2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz nearby Conway, SC

2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup shown at sunset with rugged wheels and modern front lighting.

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines a five-passenger cabin, an open cargo bed, and a unibody structure within one vehicle platform. Its mechanical lineup includes naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and available HTRAC all-wheel drive. A four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and motor-driven power steering support its driving dynamics. The SE, SEL Activity, and XRT trim levels provide distinct combinations of comfort, technology, utility, and driver-assistance equipment. This technical overview examines the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrains, chassis engineering, exterior dimensions, cargo-bed systems, cabin features, connectivity, and safety technologies.

Powertrain and Driving Engineering

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two 2.5-liter Smartstream® engines that use Gasoline Direct Injection and Multi-Point Injection. Both engines employ a dual-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve inline four-cylinder design with Continuously Variable Valve Timing. Each engine displaces 2,497 cc and features an aluminum block, an aluminum cylinder head, and a full engine cover. Both configurations operate on regular unleaded fuel and use an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle emissions-control system. Common supporting equipment includes a hood insulator, distributorless ignition, a 12-volt 1.2-kW starter, a 13.5-volt 150-amp alternator management system, and a single-tip exhaust.

2.5-Liter Smartstream® Engine

The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter GDI and MPI engine produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It uses an 85.5-mm bore, a 101.5-mm stroke, a 13.0:1 compression ratio, and a variable intake system. Hyundai pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic torque-converter transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard with the naturally aspirated engine, while HTRAC Active On-Demand all-wheel drive remains available. EPA fuel-economy ratings reach 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel-drive models carry ratings of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

Turbocharged Engine and HTRAC All-Wheel Drive

The 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI and MPI engine equips the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT. It generates 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The turbocharged engine retains the 85.5-mm bore and 101.5-mm stroke but uses a 10.5:1 compression ratio and a turbocharged intake system. HTRAC Active On-Demand all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic torque-converter transmission come standard with this powertrain. The XRT also includes Terrain Mode Select and carries EPA fuel-economy ratings of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

Transmission and Driver Controls

Both 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrains use an eight-speed automatic transmission, although the individual ratios differ between the naturally aspirated and turbocharged applications. The 2.5-liter transmission uses a 4.487 first gear, a 0.635 eighth gear, a 3.081 reverse ratio, and a 4.081 final-drive ratio. The turbocharged transmission uses a 4.808 first gear, a 0.648 eighth gear, a 3.425 reverse ratio, and a 3.51 final-drive ratio. Every trim includes a center-console-mounted drive-mode control, and all-wheel-drive models provide an AWD Lock indicator in the instrument display. The transmission display also presents PRND status and identifies the selected gear during manual-mode operation.

Chassis, Braking, and Exterior Engineering

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses a unibody, or monocoque, structure constructed primarily from advanced high-strength steels and high-tensile steel. Its chassis combines independent front and rear suspension systems with motor-driven power steering and four-wheel disc brakes. Every trim rides on 18-inch by 7.5-inch alloy wheels fitted with 245/60R18 tires, and each model includes a temporary spare tire. Standard exterior lighting consists of Bi-LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, and High Beam Assist. A roof-mounted center high-mount stop lamp and a roof-mounted LED cargo light add illumination to the rear of the vehicle.

Suspension and Steering Systems

The front suspension uses MacPherson® struts with coil springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers. A multi-link rear suspension incorporates gas-pressurized, self-leveling shock absorbers. This configuration gives the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz a fully independent suspension arrangement across all four wheels. Column-mounted motor-driven power steering operates through a rack-and-pinion system with a 14.2 overall steering ratio. The system requires 2.62 turns from lock to lock and produces a 39.6-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter.

Braking Hardware and Control Systems

Ventilated front brake discs measure 12.8 inches in diameter and 1.2 inches thick. Solid rear discs share the 12.8-inch diameter but measure 0.5 inch thick. A four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock braking system works with Electronic Brake-force Distribution across all four wheels. Standard supplementary braking technologies include Brake Assist, driver-selectable Downhill Brake Control, and Hill Start Assist Control. Every model also includes an electronic parking brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold.

Exterior Dimensions and Ground Clearance

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a 118.3-inch wheelbase, a 75.0-inch overall width, and an overall length of 195.7 inches. The XRT extends overall length to 195.9 inches. Overall height with roof rails measures 66.7 inches, with a listed 66.9-inch configuration, while minimum ground clearance measures 8.6 inches for both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. The standard approach angle is 16.9 degrees, while the XRT increases that measurement to 19.9 degrees. A 23.2-degree departure angle, an 18.6-degree breakover angle, front and rear overhangs of 35.0 and 42.3 inches, and a 0.36 coefficient of drag complete the principal exterior measurements.

Glass, Mirrors, and Trim-Specific Equipment

Every 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes rear privacy glass, front-door and windshield solar glass, and an acoustically laminated windshield. The outside mirrors incorporate indicators for Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist across the lineup. SEL Activity and XRT models add heated mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, a power sunroof, roof side rails, and a rear sliding glass window with a defroster. The XRT distinguishes its exterior with matte-black mirror housings and matte-black door handles. Roof cross rails and front and rear mudguards are available as port-installed equipment on the applicable trims.

Open-Bed Utility and Towing Capability

The open bed gives the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz a dedicated exterior cargo area supported by integrated storage and access features. Hyundai constructs the bed from Sheet Molded Composite material and equips every trim with a multifunctional assisted open-and-close tailgate. Standard utility equipment includes a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, and integrated rear-bumper side steps. The bed provides 27.0 cubic feet of SAE-rated volume. SEL Activity and XRT models expand this equipment with additional lighting, cargo-management hardware, and electrical access.

Bed Dimensions and Access

The bed measures 48.4 inches long at its upper section and 52.1 inches long at its lower section. Opening the tailgate increases the available length to 74.8 inches. Maximum bed width measures 53.9 inches, while the space between the wheelhouses measures 42.7 inches. The bed has a depth of 19.2 inches, a height of 31.9 inches above the ground, and a floor height of 31.6 inches. Rear-bumper access points measure 18.1 inches at the lower step, 25.2 inches at the upper step, and 18.9 inches at the side step.

Cargo-Management Equipment

SEL Activity and XRT models include an integrated tonneau cover with two built-in T-slot accessory tracks. These tracks support 440 pounds when the load is distributed across at least four attachment points. The same trims include a dual C-channel adjustable utility-track rail and cleat system for positioning cargo restraints. Two LED bed lights supplement the standard roof-mounted LED cargo light. A 115-volt power outlet located inside the sidewall storage area provides an electrical connection within the bed.

Trailer Preparation and Weight Ratings

Every 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes trailer pre-wiring suited to its powertrain configuration. Models with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine receive a four-pin connection, while the turbocharged model provides four-pin and seven-pin connections. The maximum trailer rating with trailer brakes is 3,500 pounds for the naturally aspirated powertrain and 5,000 pounds for the turbocharged configuration. Maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes is 1,653 pounds for both engines. The roof side rails have a 220-pound load rating under both static and dynamic conditions.

Vehicle Weights and Capacities

Curb weight varies by trim and drivetrain, beginning at 3,785 pounds for a front-wheel-drive SE and 3,931 pounds for an all-wheel-drive SE. The SEL Activity has curb weights of 3,900 pounds with front-wheel drive and 4,045 pounds with all-wheel drive, while the XRT weighs 4,160 pounds. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 5,523 pounds for front-wheel-drive SE and SEL Activity models, 5,666 pounds for their all-wheel-drive configurations, and 5,798 pounds for the XRT. The maximum vehicle load limit is 1,411 pounds. All configurations use a 17.7-gallon fuel tank, and the engines have a listed oil capacity of 5.8 liters with the filter.

Cabin Comfort, Controls, and Connected Technology

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz accommodates five occupants and provides 101.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. Front and rear headroom without the sunroof measure 40.2 and 39.6 inches, respectively. Front headroom decreases to 38.2 inches with the sunroof, while rear headroom remains 39.6 inches. Legroom measures 41.4 inches in the front and 36.5 inches in the rear, with corresponding shoulder room measurements of 57.7 and 56.1 inches. Front and rear hip room measures 54.5 and 53.5 inches, and every trim includes 60/40-split, tip-up rear lower seat cushions.

Seating and Climate Control

The seating range includes stain- and odor-resistant cloth trim and H-Tex® leatherette surfaces in the specified trim configurations. The SE provides a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. SEL Activity and XRT models add an eight-way power driver’s seat, power lumbar support, heated front seats, and H-Tex® seating surfaces, with black-only upholstery specified for the XRT. Manual air conditioning comes standard on the SE, while the SEL Activity and XRT models use dual automatic temperature control with Auto Defogger and full capacitive-touch controls. Every trim includes a heater, rear-seat heater ducts, and a cabin air filter, while the two upper trims add center-console-mounted rear air-conditioning vents.

Instrumentation and Driver Controls

A tilt-and-telescoping three-spoke steering wheel comes standard with audio, Bluetooth®, and cruise-control switches. The XRT adds a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SE uses a 4.2-inch multi-information display, while SEL Activity and XRT models receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard instrumentation covers vehicle speed, engine rpm, coolant temperature, fuel level, odometer data, trip information, transmission position, lighting status, and parking-brake operation. The displays also support indicators and warning lights for the applicable collision-warning, lane assistance, stability, braking, steering, tire pressure, and drivetrain systems.

Convenience and Cabin Storage

Every trim includes power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic functions, proximity-key access, push-button start, and remote engine start. The key fob also operates remote hood and tailgate releases. Cabin storage includes a tray below the 12-volt outlet, a fixed front-center-console armrest box, front cupholders, rear door-panel cupholders, and a damped glove compartment. Four assist grips, a front-passenger seatback map pocket, integrated door armrests, and covered sliding vanity mirrors further support cabin usability. SEL Activity and XRT models add illuminated vanity mirrors, front windows with automatic up-and-down operation, and 15-watt wireless device quick-charging.

Multimedia and Connectivity

SE and SEL Activity models use a 12.3-inch ccNc Lite touchscreen with six speakers. The XRT receives a 12.3-inch ccNc Audio-Video-Navigation color touchscreen with onboard navigation, a Bose® premium audio system, and Dynamic Voice Recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, AM/FM radio, HD Radio™ technology, SiriusXM® satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription, and Bluelink®+ come standard across the lineup. Every trim supports over-the-air updates for the electronic control unit and multimedia system, while the XRT also supports map updates. Front and second-row occupants each receive two Type-C USB ports, and every model includes a rearview camera.

Digital Access and Interior Lighting

The XRT includes Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch in addition to its standard proximity key equipment. Every trim comes with two standard key fobs and two proximity keys with detachable valet keys. Interior lighting includes front maplights, front and rear LED maplights, illuminated power-window switches, an illuminated push-button start, and hazard-switch illumination. A central dome light with delay and automatic shutoff equips the applicable models. Black roof trim, metal-painted interior door handles, and carpeted floor mats available as port-installed equipment complete the listed interior details.

Safety Technology and Test-Drive Information

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines structural protection, occupant restraints, braking controls, stability systems, and driver-assistance technology. Standard active-safety fundamentals include four-wheel ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, and Vehicle Stability Management. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides an individual pressure indicator for each tire. Bodyside reinforcements support passive protection, while an immobilizer and an anti-theft system integrate with remote keyless entry and the panic alarm. The driver-assistance package varies by trim, with the XRT adding several camera-based, navigation-supported, and attention-monitoring functions.

Airbags and Occupant Protection

The restraint system includes advanced front airbags for the driver and front passenger. An Occupant Classification System uses a seat-weight sensor and seat-track sensor for the front-passenger position. Driver and front-passenger thorax side-impact airbags accompany side-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, with rollover sensors integrated into the curtain system. Rear side airbags also use rollover sensors, while the seating positions include three-point Emergency Locking Retractor seatbelts. Adjustable front shoulder-belt anchors, front and rear outboard pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH lower and upper child-seat anchors, rear child-safety locks, and a power-window lockout button complete the listed occupant-protection equipment.

Collision-Avoidance and Lane Assistance

SE and SEL Activity models include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. The XRT upgrades this system with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection through a sensor-fusion configuration. Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist come standard on all three trims. Steering-wheel haptic feedback supports Lane Keeping Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Warning alerts. Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Alert also equip every 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz model.

XRT Driver-Assistance Systems

The XRT adds a Surround View Monitor and Blind Spot View Monitor to provide additional visual information around the vehicle. It also includes Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Forward Attention Warning. Highway Driving Assist 1 operates with Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control. Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop & Go replaces the conventional cruise-control system installed on SE and SEL Activity models. These XRT features supplement the standard forward-collision, blind-spot, rear cross-traffic, lane-assistance, and occupant-alert technologies.

Visit ALM Hyundai Florence for a Test Ride

Schedule a test drive at ALM Hyundai Florence nearby Conway, SC, to evaluate the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz from the driver’s seat. Our team can explain the differences between the naturally aspirated and turbocharged powertrains, available HTRAC all-wheel drive, cabin technology, bed equipment, and trim-specific safety systems. A test drive provides an opportunity to assess its acceleration, steering response, suspension operation, braking controls, seating comfort, and multimedia interface. We can also review the open-bed storage systems, trailer-prewiring provisions, passenger accommodations, connected features, and driver-assistance technologies. Contact our team to arrange an appointment and examine the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz equipment in person.