and 12.3-inch Touchscreen

Inside, Santa Cruz feels sophisticated and cohesive. The available panoramic curved display elegantly integrates the standard hi-res 12.3-inch touchscreen with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, creating a legible, low-glare information hub. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, minimizing cable clutter and enabling effortless access to maps, messaging, and media. Available in-vehicle navigation, Hyundai Pay, and wireless device charging further streamline commutes and road trips. The thoughtful interface design brings a modern, uncluttered aesthetic that is easy to learn and quick to use. Add available amenities like H-Tex® leatherette-trimmed seats and heated front seats on select trims, and you have a cabin that is as comfortable as it is connected.

Hyundai SmartSense and Driver Assistance Tech

Hyundai SmartSense equips Santa Cruz with a robust set of standard and advanced driver assistance features. All trims receive core confidence builders like Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA). Upper trims add even more: Highway Driving Assist (HDA) helps with speed, distance, and lane centering on highways; Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) shows a live camera feed in the gauge cluster when signaling; Surround View Monitor (SVM) offers a 360-degree bird’s-eye view for tight parking; Forward Attention Warning (FAW) supports driver focus; and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Curve Control makes long road trips more relaxing. It is a technology suite designed to help you drive with ease every day.