Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz a Smart Pick for Burlingame, CA Drivers?

Hyundai of San Bruno – Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz a Smart Pick for Burlingame, CA Drivers?

Choosing the right traction system matters when your week includes rain-slick commutes, steep neighborhood grades, and spontaneous drives to the coast. On the 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive adds confidence without the bulk or complexity of a larger pickup, making it a compelling match for the way drivers navigate Burlingame, CA and beyond.

Let’s look at how HTRAC AWD works with SANTA CRUZ’s chassis and technology, when it makes the biggest difference, and which trims pair it with capability-focused features such as Terrain Mode Select. We’ll also outline what you gain if you choose the available 2.5L turbocharged engine for towing and hill climbing, and how driver assistance features support the AWD system for a more relaxed daily drive.

• How HTRAC helps in daily weather: The system monitors wheel slip and driver inputs, actively adjusting torque split for traction in rain and on uneven pavement while maintaining a natural steering feel.
• Steep hills and stop-and-go: HTRAC AWD provides a planted launch and steady traction on inclines, which is useful at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic on hilly routes.
• Weekend detours off the pavement: On select trims, Terrain Mode Select adds Snow, Mud, and Sand, optimizing throttle and torque distribution when you head toward trailheads or beaches.
• Synergy with SmartSense: Driver assistance features like Lane Following Assist and, on upper trims, Highway Driving Assist help keep you centered and reduce fatigue while HTRAC manages traction.

Beyond traction, consider how HTRAC AWD integrates with the available 2.5L turbocharged GDI-MPI engine. The turbo’s strong low- and mid-range torque makes merging, hill climbs, and towing feel effortless. When properly equipped, SANTA CRUZ can tow up to 5,000 lbs—enough for many small campers or a pair of motorcycles. If you want more grip and more go, the turbo and HTRAC pairing is a standout combination.

Cabin tech complements that capability. The available panoramic curved display fuses the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for streamlined visibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, and Bluelink+ offers remote start, door lock/unlock, and more from a compatible smartphone at no extra cost. Available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch can even let you use a compatible device to unlock and start the vehicle—handy when you’re juggling gear at the tailgate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need HTRAC AWD if I mostly drive around town?

Many Burlingame, CA drivers appreciate HTRAC AWD for added security on wet mornings and for confidence on hills. If you stick to fair-weather, flat routes, FWD may be sufficient; AWD becomes more valuable as your driving mix adds rain, grades, or unpaved lots.

Which trims offer the most capability with AWD?

HTRAC AWD is available across the lineup. If you want a capability and styling boost, the XRT adds off-road-inspired design, all-terrain-focused elements, and Terrain Mode Select with Snow, Mud, and Sand to help on varied surfaces.

Is the turbo engine worth it with HTRAC AWD?

If you plan to tow, climb steep grades regularly, or prefer stronger passing power, the available 2.5L turbo pairs exceptionally well with HTRAC AWD. It helps SANTA CRUZ feel composed and responsive with a trailer or full weekend load.

How do driver assistance features support AWD?

Systems like Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and, on upper trims, Highway Driving Assist reduce workload and help maintain calm progress while HTRAC manages traction. It’s a complementary approach to confident, low-stress driving.

If you’re weighing AWD for local life, consider the routes you drive most and the adventures you want to add. Hyundai of San Bruno can demonstrate HTRAC AWD on a route that matches your daily mix, with time to explore the bed’s storage solutions, the available integrated tonneau cover, and the panoramic curved display. We are in San Bruno, serving South San Francisco, San Francisco, and Burlingame, and we’re ready to help tailor a build that fits your driveway and your weekend.

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