Trims, Powertrain, and Performance

The quintet of 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim levels consists of the SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity are given a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. Drivers seeking more power can look to the XRT and Limited for their turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which boosts output to 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both engines pair with the aforementioned eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the SE, SEL, and SEL Activity, while the XRT and Limited get Hyundai’s HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for enhanced traction and off-road capability (AWD is also available as an option on the three lower trims). The FWD Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which rises to 5,000 lb. with AWD.

Fuel Efficiency

The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity with FWD carry an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while those same trims with AWD achieve 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway. The more powerful XRT and Limited return 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, balancing performance with respectable efficiency.

Standout Amenities

The base SE is given a good range of features, such as remote start, cloth upholstery, proximity keyless entry with push-button ignition, four USB ports, LED interior lighting, 60/40-split tip-up rear seat cushions, a 4.2-inch digital gauge display, and a drive mode selector. Its exterior amenities include automatic bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, an LED cargo light, rear privacy glass, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The SEL is upgraded with premium touches like H-Tex leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, touch-capacitive dual-zone automatic climate control, roof rails, and heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators.

The SEL Activity shows off more amenities and utility-focused upgrades, including a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, wireless phone charging, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, rear-seat air vents, and a rear sliding-glass window. Its cargo bed gains more functionality with LED lighting, a factory-installed tonneau cover featuring T-slot utility tracks, a dual C-channel adjustable utility rail and cleat system, and a 115-volt power outlet that comes in handy for tailgating, camping trips, and everything in between.

The XRT lures adventure lovers with its more rugged design and standard AWD. Although it omits the sunroof, it adds black H-Tex upholstery, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, a dedicated Tow mode, trim-specific wheels, dark exterior accents, and reinforced fender flares.

At the top, the Limited blends luxury and utility with the power sunroof, genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, customizable 64-color ambient interior lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Active Safety Features

Every ‘26 Santa Cruz comes with the Hyundai SmartSense safety suite for a comprehensive array of driver-assistance features designed to boost confidence behind the wheel. The standard technologies are driver attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, automatic high beams, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The XRT and Limited add a blind-spot view monitor, an enhanced forward collision-avoidance system with cyclist and junction turning detection, navigation-based smart cruise control with stop-and-go, highway driving assist, and speed limit assist. The Limited is the only trim that gets a surround-view monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All ‘26 Santa Cruz trims receive an intuitively operated 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming. In the XRT and Limited, dynamic voice recognition bolsters the setup, allowing for convenient, hands-free control of key functions. While the lower trims get a good unbranded audio system, the Limited is treated to a high-end Bose setup with excellent sound quality.