New Hyundai Santa Cruz review

A spirited four-cylinder powertrain delivers ample acceleration. With 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at your disposal, the Santa Cruz truck has the oomph needed for an engaging driving experience.

For those seeking an even more exhilarating ride, the more advanced powertrain is a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. This true powerhouse cranks up a robust 281 horsepower and an impressive 311 lb-ft of torque. A tow mode makes it easier and safer to pull a big load.

This high-performance midsize truck is paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, a sophisticated system that employs two separate clutches to manage odd and even gear sets separately.

Enhancing its versatility, the all-wheel drive system can efficiently distribute torque to the wheels that require extra traction. This proves valuable not only for all-weather driving but also for off-road adventures, ensuring you have the grip you need when it matters most. Moreover, paddle shifters are available, allowing you to take control like a manual, giving you a more personalized driving experience.

With its impressive 8.6-inch ground clearance, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is well-prepared to conquer even the most demanding terrains. Santa Cruz XRT models come loaded with sturdy bed rails, protective skid plates, and specialized side steps. Some models are further enhanced with special LED bed lighting.

The bed, built with a one-piece composite construction, offers more than meets the eye. It comes complete with a lockable hidden compartment and convenient sidewall storage units, providing a secure space for your equipment and tools. Heavy-duty cargo D-rings make it easy to secure your gear during transport.

The tailgate, featuring assisted open and close functions, can be flattened at the normal and a higher point. Then the flat surface matches up with the greater width, allowing you to move 4x8 plywood quite easily. Accessing the truck bed is a breeze, thanks to the integrated steps that facilitate easy entry and exit.

Additionally, the tonneau cover ensures a flush closure against the wall, optimizing space for larger loads. Inside the vehicle, the rear cushions can be flipped up to create extra interior storage capacity, making the 2025 Santa Cruz exceptionally versatile for all your hauling needs. Competitive financing is available from your Earnhardt Hyundai in Avondale, your Phoenix Hyundai dealership.

The Hyundai truck’s interior is thoughtfully designed to offer an SUV-like space, accommodating both passengers and cargo with a generous 104 cubic feet of interior volume. Not only is it spacious, but it also features stain- and odor-resistant cloth upholstery, making maintenance a breeze.

Inside, you'll find a range of additional features that contribute to your comfort and convenience. These include an acoustic windshield, which helps reduce noise for a quieter cabin, and an electronic parking brake for added ease of use. The SEL trim goes the extra mile, providing the driver with a power-adjustable chair for personalized comfort.

Dual automatic climate controls offer a unique multi-air mode, ensuring optimal temperature control, and both front seats are equipped with a power heating function, delivering comfort no matter the season. Rear passengers enjoy dedicated features such as USB ports and console-mounted A/C vents.

For an enhanced open-air experience, the rear glass window slides open, while an available sunroof further adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

The 2026 Santa Cruz Night Package introduces a touch of sophistication with its darker exterior elements and the use of black HTex soft-touch materials in the interior. Santa Cruz XRT and Limited trim levels offer a premium touch with black H-Tex or luxurious leather upholstery.

Owners enjoy seamless connectivity, entertainment, and information at their fingertips or with intelligent voice recognition. The 8-inch touchscreen centralizes your connectivity, effortlessly integrating with your smartphone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless across the trim lineup. These features simplify access to your apps, calls, messages, and personalized entertainment.

Choosing the SEL trim with the Convenience Package introduces additional tech features like push-button start and BlueLink technology, which enables remote starting of your new Santa Cruz.

The most exciting tech toys are the 12.3-inch audio-video navigation display and a 12.3-inch driver information cluster. Hyundai includes special controls, switches and buttons to make it easy to interact with the most commonly used functions, such as the air conditioning.

This system provides navigation, real-time traffic data, HD radio incident information, dynamic voice recognition, and over-the-air updates for a truly advanced driving experience. The Hyundai Digital Key adds sophistication, enabling smartphone-based locking, unlocking, and starting of this midsize truck.

The new Hyundai Santa Cruz prioritizes your road safety with a seamless suite of advanced features. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and related Pedestrian Detection detects potential frontal collisions and pedestrians, actively preventing accidents. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts ensure timely warnings and interventions. Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assists maintain lane integrity, reducing collision risks.

Junction-Turning Assistance improves intersection safety by detecting turn dangers and oncoming threats. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist enforces legal speeds. Leading Vehicle Departure Alert minimizes delays and rear-end collisions. Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control enhances cruise control efficiency around curves.

Highway Driving Assist combines lane-following and smart cruise control for semi-automated highway driving. A surround view camera system simplifies tight spaces, while the Blind-Spot View Camera System increases blind spot awareness.

With so much to offer its driver, this truck is a really satisfying vehicle to own. Schedule a test drive of the new Santa Cruz truck at Earnhardt Hyundai in Avondale.