Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI Engine and Towing Capability

The available 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder gives the Santa Cruz confident acceleration and robust low-end torque for towing and merging. When properly equipped, you can tow up to 5,000 lbs., opening the door to hauling a pair of dirt bikes, a small camper, or a compact boat. The powertrain’s responsiveness is complemented by refined throttle mapping and smart transmission tuning, delivering smooth, predictable power in city traffic and stability at highway speeds. If you prefer a simpler setup, the 2.5L GDI-MPI 4-cylinder offers an easygoing balance of everyday drivability and efficiency. Across the lineup, Santa Cruz feels composed and eager, with a chassis tuned to deliver a comfortable ride and precise steering feedback.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive with Terrain Mode Select

Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive is engineered to enhance traction and control across changing Nebraska weather and surfaces. By actively distributing torque front to rear, HTRAC helps the Santa Cruz maintain grip when the pavement turns slick or the road transitions to gravel. On the XRT trim, new Terrain Mode Select adds Snow, Mud, and Sand settings for a more tailored response beyond a traditional AWD system. This added capability pairs with the Santa Cruz’s compact dimensions to unlock tight trailheads, gravel turnouts, and snow-packed driveways with reassuring stability. Whether it’s a winter commute or a weekend detour down a rutted path, HTRAC makes the most of the Santa Cruz’s athletic platform.

Panoramic Curved Display and 12.3-inch Touchscreen

The available panoramic curved display seamlessly integrates the standard high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, creating an elegant, unified interface. Intuitive menus and crisp graphics put navigation, audio, and vehicle settings within easy reach, while wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your favorite apps front and center. The system is designed to reduce distraction: key functions are logically grouped, route guidance is clear, and driver information remains legible at a glance. Available navigation and over-the-air enhancements help keep your maps and multimedia fresh, while Bluelink+ and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch extend convenience beyond the cabin. The result is a tech-forward interior that feels modern and premium every day.

Versatile Open Bed with Underfloor Storage and 115V Power

Santa Cruz’s innovative bed is a standout. Standard tie-down points let you secure bulky gear, while molded-in slots enable DIY cross-plank shelving to create multi-level storage. A sealed underfloor bin that drains provides a secure place for damp or valuable items, useful after hiking, kayaking, or tailgating. Available upgrades include an integrated, lockable, retractable tonneau cover that shields cargo from the elements and prying eyes, and an available 115V power outlet to keep tools, coolers, and camp gear powered up. It’s a bed designed for everyday life—the quick trip to the home store, a run to the bike trail, or an impromptu weekend road trip—with the right blend of organization, protection, and plug-in practicality.

Hyundai SmartSense and Highway Driving Assist

Hyundai SmartSense brings a deep roster of driver-assistance features to the Santa Cruz. Standard systems include Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA). Upper trims add advanced capability such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go and Curve Control, Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Forward Attention Warning (FAW). Together, these systems support awareness and help with lane centering, speed management, and 360-degree visibility, reducing stress during long highway drives and busy in-town commutes.