2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a conventional 8-speed automatic in the turbocharged XRT and Limited, replacing their previous dual-clutch transmission. Otherwise, this is a light-update year following the larger 2025 refresh.
About the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
1st generation Santa Cruz (2022-present), second year after the 2025 refresh.
Hyundai positions Santa Cruz as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle” rather than a traditional pickup. The core idea is SUV-like comfort, easy daily drivability, and a five-seat cabin paired with an open bed, lockable storage, and useful towing. It stands out because it feels more like a crossover in normal driving than a midsize truck, while still handling bikes, camping gear, home projects, or small trailers better than a typical compact SUV.
The 2026 Santa Cruz ranges from the straightforward SE, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and locking under-bed storage, to the better-equipped SEL Activity, with a sunroof, digital gauges, and a bed-mounted power outlet. The XRT emphasizes rugged styling and turbocharged AWD capability, while the Limited adds leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats, Bose audio, and extra camera views.
What changed, by category
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp | 281 hp | 281 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The biggest change is a conventional 8-speed automatic for the turbocharged XRT and Limited. It replaces the dual-clutch transmission used in those trims for 2025.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz redesigned?
No, the 2026 Santa Cruz is not redesigned. It is the second model year following the substantial 2025 refresh, so its cabin layout, screens, styling, and trim lineup largely carry over.
Which 2026 Santa Cruz trims get the new conventional automatic?
The turbocharged XRT and Limited get the conventional 8-speed automatic for 2026. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity already use an 8-speed automatic with their 191-hp engine and remain largely unchanged.
What changed on the 2026 Santa Cruz XRT?
The 2026 Santa Cruz XRT switches to a conventional 8-speed automatic and gains Terrain Mode Select. Its Snow, Mud, and Sand settings tailor the vehicle's response to different surfaces.
Is a 2026 Santa Cruz worth considering over a 2025?
The 2026 is most meaningfully different if you are comparing XRT or Limited models, because both replace the prior dual-clutch gearbox with a conventional automatic, and the XRT adds terrain modes. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity are largely unchanged, so vehicle condition, mileage, and equipment may matter more when comparing those trims.