Compact pickup patrons used to decide on between bare-bones utility and full-size functionality, however one newer truck has quietly redefined sensible expectations. The Hyundai Santa Cruz blends the flexibility of a truck with the journey high quality and on a regular basis usability of a crossover, making it surprisingly succesful with out demanding the compromises that include bigger pickups. For a lot of drivers, it could be all of the pickup they really want.
What units it aside is the way it balances utility with consolation. Its progressive unibody design delivers a smoother journey and higher dealing with than conventional body-on-frame vans, whereas the cargo mattress nonetheless accommodates gear, weekend tasks, and out of doors tools with ease. Obtainable powertrains present assured acceleration for every day driving and light-weight towing, and the cabin options trendy tech and driver-assistance programs that make each drive extra pleasurable.
For patrons who desire a truck that’s versatile, straightforward to dwell with, and expressive of on a regular basis practicality somewhat than pure towing dominance, this midsize compact stands out. It proves that you just don’t all the time want a full-size pickup to deal with every day duties, and that truck can supply extra than simply uncooked functionality.
With a view to provide the newest and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with the EPA.
Why I think this truck is perfect for weekend projects and daily life
This truck makes weekend tasks and every day driving really feel easy.
An enormous good thing about choosing the Santa Cruz is its price ticket
Cheaper than most different small pickup vans
We love that compact pickup vans have made a comeback in america, and seeing them succeed places a smile on our face. Whereas there are nonetheless a great deal of folks which can be going to discover a mid-size or full-size pickup fits their wants higher, there’s a giant group of patrons who’re overpaying for vans which can be basically overkill. The Santa Cruz is snug and succesful sufficient for many, at a worth that’s exhausting to argue with.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz pricing
|
Mannequin |
Beginning MSRP |
|---|---|
|
SE |
$29,750 |
|
SEL |
$31,400 |
|
SEL Exercise |
$34,450 |
|
XRT |
$41,350 |
|
Restricted |
$43,700 |
With the Hyundai Santa Cruz beginning at just below $30,000, it undercuts a variety of the midsize choices by just a few thousand {dollars}. Sure, it may not be as outright succesful as these vans, however the Hyundai has a distinct use case. Should you’re the type of one that desires a truck mattress on your private tasks, however you understand that your truck is not going to be dealing with heavy-duty stuff at any level, the Santa Cruz could be all you want.
It does have one key rival within the compact pickup phase. The Ford Maverick is easily Hyundai’s biggest competition. In actual fact, it’s fairly simply the extra in style selection. Nonetheless, there are some advantages to choosing the Hyundai as an alternative. The Hyundai is provided with higher commonplace options, it feels a bit of extra premium, and it really tows greater than the Ford.
Which trim to go for
We predict that should you’re searching for a truck that’ll fulfill your one-car storage, then going with the XRT trim goes to be your finest wager. Sure, there’s a fairly steep enhance in worth for this trim, but it surely comes with greater than sufficient tools to justify the soar.
The XRT is the most cost effective mannequin to get the extra highly effective turbocharged engine on supply, which we’ll dive into within the subsequent part. It additionally comes with loads of different key upgrades, together with commonplace all-wheel drive, a 360-degree digicam, and a blind-spot view monitor. It additionally will get some rugged aesthetic parts, together with chunky all-terrain tires and a tough tonneau mattress cowl.
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Hyundai gives two engine decisions within the 2026 Santa Cruz
To turbocharge or to not turbocharge
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a a lot simpler truck to dwell with in comparison with a number of the extra conventional choices within the mid-size phase. It’s shorter and decrease, which makes it typically simpler to maneuver round city. It drives extra like a cushty crossover, which is fairly interesting should you do not want the additional functionality {that a} body-on-frame truck gives, and most of the people do not. The one selection it’s important to make is whether or not you need the turbocharged engine or not.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz efficiency
|
Engine |
2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four |
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four |
|---|---|---|
|
Transmission |
8-speed computerized |
8-speed computerized |
|
Horsepower |
191 HP |
281 HP |
|
Torque |
181 LB-FT |
311 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
FWD or AWD |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.8 seconds |
6 seconds |
|
Prime Pace |
120 MPH |
133 MPH |
The bottom powertrain within the Santa Cruz is a naturally aspirated four-pot, one that’s shared by quite a few completely different Hyundai merchandise. This engine is the one choice within the SE, SEL, and SEL Exercise trims. Entrance-wheel drive is commonplace on these fashions, with all-wheel drive being an non-obligatory further. The XRT and the Restricted, nonetheless, come commonplace with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.
The non-turbocharged fashions are a bit of sluggish to get going, however you should not discover them too sluggish to maintain up with site visitors. The turbocharged fashions, nonetheless, really feel outright perky, matching the acceleration of the turbocharged Ford Maverick. What actually makes the Santa Cruz shine, although, is its refined journey high quality.
Towing and payload capability
One of many largest causes that folks go for a midsize truck is their towing prowess. Nonetheless, most individuals do not actually ever tow as a lot as these vans can deal with. The Santa Cruz gives more than enough capability for the average person.
With the bottom powertrain geared up, the little truck can handle 3,500 kilos. Turbo fashions can pull as much as 5,000 kilos. The much less highly effective engine can simply deal with issues like small campers, a fishing boat, or perhaps a Toyota Camry at that ranking. The extra highly effective mannequin can deal with issues like hauling a 20-foot boat or a Ford Explorer.
Gas financial system
|
Mannequin |
Metropolis |
Freeway |
Mixed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Non-turbo FWD |
22 MPG |
30 MPG |
25 MPG |
|
Non-turbo AWD |
21 MPG |
29 MPG |
24 MPG |
|
Turbo AWD |
18 MPG |
25 MPG |
20 MPG |
Anybody who is aware of Hyundai is conscious that one among their largest weaknesses is gas financial system. The Santa Cruz demonstrates this weak point fairly clearly. Regardless of being smaller and fewer highly effective than some midsize pickup vans, it’s really much less environment friendly than most of its rivals. This truck has a variety of strengths, however effectivity is not one among them.
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This small Korean pickup feels fairly premium for its worth
Snug, spacious, and versatile
The entire level of the Santa Cruz is that it gives a extra car-like expertise than the typical pickup truck. Not everybody will like this method, however there’s something to be mentioned about having all of the utility of a pickup whereas feeling such as you’re sitting in an opulent crossover. Contemplating the value of the Santa Cruz, it comes actually well-equipped and feels extra plush than you’d anticipate.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz dimensions and luxury
|
Entrance row headroom |
40.2 inches |
|---|---|
|
Entrance row legroom |
41.4 inches |
|
Second row headroom |
39.6 inches |
|
Second row Legroom |
36.5 inches |
|
Cargo mattress size |
4.3 ft |
The Santa Cruz comes solely as a four-door Crew Cab. All issues thought of, the cabin of the Santa Cruz is fairly spacious. You are not more likely to hear any complaints from any of your passengers in terms of legroom. The four-foot mattress is smaller than what you’d get in a midsize truck, but it surely’s nonetheless versatile sufficient for the typical joe. It additionally comes with a lockable tonneau cowl and a small built-in trunk for any valuables.
Hyundai is fairly good at delivering a premium-looking cabin, even of their extra reasonably priced autos. The within of the Santa Cruz demonstrates this perfectly. It is among the nicest cabins of any pickup truck of any dimension. Numerous fascinating options are additionally obtainable, together with dual-zone computerized local weather management, heated and ventilated entrance seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Infotainment and expertise
Hyundai takes notes from extra premium manufacturers, making use of an enormous dual-screen setup that sits on prime of the dashboard. Two 12.3-inch curved screens share a single panel, with one display appearing because the digital gauge show and the opposite housing the infotainment system.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is commonplace throughout the board, which is fairly good for people who wish to make use of smartphone mirroring. A wi-fi smartphone charging pad can also be obtainable on SEL Exercise fashions and better. Prime trims may also come geared up with a premium Bose sound system.
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