Look Into the 2026 Santa Cruz in Tuscaloosa, AL

Meet the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Tuscaloosa Hyundai

Can’t decide between a pickup and an SUV? The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the perfect solution. It has the utility and towing power of a pickup, yet offers the handling and comfort of an SUV. This unique value proposition is clear in its cutting-edge body design and engineering.

Introduced in the U.S. in 2021 as a sport adventure vehicle, the Santa Cruz has undergone significant evolution. For the 2026 model year, the Hyundai Santa Cruz brings plenty of exciting updates. Two new trims are available, the rugged XRT and the adventure-ready SEL Activity, bringing the total number of variants to five.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz now comes in the following trims:

• SE
• SEL
• SEL Activity
• XRT
• Limited

The SE and SEL are the entry-level trims, but they come with all the key features. The SEL Activity and XRT are designed for rough terrain. The Limited model features upscale finishes and amenities for those who prefer a luxurious ride. In sum, regardless of your personality and budget, there’s a Santa Cruz that’s perfect for you.

With these top-notch features, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz enjoys an enviable position against the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Maverick, and Chevrolet Colorado. Unlike its peers, the Santa Cruz is an SUV in a pickup body, a unique value proposition for drivers who want both utility and comfort in one vehicle.

An Interior Designed for All Journeys

Hop inside the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and you’ll immediately notice the convergence of comfort and functionality. Whether you’re bound for the highway, city streets, or beyond paved roads, the compact pickup’s roomy and modern cabin ensures every journey is fun-filled and relaxing.

Passenger space in the Santa Cruz does not discriminate. You have 41.4 inches of legroom in the front and 36.5 inches in the back, allowing even tall passengers to stretch out. The SE comes in stain- and odor-resistant cloth seat covers, while the SEL, SEL Activity, and XRT feature H-Tex® leatherette. The Limited trim stands out with leather seating for a touch of luxury. Your comfort is further ensured with the dual-zone automatic climate control.

You can bring along a lot of gear with the pickup bed and storage compartments inside the cabin. There are also ample safety features, such as child locks and a rear-seat alert system.

Other comfort amenities include a standard acoustic-laminated windshield, front- and back-row dual USB ports, and an available rain-sensing windshield.

You also get a treat with the eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and available heated and ventilated front seats. And if you love nature, you’ll appreciate the power tilt-slide sunroof that lets in fresh air and sunlight.

A Tough and Stylish Exterior

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a standout inside and out. It looks like an SUV from the front, but evidently a pickup from the back. It shows its true striking nature when viewed from the side: a stunning combination of utility and style, ready for anything. Strong body lines and an aggressive front grille accentuate its aerodynamic profile.

The 18- or 20-inch wheels, meanwhile, let the Santa Cruz hug the road in complete stability. The SEL Activity and XRT are trimmed for mountain trails to the delight of off-road enthusiasts.

You’ll also love the 115-volt power outlet and roof rails. Other practical exterior features include a power liftgate, auto headlights, high-beam assist, and heated side mirrors.

Choose from the following vibrant exterior colors:

• Phantom Black
• Hampton Gray
• Sage Gray
• Atlas White
• Blue Stone
• Rockwood Green

A Performance That Balances Strength and Efficiency

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is called a pickup for nothing. Although you get to enjoy a comfortable SUV ride, you wield power at the same time. Thanks to a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, you have 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at your fingertips.

If you need more, the XRT and Limited trims come with a turbocharged version of the same engine. By forcing air into the combustion chamber, you get 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines deliver power via an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTTRONIC®. The transmission technology allows you to manually shift gears while in automatic mode. This gives you a more controlled or spirited driving experience.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the SE, SEL, and SEL Activity, but the XRT and Limited are equipped with HTRAC® AWD. Short for Hyundai TRACtion, the innovation uses special sensors and software to automatically channel power to the rear wheels whenever needed. This action occurs when traction is lost, such as on slippery or uphill roads.

With the FWD setup, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD configuration can pull up to 5,000 pounds. Maximum payload is 1,411 pounds. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Key Technology Features

• 12.3-inch Touchscreen Display
• 12.3-inch Gauge Cluster
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility
• Available Bose® Premium Audio System
• Wireless Smartphone Charging Pad
• Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System

Key Safety Features

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane-Keeping Assist
• Lane-Following Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop and Go
• Driver Attention Warning

Take the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for a Spin Today

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz gives you the best of both worlds: SUV and pickup. Comfort and functionality are wrapped in one exciting ride built for everyday drives and weekend adventures. It combines convenience, technology, and performance in one great value proposition.

Drop by Tuscaloosa Hyundai to see a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for sale in Tuscaloosa, AL. Experience firsthand why this pickup SUV has become popular for those needing a vehicle for both work and play. Book a test drive today and find the Hyundai Santa Cruz that’s perfect for you.

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Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.

*All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.