“I love the vehicle, with one exception. I have had a couple of issues with the engine revving to a high rpm on me with the brake on. It is a little scary. There is only 4,000 miles on my Santa [Name] and I hope Hyundai is on top of this problem. Hyundai has always been good about fixing problems in the past, and I wouldn't expect anything different with this problem.”
Hyundai Santa Cruz: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact five-seat pickup that combines the easy driving and cabin comfort of a crossover with a short open bed. It is known for everyday usability, clever cargo storage, and enough towing ability for small trailers.
Since its 2022 debut, the Santa Cruz has followed a different path from a traditional truck. Its lasting theme is SUV-like comfort paired with a bed for bikes, camping gear, home projects, and other messy cargo. The 2025 refresh modernized the cabin and styling without changing that basic formula.
Strengths
- It drives more like a comfortable crossover than a traditional midsize truck.
- The short bed and lockable storage make it useful for bikes, camping equipment, home projects, and other cargo that is awkward inside an SUV.
- Its five-seat cabin makes it practical for daily errands and small-family use.
- Properly equipped 2026 versions were rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both represented in the 2026 lineup.
Who it's for
The Santa Cruz suits someone who wants one vehicle for commuting, errands, and weekend projects but does not need a traditional midsize truck. It is especially useful for buyers who carry bulky or dirty gear, occasionally tow a small trailer, and still want something comfortable and easy to drive every day.
Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup
The SE and SEL have long anchored the practical side of the lineup, and both began with the non-turbo engine when the Santa Cruz launched. The XRT, introduced for 2024, is the adventure-focused version; pick it for its turbo power, all-wheel drive, tougher body hardware, and added capability features. The Limited has been the upscale choice since launch, combining turbo power with a more premium feature set. In the 2026 lineup, the SEL Activity sits between the SEL and XRT, while the XRT and Limited use a conventional eight-speed automatic.
Hyundai Santa Cruz generations
From 2022 to 2026, the Santa Cruz spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2022.
1st Generation (2022–Present)
The original Santa Cruz combines a crossover-like four-door cabin with a short composite pickup bed and front-wheel-drive-based construction. It launched with non-turbo and turbo 2.5-liter engines, then received redesigned front styling and a reworked dashboard for 2025.
118 In Stock
2026
Turbocharged XRT and Limited models switched from a dual-clutch transmission to a conventional 8-speed automatic. XRT also gained selectable terrain settings.
2025Mid-cycle update
A substantial refresh brought a redesigned front end and cabin, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more physical controls.
2024Trim changes
The new XRT trim replaced SEL Premium, pairing the turbo engine and AWD with rugged-looking body hardware and added driver technology.
2023Trim changes
The Night trim joined the lineup with a darker exterior look, the turbo engine, and standard AWD.
2022New generation
The all-new Santa Cruz debuted with a four-door cabin, a short composite bed with built-in storage, and non-turbo or turbo 2.5-liter engines.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a truck or an SUV?
It is a compact pickup designed to drive more like a crossover SUV than a traditional truck. It has a five-seat cabin and an open bed, so it suits daily driving while still carrying bikes, camping gear, or project supplies.
How many people does the Santa Cruz seat?
The Santa Cruz seats five and has four doors. Its rear seat provides 36.5 inches of legroom, making it useful for passengers while retaining the open bed behind the cabin.
Does the Santa Cruz come as a hybrid?
No. The Santa Cruz has used gasoline four-cylinder engines rather than a hybrid system. Depending on the year and trim, the engine is either a 191-hp non-turbo version or a stronger 281-hp turbo version.
Does the Santa Cruz have front-wheel drive or AWD?
Both exist. Lower trims have been sold with front-wheel drive or AWD, depending on the model year and vehicle. Turbo trims generally pair the stronger engine with standard AWD.
How much can a Santa Cruz tow?
Recent Santa Cruz models are rated to tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the powertrain and equipment. Check the exact vehicle’s rating before choosing one for a trailer.
What makes the Santa Cruz bed useful?
The short bed includes lockable storage beneath the floor and additional sidewall compartments. That gives you secure spaces for smaller items while leaving the main bed open for bikes, tools, or outdoor gear.
Who is the Santa Cruz a good fit for?
It fits someone who wants crossover-like comfort but occasionally carries messy or bulky gear. It makes sense for bikes, camping equipment, home projects, and small trailers without the feel of a traditional midsize truck.
Has the Santa Cruz had a full redesign yet?
No. Every Santa Cruz from its 2022 launch onward belongs to the first generation. It received a major refresh for 2025 with revised styling, a redesigned dashboard, larger screens, and updated controls, but not an all-new generation.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
4.4
Hyundai Santa Cruz
(976 reviews)
“The Santa [Name] cost a little more than the Ford Maverick, but it has far more features such as AWD, heated and ventilated seats, and the MPG is close to what the Ford hybrid gets.”
“If you're thinking about it, do it. It handles phenomenally, is a super smooth ride, and you will have people ask you about it constantly. It is roomy, dependable, and functional. The warranty is just the icing on the cake.”
“At 140 miles, the brand new vehicle needed the transmission replaced. At a few months, sections of the leather seats seem to have the leather de-bonding. A few panels look horrible.”
“Great value for the money. It's a LOT of truck for the price. DO NOT EXPECT pickup.”
“Absolutely love the Sant Cruz but will get the turbo on the next purchase. Fun to drive and tows our 18.5 foot speedboat nicely.”
Sources
- hyundai.com — Newsroom / Detail / Enhanced Hyundai 2025 Santa Cruz Makes World Debut At The New York International Auto Show 0000000665
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4110
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4182
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4218
- hyundaiusa.com — Us / Vehicles / 2025 Santa Cruz
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Cruz / Compare Specs
- hyundainews.com — Releases / 4513
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Cruz / Se
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Cruz / Sel
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Cruz / Sel Activity
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Cruz / Xrt
- hyundaiusa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Santa Cruz / Limited