2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz might just steal your heart. Hyundai dropped the first official peeks at this compact pickup, and it’s turning heads with its sleek lines and serious muscle. No massive redesign this year—just smart tweaks that make it even better for everyday adventures.
Powerful Engine That Packs a Punch
Under the hood, the Santa Cruz keeps things straightforward but strong. The base model rocks a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It’s smooth for city cruising and gets you decent mileage—think around 22 mpg in town and 30 on the highway. But if you want that extra kick, step up to the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter with 281 horsepower. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it zips from 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds. Hyundai ditched the old dual-clutch setup for something more reliable, so shifts feel buttery without the drama.
Towing Capability That Surprises
One of the coolest things about the Santa Cruz is how it punches above its weight in the towing game. With the base engine, you can pull up to 3,500 pounds—enough for a small boat or a couple of ATVs. But hook up that turbo, and it jumps to a solid 5,000 pounds, matching big boys like the Honda Ridgeline. That’s huge for a truck shorter than most mid-sizers, measuring just 195.9 inches long.
Payload’s no slouch either, at about 1,411 pounds in the bed. The cargo area stretches 4.3 feet with the tailgate up, or 6.2 feet down, with handy locks and dividers to keep stuff from flying around. It’s like Hyundai thought, “Why not make hauling fun?” Off-road fans will dig the XRT trim’s wider fenders and tow hooks for light trail work.
Price That Won’t Break the Bank
Good news for budget watchers: The 2026 Santa Cruz starts at an approachable $29,500 for the SE trim. Bump up to SEL for around $32,000, and the turbo-equipped XRT or Limited tops out near $40,000. That’s competitive with the Ford Maverick, but you get more polish here. Add-ons like AWD run about $1,800 extra. Factor in Hyundai’s killer warranty—10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain—and it feels like a steal.
Specs & Features for Everyday Wins
Specs-wise, this truck’s a gem. It’s 75 inches wide and 66.7 inches tall, with 8.6 inches of ground clearance for potholes or gravel paths. Inside, it’s luxury on a budget: A 12.3-inch touchscreen blasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, plus four USB-C ports to keep everyone charged. Higher trims get a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, Bose audio, and leather seats that hug you just right.