The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz pairs the comfort and maneuverability of a unibody crossover with the open-bed utility of a pickup. A refreshed interior, available turbocharged power, and one of the longest warranties in the segment make it a practical alternative to a traditional truck for drivers across Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, and Eastvale. Browse the current Santa Cruz lineup below, then reach out to Ontario Hyundai when you’re ready for a closer look.
The Santa Cruz comes in five trims. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity use a 2.5L four-cylinder with front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive optional), while the XRT and Limited step up to a turbocharged engine with standard HTRAC all-wheel drive.
| Trim | Engine / Drivetrain | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5L, FWD | $29,750 |
| SEL | 2.5L, FWD | $31,400 |
| SEL Activity | 2.5L, FWD | $34,450 |
| XRT | 2.5L Turbo, AWD | $41,350 |
| Limited | 2.5L Turbo, AWD | $43,700 |
Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, and license. All-wheel drive adds $1,500 on the SE, SEL, and SEL Activity. MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price; the dealer sets the actual selling price.
The Santa Cruz offers two engines, both paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. For 2026, the turbocharged engine’s previous dual-clutch gearbox was replaced with a conventional automatic for easier low-speed drivability. Inside, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps the cabin connected.
| Engine | Trims | Horsepower | Torque | EPA MPG (city / hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | SE, SEL, SEL Activity | 191 hp | 181 lb-ft | 22 / 30 (FWD); 21 / 29 (AWD) |
| 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl | XRT, Limited | 281 hp | 311 lb-ft | 18 / 25 (AWD) |
EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition.
Properly equipped with the turbocharged engine, the Santa Cruz tows up to 5,000 pounds — enough for a small boat, jet skis, or a lightweight trailer. The composite bed resists dents and includes a lockable, weather-sealed under-bed storage compartment with a drain plug, so it doubles as a cooler for weekend trips.
| Engine | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl (standard) | 3,500 lbs |
| 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (properly equipped) | 5,000 lbs |
Towing capacity varies by configuration and requires proper equipment, including the available tow package. Never exceed the vehicle’s rated capacity. See the Owner’s Manual towing guide for proper use and additional information.
Every new Santa Cruz is backed by Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (original owner) — double the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage on the Ford Maverick.
| Coverage | Duration |
|---|---|
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain (original owner) | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Anti-Perforation | 7 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles |
The maximum 5,000-pound rating requires a turbocharged trim (XRT or Limited) equipped with the available tow package, which adds the factory hitch and trailer pre-wiring.
The SEL Activity is a popular pick — it adds the larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and outdoor-focused features while staying below the turbocharged trims.
The biggest mechanical update is the turbocharged engine’s switch from a dual-clutch transmission to a conventional 8-speed automatic for smoother around-town driving.
See the 2026 Santa Cruz in person at Ontario Hyundai, 1307 Kettering Dr, Ontario, CA. If you’re open to a pre-owned option, browse our used Santa Cruz inventory, or call our sales team to check current availability.
