2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Starting MSRP
$29,500
to $43,450
About the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a compelling value proposition within the compact utility segment, anchored by a competitive starting price of $29,500 across its 8 available trims. Equipped with the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, this model delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, managed through an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings are a key metric, achieving a combined 25 MPG (22 city/30 highway) utilizing regular unleaded fuel, which positions the front-wheel-drive configuration favorably for efficiency-focused buyers. Measuring 195.7 inches in length and boasting a 118.3-inch wheelbase, the 2026 Santa Cruz balances maneuverability with interior volume, offering 41.4 inches of front legroom for the driver and front passenger.
Key Highlights
Highway Efficiency Benchmark
The standard powertrain achieves a maximum highway fuel economy rating of 30 MPG, providing substantial range from its regular unleaded fuel system.
Substantial Wheelbase
A wheelbase measurement of 118.3 inches contributes to the overall vehicle stability and the spacious 41.4 inches of front legroom.
Eight Trim Configurations
The availability of 8 distinct trims, ranging from the SE up to the SEL Activity variants, allows consumers to precisely match features to the $29,500 to $43,450 price spectrum.
Torque Output
The baseline 2.5L engine produces 181 lb-ft of torque, offering adequate pulling power for utility applications when paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Best For
Budget-Conscious Commuters
- The 2026 Santa Cruz offers a combined 25 MPG rating and a lower entry price point near $29,500 for the SE trim.
Space-Focused Drivers
- With 41.4 inches of front legroom, the vehicle maximizes space for occupants on its 195.7-inch long chassis.
Towing/Utility Seekers
- Buyers can access higher trim levels that feature All-Wheel Drive capability to complement the standard 181 lb-ft of torque.
Available Trims
| Trim | MSRP | Drivetrain | Horsepower | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | $43,450 | all wheel drive | 281 hp | 20 mpg |
| SE 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | $31,000 | all wheel drive | 191 hp | 24 mpg |
| SE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | $29,500 | front wheel drive | 191 hp | 25 mpg |
| SEL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | $32,650 | all wheel drive | 191 hp | 24 mpg |
| SEL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | $31,150 | front wheel drive | 191 hp | 25 mpg |
| SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | $35,700 | all wheel drive | 191 hp | 24 mpg |
| SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | $34,200 | front wheel drive | 191 hp | 25 mpg |
| XRT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | $41,100 | all wheel drive | 281 hp | 20 mpg |
Specifications comparison table for 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Data includes dimensions, performance, fuel economy, and interior specifications. Green highlighting indicates best values, red indicates worst values.
Specifications Comparison
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Features Comparison
Feature
Limited 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
SE 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
SE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
SEL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
SEL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
XRT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
| Feature | Limited 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | SE 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | SE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | SEL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | SEL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) | XRT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety (32 features) | ||||||||
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ||||||||
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||||
| Blind Spot Monitor | ||||||||
| Brake Assist | ||||||||
| Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||
| Driver Attention Alert | ||||||||
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ||||||||
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ||||||||
| Electronic Stability Control | ||||||||
| Engine Immobilizer | ||||||||
| Front Head Airbags | ||||||||
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ||||||||
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ||||||||
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | — | ||||||
| LATCH System | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ||||||||
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ||||||||
| Post-Collision Safety System | ||||||||
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ||||||||
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ||||||||
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ||||||||
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ||||||||
| Rear Head Airbags | ||||||||
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ||||||||
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ||||||||
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ||||||||
| Traction Control System | ||||||||
| Engine (9 features) | ||||||||
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L | 2.5 L | 2.5 L | 2.5 L | 2.5 L | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas | gas |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Fuel Injection Type | ||||||||
| Horsepower | 281 hp @ 5800 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 281 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Drive Train (4 features) | ||||||||
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip | — | Limited Slip | — | Limited Slip | — | Limited Slip |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive | front wheel drive | all wheel drive | front wheel drive | all wheel drive | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Fuel (5 features) | ||||||||
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 318.6/442.5 mi. | 371.7/513.3 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 371.7/513.3 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 371.7/513.3 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 318.6/442.5 mi. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/25 MPG | 21/29 MPG | 22/30 MPG | 21/29 MPG | 22/30 MPG | 21/29 MPG | 22/30 MPG | 18/25 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 20 MPG | 24 MPG | 25 MPG | 24 MPG | 25 MPG | 24 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Warranty (4 features) | ||||||||
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Comfort & Convenience (27 features) | ||||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Cruise Control | — | — | ||||||
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ||||||||
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | — | ||||||
| Electric Power Steering | ||||||||
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ||||||||
| Front Cupholders | ||||||||
| Front Door Pockets | ||||||||
| Front Seatback Storage | ||||||||
| Front View Camera | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Interior Air Filtration | ||||||||
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Push Button Start | ||||||||
| Rear Cupholders | ||||||||
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Side View Camera | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | — | ||||||
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | — | — | — | ||||
| In Car Entertainment (11 features) | ||||||||
| AM/FM Stereo | ||||||||
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ||||||||
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ||||||||
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in | 12.3 in | 12.3 in | 12.3 in | 12.3 in | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speaker System | — | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| USB Port | ||||||||
| USB Port with External Media Control | ||||||||
| Power Feature (4 features) | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — | — | — | — | 1st Row Power Glass | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Frontseats (19 features) | ||||||||
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — | — | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ||||||||
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — | — | Power | Power | Power | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way | 6-way | — | — | — | — | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — | — | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 40.2 in. | 40.2 in. | 40.2 in. | 40.2 in. | 38.2 in. | 38.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 54.5 in. | 54.5 in. | 54.5 in. | 54.5 in. | 54.5 in. | 54.5 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ||||||||
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — | — | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Seat Material: Leather | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | — | — | |||||
| Rearseats (6 features) | ||||||||
| Folding Center Armrest | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 53.5 in. | 53.5 in. | 53.5 in. | 53.5 in. | 53.5 in. | 53.5 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ||||||||
| Tires and Wheels (7 features) | ||||||||
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary | Temporary |
| Tire Size | 245/50R20 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Season | All Terrain |
| Wheel Dimensions | 20 x 7.5 in | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Suspension (1 feature) | ||||||||
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ||||||||
| Instrumentation (5 features) | ||||||||
| Clock | ||||||||
| Compass | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| External Temperature Display | ||||||||
| Tachometer | ||||||||
| Trip Computer | ||||||||
| Measurements (13 features) | ||||||||
| Angle of Approach | 16.9 degrees | 16.9 degrees | 16.9 degrees | 16.9 degrees | 16.9 degrees | 16.9 degrees | 16.9 degrees | 19.9 degrees |
| Angle of Departure | 23.2 degrees | 23.2 degrees | 23.2 degrees | 23.2 degrees | 23.2 degrees | 23.2 degrees | 23.2 degrees | 23.2 degrees |
| Bed Length | 52.1 in. | 52.1 in. | 52.1 in. | 52.1 in. | 52.1 in. | 52.1 in. | 52.1 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Country of Final Assembly | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States | United States |
| Curb Weight | 4191 lbs. | 3922 lbs. | 3779 lbs. | 3948 lbs. | 3805 lbs. | 4043 lbs. | 3900 lbs. | 4140 lbs. |
| EPA Interior Volume | 101.8 cu.ft. | 101.8 cu.ft. | 101.8 cu.ft. | 101.8 cu.ft. | 101.8 cu.ft. | 101.8 cu.ft. | 101.8 cu.ft. | 101.8 cu.ft. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. |
| Height | 66.9 in. | 66.7 in. | 66.7 in. | 66.9 in. | 66.9 in. | 66.9 in. | 66.9 in. | 66.9 in. |
| Length | 195.7 in. | 195.7 in. | 195.7 in. | 195.7 in. | 195.7 in. | 195.7 in. | 195.7 in. | 195.9 in. |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs. | 3500 lbs. | 3500 lbs. | 3500 lbs. | 3500 lbs. | 5000 lbs. | 3500 lbs. | 5000 lbs. |
| Turning Circle | 39.6 ft. | 39.6 ft. | 39.6 ft. | 39.6 ft. | 39.6 ft. | 39.6 ft. | 39.6 ft. | 39.6 ft. |
| Wheelbase | 118.3 in. | 118.3 in. | 118.3 in. | 118.3 in. | 118.3 in. | 118.3 in. | 118.3 in. | 118.3 in. |
| Width (Without Mirrors) | 75.0 in. | 75.0 in. | 75.0 in. | 75.0 in. | 75.0 in. | 75.0 in. | 75.0 in. | 75.0 in. |
| Telematics (7 features) | ||||||||
| Airbag Deployment Notification | ||||||||
| Emergency Service | ||||||||
| Hands-Free Calling | ||||||||
| Roadside Assistance | ||||||||
| Stolen Vehicle Tracking | ||||||||
| Turn-by-Turn Navigation | ||||||||
| Vehicle Alarm Notification | ||||||||
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard horsepower and torque rating for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The standard engine configuration for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel economy compare between city and highway driving?
The FWD models achieve 22 MPG in city driving conditions and 30 MPG on the highway, yielding a combined rating of 25 MPG.
What is the dimensional footprint of the 2026 Santa Cruz?
The vehicle measures 195.7 inches in length, 75.0 inches in width, and stands 66.7 inches tall.
Does the standard model require premium fuel?
No, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz operates effectively using regular unleaded fuel, supporting lower long-term operating costs.
How much rear legroom is provided for back-seat passengers?
Rear passengers in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz benefit from 36.5 inches of available legroom.
Compare the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
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