2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz nearby Conway, SC
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a five-passenger vehicle that combines a unibody structure, an open-bed utility layout, and a broad range of mechanical, comfort, technology, and safety equipment. Its technical foundation includes two Smartstream® 2.5L engine configurations, an 8-speed automatic torque converter transmission, available HTRAC all-wheel drive, Motor Driven Power Steering, and a chassis built with Advanced High Strength Steels and high-tensile steel. The model also integrates open-bed storage features, including a Sheet Molded Composite bed, lockable under-bed storage, sidewall bed storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, and an assisted multi-functional tailgate. Inside the cabin, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz supports daily use with five-passenger seating, available power-adjustable front seats, touchscreen infotainment systems, connected services, digital instrumentation, and multiple USB Type-C ports. Its safety and driver-assistance equipment include advanced airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and available camera-based support systems.
Powertrain, Transmission, and Drive Systems
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses two Smartstream® engine configurations that give the lineup a clear mechanical structure. The 2.5L GDI and MPI DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine has a displacement of 2,497 cc and includes Continuously Variable Valve Timing. This engine uses an aluminum block and head, a full engine cover, a variable intake system, and regular unleaded fuel. It produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. These specifications establish the standard powertrain as a straightforward gasoline engine with defined output, fuel, and construction characteristics.
Smartstream® Engine Construction
The available 2.5T Turbo GDI and MPI DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine also has a 2,497 cc displacement and uses Continuously Variable Valve Timing. It shares the aluminum block and head construction, full engine cover, hood insulator, distributorless ignition system, and single-tip exhaust found in the 2.5L engine configuration. The turbocharged engine produces 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 to 4,000 rpm. Its turbocharged intake system and 10.5 compression ratio distinguish it from the naturally aspirated engine, which uses a variable intake system and a 13.0 compression ratio. Both engines use an 85.5 mm by 101.5 mm bore and stroke, carry the ULEV emissions control designation, and operate on regular unleaded fuel.
Transmission and Traction Equipment
Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses an 8-speed automatic torque converter transmission. The 2.5L configuration includes front-wheel drive as standard equipment and offers HTRAC all-wheel drive with Active On-Demand capability. The 2.5T configuration includes HTRAC all-wheel drive with Active On-Demand capability as standard equipment. Both powertrain configurations include a center-console-mounted drive mode selector, which places drive-mode control within easy reach of the driver. XRT models also include Terrain Mode Select, giving that trim additional model-specific traction-management equipment.
Chassis, Suspension, Steering, and Braking
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses a unibody, or monocoque, body structure rather than a separate frame construction. Its body and chassis materials include Advanced High Strength Steels and high-tensile steel as primary structural materials. The suspension system uses MacPherson® struts with coil springs at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers support both ends of the vehicle, while the rear suspension also includes self-leveling gas-pressurized shock absorbers. This mechanical layout supports the model’s combination of passenger seating, cargo utility, steering response, and load-related function.
Steering and Maneuverability
The steering system uses Motor Driven Power Steering with a rack-and-pinion layout and column-mounted assist. The system has a 14.2 overall ratio, which defines the relationship between steering-wheel input and the movement of the front wheels. It also uses 2.62 turns from lock to lock, giving the driver a defined steering range from one full steering limit to the other. The 39.6-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter provides a measurable reference point for maneuverability. These steering specifications help describe how the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz supports parking, directional changes, and low-speed operation.
Brake System and Control Features
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses ventilated front disc brakes measuring 12.8 inches by 1.2 inches, or 325 mm by 30 mm. At the rear, the model uses solid disc brakes measuring 12.8 inches by 0.5 inches, or 325 mm by 12 mm. ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution operates through four wheels, four channels, and four sensors. Additional braking and grade-control equipment includes driver-selectable Downhill Brake Control, Hillstart Assist Control, Brake Assist, and an electronic parking brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold. These systems support braking consistency, hill-start control, downhill speed management, and stationary vehicle hold functionality.
Exterior Equipment, Lighting, and Cargo Utility
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz exterior includes functional equipment across lighting, wheels, mirrors, glass, trim, roof hardware, and open-bed features. The SE, SEL, SEL Activity, and XRT models use 18 x 7.5J alloy wheels with 245/60R18 tires, while the Limited models use 20 x 7.5J alloy wheels with 245/50R20 tires. A temporary spare tire is included across the lineup. Lighting equipment includes Bi-LED projector-type headlights with high and low beams, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, High Beam Assist, a roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Lamp, and a roof-mounted LED cargo light. SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models also include two LED bed lights, which add illumination for the cargo area.
Mirrors, Glass, Trim, and Roof Features
The outside mirror equipment varies by trim while keeping key assistance indicators standard across the lineup. Body-color side mirror housings appear on most trims, while XRT uses matte black side mirror housings. Heated outside mirrors appear on SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models, and side mirrors with turn signal indicators also appear on those trims. Blind-Spot Collision and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance-Assist indicators are included across all trims. The glass package includes rear and back privacy glass, solar glass for the front doors and windshield, and an acoustic laminated windshield, while SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models add a rear sliding glass window with a defroster.
Open-Bed Storage and Utility Hardware
The open bed gives the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz a distinct functional layout within the lineup. Every trim includes a lockable under-bed storage compartment, a Sheet Molded Composite bed, sidewall bed storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, integrated rear bumper side steps, and a multi-functional tailgate with assisted opening and closing. SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models add a factory-installed integrated tonneau cover with two built-in T-slot accessory tracks. Those same trims also include a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, along with a 115-volt power outlet located in sidewall storage. Trailer pre-wiring appears across the lineup, using a 4-pin configuration for 2.5L models and a 4/7-pin configuration for 2.5T models.
Interior Comfort, Seating, and Cabin Controls
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz seats five passengers and offers seating materials that change by trim. SE models include cloth-trimmed seats that are stain- and odor-resistant. SEL and SEL Activity models use H-Tex® leatherette seating surfaces, while XRT models use black-only H-Tex® seating surfaces. Limited models include leather-trimmed seating, adding another cabin-material option within the lineup. Rear seating includes 60/40 split, tip-up lower seat cushions on every trim, which supports flexible use of the rear cabin area.
Front Seat Features and Cabin Dimensions
The front seating equipment changes across the trim range and adds additional adjustment and comfort features on higher trims. SE models include a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, while SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models include an 8-way power driver’s seat. Power driver’s lumbar support and heated front seats also appear on SEL and higher trims. Limited models add a 6-way power passenger seat and ventilated front seats. Interior dimensions include 40.2 inches of front head room without a sunroof, 39.6 inches of rear head room, 41.4 inches of front leg room, 36.5 inches of rear leg room, 57.7 inches of front shoulder room, and 56.1 inches of rear shoulder room.
Climate, Steering Wheel, and Interior Trim
Climate equipment begins with manual air conditioning on SE models and expands on SEL and higher trims. The SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models include dual automatic temperature control with Auto Defogger and full capacitive-touch controls. A heater, rear seat heater ducts, and a cabin air filter appear across the full lineup. The SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models add center console-mounted rear air conditioning vents and a rear sliding glass window with a defroster. The steering wheel includes a 3-spoke design, tilt and telescoping adjustment, audio controls, Bluetooth® controls, and cruise controls across every trim, while XRT and Limited models add a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Limited adds a heated steering wheel.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Driver Information
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes touchscreen infotainment and connected-car features across the lineup. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity models include a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with ccNc Lite and six speakers. XRT and Limited models use a 12.3-inch Audio-Video-Navigation color touchscreen with ccNc and onboard navigation. AM/FM/HD Radio™/SiriusXM®, Bluelink®+, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, SiriusXM® satellite radio with a 3-month trial subscription, and HD Radio™ Technology appear across every trim. OTA update capability applies to ECU and multimedia functions across all trims, while map update capability applies to XRT and Limited models.
Audio, Charging, and Digital Access
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes front dual USB Type-C ports and second-row dual USB Type-C ports on every trim. SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models add 15-watt Wireless Device Quick Charging. Limited models include a Bose® Premium Audio System, giving that trim its own audio system distinction. XRT and Limited models add Dynamic Voice Recognition, which pairs with their navigation-equipped touchscreen system. Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch appears on XRT and Limited models, while standard key fobs and proximity keys with detachable valet keys are included across the lineup.
Instrumentation and Driver Displays
The instrument display configuration changes by trim while maintaining essential vehicle-status readouts across all models. SE and SEL models include a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display, while SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models include a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster. Every trim includes a speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature display, fuel level display, digital odometer, trip odometer, PRND indicator, gear-position display in manual mode, turn signal and hazard indicators, High Beam Assist status, parking brake status, and adjustable illumination. Driver-assistance indicators include BCW, RCCA, LKA, LFA, DAW, FCA, and SEW across the lineup. Warning lights include oil pressure, battery charge, door ajar, airbag, seatbelt, low fuel, tailgate open, brake, check engine, ABS, TPMS, ESC, MDPS, and DBC.
Safety, Driver Assistance, and Security Systems
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes restraint, braking, stability, driver-assistance, and security systems across its equipment set. Its restraint systems include advanced front airbags for the driver and front passenger, along with an Occupant Classification System using seat weight and seat track sensors. The airbag system also includes driver and front passenger side-impact thorax airbags, side air curtains for front and rear passengers with rollover sensors, and rear side airbags with rollover sensors. Seatbelt equipment includes 3-point ELR outboard seatbelts, a 3-point ELR inboard rear seatbelt, adjustable front-seat shoulder belt anchors, and front and rear outboard seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters. Child-focused equipment includes LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors, a power window lock-out button, and rear child safety locks.
Standard Safety and Assistance Features
Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes Anti-lock Braking System with 4-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, and Tire Pressure Monitoring with an individual tire indicator. SE, SEL, and SEL Activity models include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. XRT and Limited models include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection using a sensor fusion-type configuration. Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert appear across every trim. Steering wheel haptic feedback for Lane Keeping Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Warning is also included across the lineup.
Advanced Driver Assistance and Security Equipment
XRT and Limited models add several driver-assistance technologies that expand the model’s camera-based and navigation-supported equipment. The Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor appear on both trims, providing additional visual support around the vehicle and adjacent lane areas. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Forward Attention Warning, Highway Driving Assist 1, and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control also appear on XRT and Limited models. Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop & Go appears on XRT and Limited models and connects with the convenience and instrumentation equipment on those trims. Passive safety and security equipment includes bodyside reinforcements, an anti-theft system integrated with remote keyless entry and a panic alarm, and an immobilizer across every trim.
Dimensions, Capacities, and Functional Measurements
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a 118.3-inch wheelbase, a 195.7-inch overall length, a 75.0-inch overall width, and a 66.7-inch overall height with roof rails. XRT models measure 195.9 inches in overall length and 66.9 inches in overall height with roof rails. Tread width measures 64.7 inches at the front and 64.9 inches at the rear with both 18-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels. The model lists 8.6 inches of minimum ground clearance, a 16.9-degree approach angle, a 23.2-degree departure angle, an 18.6-degree breakover angle, and a 0.36 coefficient of drag. XRT models list a 19.9-degree approach angle, giving that trim its own approach-angle specification.
Open-Bed Measurements and Capacity Ratings
The open bed measures 48.4 inches in upper length, 52.1 inches in lower length, and 74.8 inches with the tailgate open. Bed width measures 53.9 inches at its maximum width and 42.7 inches between the wheelhouses. Bed depth measures 19.2 inches, and bed height above the ground measures 31.9 inches. Ground-clearance measurements include 50.8 inches at the bed gate, 31.6 inches at the bed floor, and rear bumper step heights of 18.1 inches lower, 25.2 inches upper, and 18.9 inches side. Capacity-related specifications include a 17.7-gallon fuel tank, 5.8 liters of engine oil with filter, a 220-pound roof side rail static and dynamic load capacity, a 1,411-pound maximum vehicle load limit, a 3,500-pound maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes, and a 1,653-pound maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes.
Schedule a Test Ride Today
Experience the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in person at ALM Hyundai Florence nearby Conway, SC and review how its powertrain choices, open-bed utility, cabin technology, comfort features, handling systems, and safety equipment work together. Our team can explain the differences between trims, including available HTRAC all-wheel drive, the 12.3-inch display systems, seating materials, bed equipment, and driver-assistance features. A test drive gives you time to evaluate steering feel, braking response, cabin layout, visibility, and the convenience of its storage and cargo solutions. We can also help you compare available equipment such as navigation, digital instrumentation, wireless charging, and advanced camera-based support systems. Schedule your visit to explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and focus on the functional attributes that matter most for your driving needs.