2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Waterloo, IA

*MSRP Starting at $29,500

TOP FEATURES

Up to
30 MPG Hwy¹

Up to
281 hp²

Available
HTRAC AWD³

Overview of the Vehicle

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz revolutionizes compact pickup design with its unique unibody construction derived from the Tucson SUV platform. Two engine options provide versatility: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, or an available turbocharged 2.5-liter producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. The new model year introduces an eight-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous dual-clutch unit on XRT and Limited trims. Fuel economy ranges from 21-30 mpg depending on configuration, while towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine.

Technology Highlights

Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Hyundai SafetySense comes standard with front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims add navigation-based adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The XRT trim includes new Terrain Mode with Mud, Snow, and Sand settings for enhanced off-road capability.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE *Starting at $29,500	2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL *Starting at $31,150	2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity *Starting at $34,200
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT *Starting at $41,100	2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited *Starting at $43,450

Design and Styling

Five trim levels-SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited-offer distinct personalities from practical to rugged. The XRT features aggressive black exterior accents, all-terrain tires, and specialized bumper designs. Interior materials range from durable cloth to premium H-Tex leatherette, with higher trims featuring heated seats and dual-zone climate control. The innovative bed design includes underfloor storage compartments and integrated side steps for enhanced functionality.

Awards and Accolades

The Santa Cruz earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition and NHTSA's five-star overall safety rating. Consumer reviews consistently rate it 4.6 out of 5 stars with 81% recommending the vehicle. MotorTrend ranks it #2 in the compact truck segment with an 8.4/10 overall score. Ready to experience the innovative 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz? Visit C&S Hyundai today to explore all trim levels and discover this game-changing compact pickup.

MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Accessory items shown may vary according to model and illustration.

1. 2026 SANTA CRUZ SE, SEL and SEL Activity FWD: 22 City/30 Hwy/25 Combined MPG. 2026 SANTA CRUZ SE, SEL and SEL Activity AWD: 21 City/29 Hwy/24 Combined MPG. 2026 SANTA CRUZ XRT and Limited AWD: 18 City/25 Hwy/20 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
2. 281 horsepower on XRT and Limited trims. 191 horsepower on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims.
3. HTRAC AWD available on SE, SEL and SEL Activity trims. HTRAC AWD standard on XRT and Limited trims.