2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Specs, Pricing and What’s New
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz pairs an open pickup bed with the cabin and ride quality of a crossover. Pricing starts at $31,950 MSRP for the SE and reaches $44,425 MSRP for the XRT AWD. Every configuration seats five, carries 27 cubic feet in the bed, and tows 3,500 pounds with the standard engine or 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine when properly equipped. For Ontario drivers who want the utility of a truck bed without a full-size truck’s footprint, the Santa Cruz occupies a genuinely useful middle ground.
What Changed for the 2027 Santa Cruz
The 2027 Santa Cruz is a carry-over model, so the vehicle itself is unchanged. The lineup is not. Hyundai discontinued the SEL and Limited trims for 2027, narrowing the range to three trim levels: SE, SEL Activity, and XRT.
SE and SEL Activity are each offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The XRT is all-wheel drive only. That yields five configurations in total.
If you researched a 2026 Santa Cruz, this is the change worth knowing. The Limited previously sat at the top of the range. For 2027, the XRT takes that position.
2027 Santa Cruz Pricing by Configuration
The 2027 lineup spans $12,475 in MSRP from the entry point to the top configuration.
| Configuration | Engine | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| SE 2.5 | 2.5L naturally aspirated | $31,950 MSRP |
| SE 2.5 AWD | 2.5L naturally aspirated | $33,450 MSRP |
| SEL Activity 2.5 | 2.5L naturally aspirated | $36,350 MSRP |
| SEL Activity 2.5 AWD | 2.5L naturally aspirated | $37,850 MSRP |
| XRT 2.5 AWD | 2.5L turbocharged | $44,425 MSRP |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
SE and SE AWD
The SE at $31,950 MSRP delivers the core Santa Cruz package: the crew cab body, five-passenger seating, the 27 cubic foot bed, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Adding all-wheel drive adds $1,500 to MSRP, bringing the SE AWD to $33,450 MSRP.
SEL Activity and SEL Activity AWD
The SEL Activity at $36,350 MSRP is where the Santa Cruz becomes more comfortable as a daily driver. It adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, a 115-volt bed outlet, and an integrated tonneau cover. The SEL Activity AWD comes in at $37,850 MSRP.
XRT AWD
The XRT AWD at $44,425 MSRP is a different proposition. The turbocharged engine, 5,000-pound towing capacity, Bose premium audio, built-in navigation, and standard Terrain Mode make it the choice for buyers who want maximum capability.
Factory Packages
Three factory packages are listed for the Santa Cruz: the Cargo Package, the Tow and Go Package, and the Protection Package. Contact Ontario Hyundai for current package availability and pricing.
Performance: Two Engines Across Five Configurations
The XRT uses a different engine from the other four configurations. The SE, SE AWD, SEL Activity, and SEL Activity AWD share Hyundai’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The XRT pairs the same 2.5-liter block with a turbocharger, raising output to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft.
| Spec | SE 2.5 | SE 2.5 AWD | SEL Activity 2.5 | SEL Activity 2.5 AWD | XRT 2.5 AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Bed volume | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft |
All five configurations use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The naturally aspirated engine makes peak power at 6,100 rpm and peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The turbocharged engine peaks at 5,800 rpm for power and delivers maximum torque from 1,700 rpm, which is why the XRT feels noticeably stronger from a standstill and when merging onto the I-10.
Ground clearance is 8.6 inches. The XRT adds a standard Terrain Mode with settings for mud, snow, and sand.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
2027 Santa Cruz Fuel Economy
Fuel economy tracks the drivetrain and engine rather than the trim. Front-wheel-drive configurations return the best numbers, all-wheel drive costs about one mpg in each cycle, and the turbocharged XRT trades efficiency for output. Published EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2027 Santa Cruz is listed by configuration on Cars.com.
| Configuration | EPA-Estimated City | EPA-Estimated Highway |
|---|---|---|
| SE 2.5 | 22 mpg | 30 mpg |
| SE 2.5 AWD | 21 mpg | 29 mpg |
| SEL Activity 2.5 | 22 mpg | 30 mpg |
| SEL Activity 2.5 AWD | 21 mpg | 29 mpg |
| XRT 2.5 AWD | 18 mpg | 25 mpg |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Cabin, Bed, and Everyday Practicality
Seating and Interior
The Santa Cruz seats five in a two-plus-three configuration, with front bucket seats and a split-bench rear seat that folds asymmetrically. Front legroom measures 41.4 inches and front shoulder room 57.7 inches, which is genuine adult space rather than compromise seating.
Leatherette upholstery is standard from the SE up, which suits families who need a surface that wipes clean. The SEL Activity and XRT upgrade the driver’s seat to a power-adjustable setup and add dual-zone automatic climate control; the SE uses manual seat adjustment and manual climate control.
The Bed
The bed holds 27 cubic feet across every configuration and includes a locking underfloor storage compartment and integrated D-rings. The SEL Activity and XRT add an integrated tonneau cover for weather protection and security.
Exterior Dimensions
The Santa Cruz measures 195.9 inches long on the XRT, with a 118.3-inch wheelbase and 75 inches of width. Those are compact-crossover proportions, which is why the Santa Cruz parks in spaces where a full-size truck does not. LED headlights and taillights are standard across the lineup, along with 18-inch wheels and acoustically laminated glass.
Technology in the 2027 Santa Cruz
Every 2027 Santa Cruz gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. USB-C ports are available in both rows.
The SE pairs that touchscreen with a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display. The SEL Activity and XRT upgrade to a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, creating a dual-screen cockpit that is easier to read at a glance, and both add a wireless charging pad.
The XRT adds built-in navigation with voice command, a Bose premium audio system, and navigation-based smart cruise control. It is the only configuration in the 2027 lineup with factory navigation.
Safety Features and Ratings
Standard Driver Assistance
The 2027 Santa Cruz comes standard with front and rear automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, and a rear camera. Six airbags are standard, along with anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. The core driver-assistance suite is fully equipped from the entry-level SE, so buyers do not need to step up a trim to get it.
The XRT adds Highway Driving Assist, intersection collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot view camera.
Crash Test Ratings
The 2026 Santa Cruz earned a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA, with five stars in both the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. Hyundai lists it among its 2026 models rated 5 stars overall. NHTSA has not published separate ratings for the 2027 model year.
From the IIHS, the 2026 Santa Cruz earned a 2025 Top Safety Pick award, with Good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests and an Acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. It was the only small pickup in its segment to earn that award.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
Warranty Coverage
Hyundai’s warranty remains one of the strongest in the segment. Full terms are published on Hyundai’s warranty page.
| Coverage | Term |
|---|---|
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Anti-Perforation Warranty | 7 years / unlimited miles |
| 24-Hour Roadside Assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles |
For a household relying on the Santa Cruz as a primary vehicle, that 10-year powertrain coverage meaningfully reduces long-term ownership risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The SE, SE AWD, SEL Activity, and SEL Activity AWD tow up to 3,500 pounds. The XRT AWD is rated at 5,000 pounds, thanks to its turbocharged 281-horsepower engine. Both ratings require the vehicle to be properly equipped. If you regularly tow a small trailer, a boat, or camping gear, the XRT is the configuration that delivers that capability. For lighter occasional towing, the 3,500-pound rating covers most needs. Our 2026 Santa Cruz towing capacity guide breaks the ratings down further.
Which 2027 Santa Cruz trims offer all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is available on three of the five configurations: the SE AWD at $33,450 MSRP, the SEL Activity AWD at $37,850 MSRP, and the XRT AWD at $44,425 MSRP. The SE and SEL Activity are front-wheel drive in their base form. The XRT comes with all-wheel drive as standard. You can see which other models offer it in our guide to Hyundai AWD vehicles.
What is the MPG of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Front-wheel-drive configurations are EPA-estimated at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. All-wheel-drive configurations with the naturally aspirated engine are EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The turbocharged XRT AWD is EPA-estimated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
How much cargo does the 2027 Santa Cruz bed hold?
The bed holds 27 cubic feet across every configuration and includes a locking underfloor storage compartment and integrated D-rings. The SEL Activity and XRT include an integrated tonneau cover for weather protection.
What safety features are standard on every 2027 Santa Cruz?
Every configuration, including the base SE, includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, front and rear automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, a rear camera, six airbags, and electronic stability control. The 2026 Santa Cruz earned a 5-star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating.
How do I see 2027 Santa Cruz inventory at Ontario Hyundai?
Browse our new Santa Cruz inventory online to check configuration availability and in-stock builds. For help comparing configurations, call our sales team at 888-653-8231 or visit us at 1307 Kettering Dr, Ontario, CA 91761.
Disclaimers
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.