Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

HTRAC All Wheel Drive

Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive helps the SANTA CRUZ stay composed on wet pavement, gravel turnoffs, and winding roads. The system continuously monitors wheel slip and driver inputs to vary torque distribution front to rear, enhancing traction and stability. On select trims, you can further tailor traction with Terrain Mode Select featuring Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, giving you extra confidence when the forecast or route is uncertain. Beyond foul-weather poise, HTRAC AWD works seamlessly with Hyundai SmartSense systems to help keep you centered and calm on the highway. It’s the capability edge that lets you say yes to last-minute detours and unpaved trailheads without upsizing into a full-size truck.

2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI Engine

The available 2.5L turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder energizes the lineup with up to 281 horsepower for crisp merging, clean freeway passes, and confident towing. Pair it with available HTRAC AWD for enhanced traction and you can tow up to 5,000 lbs when the vehicle is properly equipped. Throttle response is tuned to be smooth around town yet strong when you call for it, making daily driving relaxed and long climbs feel effortless. If you prefer a balanced commute-first setup, the standard 2.5L GDI-MPI engine delivers refined performance and efficiency, while the turbocharged option adds muscle for bigger weekends.

Innovative bed design

The SANTA CRUZ bed is a gear-friendly Swiss Army knife. Standard tie-down points help secure bikes, boards, and bulky items, while molded-in slots enable DIY cross-plank shelving to organize cargo vertically. A sealed underfloor bin that drains functions as a lockable, stashable cooler or tool storage, and the available 115V power outlet supports campsite lighting and jobsite tools. For added security and weather protection, the available integrated tonneau cover locks and retracts cleanly, preserving bed utility while protecting your haul. With this kind of built-in versatility, you can load up for surfing, camping, or home projects without extra accessories or guesswork.

Panoramic curved display

Inside, the available panoramic curved display elevates the cockpit with a clean, modern sweep of glass that integrates a standard high-resolution 12.3-inch touchscreen and an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The interface is crisp and intuitive, putting navigation, media, and vehicle settings at your fingertips. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, and available embedded navigation on select trims extends the system’s reach. The design not only looks premium—it enhances visibility and minimizes distraction. It’s a tech-forward space that feels curated for active drivers who want their truck to double as a commuter command center.

Hyundai SmartSense

Every SANTA CRUZ comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a robust suite of driver assistance features. Standard systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and High Beam Assist (HBA). Move up to XRT and Limited for additional technologies like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Curve Control, Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Forward Attention Warning (FAW). Together, these features help you maintain awareness, reduce stress, and support safer decisions on busy roads.