Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

HTRAC All Wheel Drive with 2.5L Turbocharged Power

For drivers who want extra traction and robust capability, the Santa Cruz delivers with available HTRAC All Wheel Drive and an available 2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder that’s rated at 281 horsepower. This combination not only sharpens acceleration and passing power, it also supports up to 5,000 lbs. of towing when properly equipped—ideal for a small boat, camper, or pair of ATVs. The XRT and Limited trims pair this turbo engine with standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive, allowing confident control in changing weather and on mixed surfaces. Add new Terrain Mode Select on XRT—featuring Snow, Mud, and Sand modes—and you can better tailor throttle response and traction logic to the moment. Whether you’re merging on the highway, climbing a gravel drive, or easing a trailer down the ramp, the Santa Cruz’s chassis feels stable and predictable, with steering that’s precise and effortless in tight city spaces.

Innovative Open Bed With Underfloor Storage and Available Lockable Cover

Hyundai engineered the bed to solve everyday problems and weekend hauling with equal ease. Standard tie-down points help you secure awkward cargo, while molded-in slots let you build a cross-plank “shelf” to stack, separate, or protect gear. The sealed underfloor storage bin drains for easy cleanup after muddy boots or icy coolers. Available adjustable C-channel utility rails with cleats make it simple to reposition tie-down points as your cargo changes. You can add an available 115-volt power outlet to run small tools or camping accessories, and an available integrated retractable tonneau cover adds lockable, weather-resistant security without eating into bed space. From mulch to mountain bikes, the Santa Cruz bed invites you to load up quickly, secure cargo confidently, and roll out with a clean, organized setup.

Panoramic Curved Display and 12.3-inch Touchscreen With Available Navigation

The interior presents information in a clear, intuitive arc. An available panoramic curved display seamlessly joins the standard high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen with an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, putting maps, key drive data, and media within easy glance. The result is a cohesive, modern digital cockpit that trims distraction and helps keep your focus forward. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is your control hub for audio, climate shortcuts, and vehicle settings, and select trims offer navigation to keep routes uncluttered and accurate. Between the display design and Hyundai’s thoughtful interface, the Santa Cruz feels distinctly upscale, with technology that supports rather than overwhelms your routine.

Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Plus Bluelink+

Staying connected is effortless in the Santa Cruz. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, so your favorite apps, maps, and playlists appear on the 12.3-inch touchscreen without plugging in. Bluelink+ adds remote convenience from a compatible smartphone—start the engine, lock or unlock doors, and more, all at no extra cost. Available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch lets you use your compatible smartphone or smartwatch to unlock and start the vehicle, and it makes sharing access with family members straightforward. Available wireless device charging keeps your cockpit tidy, while available Hyundai Pay enables convenient in-vehicle transactions on supported services. Together, these systems streamline every errand, commute, and trip.

Hyundai SmartSense Confidence and Available 360-degree Awareness

Every Santa Cruz includes a robust standard safety suite, and higher trims build on it for remarkable visibility and support. Standard features include Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is enhanced on upper trims: XRT and Limited include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT). XRT and Limited also add Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go and Curve Control, Forward Attention Warning (FAW), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), and Surround View Monitor (SVM). The net effect is greater confidence merging, backing, changing lanes, and cruising—precisely when you want it most.