Evansville, IN Weekenders — Make More Happen with the 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Bed System and HTRAC All Wheel Drive

Dorsett Hyundai - Lafayette, IN Drivers - Why the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ XRT Fits Workdays and Weekends The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ XRT is the trim that best shows what this vehicle is meant to be: a smart blend of open-bed usefulness, compact maneuverability, comfortable seating, and confident turbocharged capability. For Lafayette, IN drivers, that combination matters. Daily routes can include Purdue University traffic, parking around downtown Lafayette, I-65 travel, county roads outside town, and errands that require more cargo flexibility than a traditional SUV can easily provide. The XRT gives shoppers a vehicle that feels comfortable during the week and genuinely useful when plans call for towing, hauling, or carrying bulky gear. What makes the XRT stand out is not just one feature. It is the way its powertrain, standard HTRAC AWD, bed system, cabin technology, and driver-assistance features work together. The SANTA CRUZ XRT is not oversized, so it remains practical in tighter lots and neighborhood streets, yet it brings the strength and utility many drivers want from a truck-like vehicle. At Dorsett Hyundai, serving Champaign, Lafayette, and Evansville, IN, we see the XRT as a strong match for shoppers who want one vehicle that can handle professional needs, family routines, weekend hobbies, and longer highway drives without feeling like a compromise. Why the XRT Powertrain Matters Around Lafayette The XRT uses a Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That is a major step up from the standard 2.5L engine found in the lower trims, and the difference is easy to understand in real use. The turbocharged torque arrives low in the rev range, which helps the SANTA CRUZ feel responsive when merging onto I-65, accelerating from a stoplight on Sagamore Parkway, or carrying extra cargo in the bed. The XRT also includes an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard HTRAC AWD. For Lafayette-area drivers who split time between city streets, highways, gravel access roads, and residential neighborhoods, standard all-wheel drive adds confidence without asking the driver to change routines. XRT is also the only 2027 SANTA CRUZ trim with Terrain Mode Select, giving it a more adventure-ready personality than the SE or SEL Activity. The result is a compact sport adventure vehicle thaft feels composed and capable rather than oversized or cumbersome. Open-Bed Utility Without Full-Size Bulk One of the biggest reasons to consider the SANTA CRUZ XRT is its bed design. The bed is built with Sheet Molded Composite construction and includes a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall bed storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, and a multi-functional tailgate with assisted opening and closing. That layout helps solve common problems for shoppers who need cargo flexibility but do not want a full-size pickup for daily parking and commuting. The XRT also includes the integrated tonneau cover with two built-in T-slot accessory tracks, a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, LED bed lighting, and a 115V power outlet in the sidewall storage. These features make the bed more than an open cargo box. It can secure tools, sports gear, luggage, small furniture, camping equipment, or supplies for a home project. Around Lafayette, that flexibility is useful for a driver heading from campus to a hardware store, meeting friends at Prophetstown State Park, or helping with a move across town. Integrated tonneau cover: Helps keep bed items more secure and out of view. Under-bed storage: Provides a hidden place for smaller gear or wet items. Utility rail system: Adds flexibility for tying down different cargo shapes. 115V bed outlet: Supports tools, accessories, and outdoor equipment. Rear bumper side steps: Make bed access easier during loading and unloading. Cabin Technology That Feels Like an Upgrade The XRT cabin is where the 2027 SANTA CRUZ becomes especially appealing for shoppers who want utility without a basic interior. It includes H-Tex® seating surfaces in Black, an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control with Auto Defogger, rear A/C vents, and a rear armrest with cup holders. Those features make a real difference during longer drives, especially when carrying passengers or commuting regularly. Technology also moves up substantially in the XRT. The trim includes a 12.3-inch Audio-Video-Navigation color touchscreen with onboard Navigation, a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, Dynamic Voice Recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, Bluelink+, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, and Bose® Premium Audio. Instead of feeling like an add-on, the technology supports the way people actually drive. Navigation is helpful for road trips and unfamiliar destinations, the digital cluster keeps key information easy to read, and Bose® Premium Audio gives the cabin a more refined feel for podcasts, calls, and music. Driver Assistance for Busy Routes Lafayette driving can shift quickly from campus congestion to open highway travel. The XRT responds with a strong set of safety and driver-assistance features. It includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and High Beam Assist. The XRT adds several features that make it feel especially advanced. Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor can help in crowded parking areas, while Highway Driving Assist 1 and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control are well suited for I-65 and longer drives toward Indianapolis or Chicago. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Forward Attention Warning further support attentive, informed driving. These systems do not replace a focused driver, but the added visibility and assistance can reduce stress during repetitive or complex driving situations. Who Should Choose the 2027 SANTA CRUZ XRT? The XRT is the right trim for shoppers who want the strongest version of the SANTA CRUZ rather than simply the most basic open-bed option. It fits drivers who value turbocharged performance, standard AWD, premium audio, enhanced driver assistance, and the most complete cargo setup in the 2027 lineup. It is especially appealing for people who considered a midsize pickup but decided a smaller, more refined vehicle would better suit everyday life. For Lafayette drivers, the SANTA CRUZ XRT makes sense because it is easy to live with. It can commute, park, tow, haul, and travel without feeling like a single-purpose vehicle. The 5-passenger cabin works for friends, coworkers, or family members, while the open bed keeps messy or bulky cargo out of the interior. It is a practical choice, but it also has enough power and technology to feel rewarding every time the driver gets behind the wheel. Frequently Asked Questions: How much can the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ XRT tow? The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ XRT has a maximum trailer weight of 5,000 lbs. with trailer brakes, making it the strongest towing choice in the lineup. Does the XRT include all-wheel drive? Yes. The XRT comes standard with HTRAC AWD, while lower trims offer HTRAC AWD as an available configuration. What technology makes the XRT different from SEL Activity? The XRT adds onboard Navigation, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Bose® Premium Audio, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, Highway Driving Assist 1, Surround View Monitor, and Blind-Spot View Monitor. Is the SANTA CRUZ XRT practical for daily driving? Yes. Its compact dimensions, comfortable cabin, open-bed versatility, and advanced driver-assistance features make it practical for commuting, errands, towing, and weekend plans around Lafayette. The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ XRT is a smart choice because it does not ask shoppers to choose between comfort and utility. It brings the power and traction many drivers want, the bed features that make real tasks easier, and the cabin technology that keeps daily driving modern and convenient. For Lafayette, IN shoppers who want a versatile vehicle with a confident personality, the XRT is the trim to put at the top of the list. *Image may not be actual model Request more 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ information

Dorsett Hyundai - Indianapolis, IN Drivers — How the 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Bed System Makes Everyday Errands Easier The 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ has a way of shrinking big to-do lists down to size—especially around Indianapolis, where quick errands and tight parking can turn any truck task into an all-day event. If you’ve been tempted by the utility of a pickup but worried about living with the size of one, SANTA CRUZ offers the best of both worlds: a nimble footprint that slips into street spots near Mass Ave paired with a brilliantly thought-out bed that handles gear, groceries, and weekend projects like a pro. What sets it apart is how many useful ideas Hyundai baked into the bed from the start. You’re not wrestling with add-ons just to make the space usable. You get standard tie-down points for quick securement, a lockable underfloor bin that drains for wet or muddy gear, molded-in slots for building shelves, and an available integrated tonneau cover for clean, secure storage. Add the available 115-volt bed outlet, and your tailgate tasks pick up a whole new level of convenience—perfect for powering compact tools on a house project or keeping a cooler humming during a pregame meetup off Capitol Avenue. Right-sized versatility for city life Downtown traffic, one-way streets, parking garages—Indianapolis throws a little of everything at you. SANTA CRUZ embraces it. The bed is deep enough for solid cargo volume, but the truck itself remains agile and easy to place, making it just as comfortable threading through Broad Ripple as it is rolling along the I-465 loop. Need to move a bike, scoop up landscaping supplies from Glendale, or grab a bundle of posts from a home center on Pendleton Pike? Load up, secure, and go without breaking stride or blocking two spaces when you arrive. Truck ownership often comes with compromises: bigger size, more guesswork, and lots of aftermarket tinkering. The 2026 SANTA CRUZ sidesteps those pain points. Its available integrated tonneau cover glides smoothly, locks with the tailgate, and sits flush for a clean look that doesn’t whistle at highway speeds. The underfloor bin is a favorite—drop in wet boots after a run at Eagle Creek Park, or stash roadside essentials you want out of sight. When you need to rinse it out, the built-in drain keeps cleanup simple. It’s creativity you’ll use more than you expect. Bed details that work harder Simplicity is the headline. The bed’s six tie-down locations make securing odd shapes painless, and the optional adjustable C-channel rails and cleats expand what you can strap down with confidence. If your week includes flat-pack furniture near Keystone at the Crossing, a stroller and gym bag carousel for a family Saturday, or a last-minute pickup for a volunteer project, you’ll appreciate the quick hook points and low lift-over height. Less hoisting, less hassle. Another practical touch is the molded-in support slots for cross-planks. In minutes, you can create a raised shelf to separate delicate items up top from heavier gear down below. It’s a small feature that earns big points when you’re mixing grocery runs and home improvement supplies in the same trip. And because the SANTA CRUZ rides and handles more like a crossover than a traditional truck, it doesn’t punish you when you’re just enjoying an evening cruise on Meridian Street. Power and control around town The available 2.5L turbocharged engine and HTRAC All Wheel Drive make daily life easier too—responsive for quick merges onto I-70, settled over rough patches on West Washington Street, and surefooted when you’re bouncing between city and suburb. On SANTA CRUZ XRT, Terrain Mode Select (Snow, Mud, Sand) adds even more adaptability, a welcome bonus for gravel pull-offs near parks or soft shoulders on county roads. It’s a confident, compact package that stays composed when the day doesn’t go according to plan. Inside, the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration keep your maps, playlists, and messages flowing without a cord. Add the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and panoramic curved display for a unified, modern look that makes every trip feel organized. Bluelink+ connected services at no extra cost bring remote start, lock/unlock, and more from your phone—handy when you’re juggling schedules, meeting friends in Fountain Square, or stepping into the truck with your hands full. Frequently Asked Questions: Can I store valuables securely in the SANTA CRUZ bed for city parking? Yes. The available integrated tonneau cover locks with the tailgate, and the underfloor in-bed bin is lockable as well. Together, they let you keep items out of sight and protected when parking around downtown or neighborhood streets. How useful is the underfloor storage bin in real life? Very. It’s great for wet gear, small tools, and items you don’t want sliding around. The built-in drain makes quick work of cleanup after a workout, fishing trip, or gardening run. It’s one of those features you’ll find new uses for every week. Do I need bed accessories to make the space practical? No. SANTA CRUZ includes standard bed tie-down points and molded-in shelf slots. You can add the integrated tonneau cover and the adjustable C-channel rails and cleats for expanded capability, but the bed is genuinely functional right out of the gate. Will the SANTA CRUZ fit in my garage or parking structure? That’s one of its key advantages. It’s sized to fit most standard garages and remains easy to place in parking structures around Mass Ave, Bottleworks, or Circle Centre. You get real pickup utility without the parking struggle. Is the bed outlet worth it for everyday use? If you host tailgates, work with compact tools, or just like having power on demand, the available 115-volt bed outlet is a great quality-of-life upgrade. It turns the SANTA CRUZ into a flexible mobile workstation or weekend basecamp without needing extra gear. For many Indianapolis drivers, the 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ solves the “I want a truck, but…” quandary. You get the open bed, secure storage, and clever touches that make truck ownership fun and functional, plus a refined interior and city-friendly size that make it effortless day-to-day. It’s the right tool for quick-sprint errands, busy family logistics, and spontaneous adventures—without trading away comfort and convenience. We see this resonate across the region, serving Indianapolis, Champaign, and Lafayette with a single idea: make every part of your day easier. If that’s your goal, the SANTA CRUZ bed system belongs at the top of your test-drive list. Visit us to explore bed accessories, compare trims, and find the configuration that suits your routine. Dorsett Hyundai is ready to help you build a SANTA CRUZ that fits your life as tightly as it fits into your favorite parking spot. Request more 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ information

Dorsett Hyundai - Why Terrain Mode Select on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Builds Everyday Confidence around Indianapolis, IN If your week alternates between office commutes and weekend trailheads, the 2026 SANTA CRUZ XRT’s Terrain Mode Select system is the kind of quietly brilliant tech that makes every drive feel more secure. Paired with available HTRAC All Wheel Drive, Terrain Mode Select optimizes throttle mapping, shift logic, and torque distribution across the front and rear to support traction in Snow, Mud, and Sand. That matters on slick on-ramps after a quick rain, at boat launches with gravel and puddles, and on soft shoulders when parking at a park pavilion. Because the SANTA CRUZ rides on a car-like unibody, it feels effortless in town and exceptionally composed at highway speed; the XRT’s system adds capability without compromising that everyday refinement. The engineering details are practical at heart: Snow mode softens throttle tip-in to reduce wheelspin and works with HTRAC to proactively send torque rearward as conditions demand; Mud mode allows slightly more wheel slip to keep momentum in ruts while coordinating shifts that minimize bogging; Sand mode quickens response to help you float over soft surfaces where maintaining speed is key. The XRT’s 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, exposed front tow hooks, exclusive cladding, and a confident stance are more than styling — they’re a signal that the SANTA CRUZ is ready to step off the pavement without drama. And because you still get the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, plus the available 12.3-inch digital cluster within the panoramic curved display, you’re conquering rough patches without giving up the calm, modern cockpit you expect. Snow mode: Calmer throttle, smarter torque split, and traction-minded shifts help keep you composed in powder and slush. Mud mode: Allows measured wheel slip to maintain momentum through ruts and sloppy, uneven ground. Sand mode: Prioritizes momentum with quick response so you can stay on top of loose surfaces. Capability here also extends beyond the axle lines. The SANTA CRUZ bed is a utility hub with standard tie-downs, molded-in slots for custom shelves, a sealed underfloor bin that drains, and available upgrades like the integrated tonneau cover and a 115V power outlet for campsite lighting or tailgate tools. When properly equipped with the available 2.5L turbo engine, towing up to 5,000 lbs. adds even more flexibility for weekend projects or fun. Inside, available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch lets you leave the key fob behind, and Bluelink+ plus Over-the-Air software updates help keep systems current without visiting the service lane for every enhancement. Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance features — from Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning Detection to Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor — reinforce confidence on city streets and two-lane country roads alike. For drivers who want one vehicle to do it all around the Circle City, Terrain Mode Select is a difference-maker because it acts like a quiet co-pilot, adapting the SANTA CRUZ to the surface under your wheels. You can set it and forget it, or experiment to see how each mode responds to the same stretch of gravel or damp grass. If you’re curious whether AWD is really worth it for your routine, we recommend testing an XRT on a mixed route — a little city, a little highway, and a little rough — so you can feel how the calibration changes your steering inputs and confidence. Dorsett Hyundai offers a low-stress way to compare trims and systems side by side, serving Indianapolis, IN, Bloomington, IN, and Effingham, IL, with transparent guidance. We’ll help you explore whether a short-term lease is a smart way to try Terrain Mode Select through all four seasons, or if a longer finance plan makes sense for your towing and customization goals. Either way, the SANTA CRUZ XRT proves that traction technology can be both sophisticated and simple to live with, which is exactly what you want when your life shifts from office garage to trailhead parking lot — sometimes in the same day. Frequently Asked Questions: Does Terrain Mode Select replace the need for winter tires? No. Terrain modes optimize power delivery and shifts, but dedicated winter tires remain the best choice for cold-weather grip and braking. Is Terrain Mode Select only on the XRT? Terrain Mode Select is new to the XRT trim. We can help you compare trims and availability to find the best configuration for your needs. Can I tow and use Terrain Mode Select at the same time? Yes. When properly equipped with the available 2.5L turbo engine, the SANTA CRUZ can tow while Terrain Mode Select helps you maintain traction on variable surfaces near ramps and campsites. Do I need to engage a center differential lock? No. The system works with HTRAC All Wheel Drive to distribute torque automatically; you choose the mode and focus on driving. Request more 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz information