Spec Breakdown: 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Introducing the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz puts an open cargo bed behind a passenger-focused cabin, adding a useful extra dimension to everyday transportation. Hyundai calls it a Sport Adventure Vehicle: a blend of SUV-like comfort and pickup utility for drivers whose routines include commuting, errands, and occasional hauling. Within the Hyundai lineup, its bed sets it apart from enclosed-cargo SUVs.

For shoppers researching Hyundai models for families, the appeal is practical rather than complicated. Keep passengers inside and gardening supplies or muddy equipment outside. Tuscaloosa Hyundai in Tuscaloosa, AL, is a starting point for exploring three trims:

• SE
• SEL Activity
• XRT

The 2027 lineup drops SEL and Limited, while H-Tex®-trimmed seating surfaces extend across the range, and the SE also lists cloth-trimmed seating. SEL Activity emphasizes additional comfort and cargo equipment; XRT combines turbocharged power, standard AWD, and expanded convenience technology.

Interior

The Santa Cruz cabin pairs passenger comfort with flexible interior storage. Trim-specific equipment lets you tailor the daily experience.

Interior Dimensions

• Seating capacity: Five passengers
• Passenger volume: 101.8 cubic feet
• Front/rear legroom: 41.4/36.5 inches
• Front/rear headroom without a sunroof: 40.2/39.6 inches
• Front/rear headroom with a sunroof: 38.2/39.6 inches
• Front/rear shoulder room: 57.7/56.1 inches
• Front/rear hip room: 54.5/53.5 inches

Use these measurements to decide if the front-seat position and your passengers’ needs match the dimensions.

Interior Highlights

• Rear seating: Standard 60/40 split tip-up lower cushions
• Driver adjustment: Six-way manual seat on SE; eight-way power seat with power lumbar support on SEL Activity and XRT
• Front-seat heating: Standard on SEL Activity and XRT
• Climate controls: Manual air conditioning on SE; dual automatic temperature control with Auto Defogger on SEL Activity and XRT
• Rear airflow: Center-console rear A/C vents on SEL Activity and XRT
• XRT comfort: Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Child restraints: Standard LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors

Power adjustment helps a shared vehicle accommodate different drivers, while rear vents bring airflow closer to passengers during warm Alabama afternoons.

Exterior

The Santa Cruz’s compact open bed is central to its identity, not an afterthought. Its proportions balance passenger space with room for cargo outside the cabin, while XRT adds matte-black mirror housings and door handles for a more rugged appearance.

Exterior Dimensions

• Length: 195.7 inches; 195.9 inches for XRT
• Width: 75.0 inches
• Wheelbase: 118.3 inches
• Minimum ground clearance: 8.6 inches
• Approach angle: 16.9 degrees; 19.9 degrees for XRT
• Departure/breakover angles: 23.2/18.6 degrees

Consider the overall footprint when measuring a garage or parking area.

Exterior Highlights

• Wheels: Standard 18-inch alloys with 245/60R18 tires
• Lighting: Standard Bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights
• Cargo access: Standard assisted-open/close multifunctional tailgate and rear bumper side steps
• Bed organization: Standard lockable under-bed storage, sidewall compartments, and cargo D-rings
• SEL Activity and XRT utility: Integrated tonneau cover, adjustable utility-track rail and cleat system, and 115V bed outlet
• SEL Activity and XRT extras: LED bed lighting, heated mirrors, roof side rails, and power sunroof

The steps and assisted tailgate make the loading area easier to reach. Additional bed equipment on SEL Activity and XRT is worth considering if securing and organizing cargo is part of your weekly routine.

Open Bed Measurements

The Santa Cruz makes room for cargo without automatically giving up the rear seats. Its bed measures 48.4 inches long at the upper measurement and 52.1 inches at the lower measurement, with 27.0 cubic feet of volume. The width is 53.9 inches at its maximum and 42.7 inches between the wheelhouses.

Keep project materials or dirty gear away from passengers. Measure bulky items, use suitable securement or supports, and plan what goes in the bed, under-bed compartment, or cabin.

Performance

Two gasoline engines give the Santa Cruz distinct performance choices. The non-turbo engine handles everyday transportation, while XRT’s turbocharged powertrain adds output and a higher towing capacity.

Engines and Powertrains

• SE and SEL Activity engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
• Non-turbo output: 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
• XRT engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder
• Turbo output: 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque
• Recommended fuel: Regular unleaded for both engines

A test drive can help you decide whether XRT’s additional power suits your highway travel and hauling needs.

Transmission and Drivetrain

• Transmission: Eight-speed torque-converter automatic with either engine
• SE and SEL Activity: Standard front-wheel drive; optional HTRAC® AWD
• XRT: Standard HTRAC AWD and Terrain Mode Select

AWD adds a traction-management option for changing surfaces.

Towing and Capability

• SE and SEL Activity with trailer brakes: Maximum trailer weight of 3,500 pounds
• XRT with trailer brakes: Maximum trailer weight of 5,000 pounds
• All trims without trailer brakes: Maximum trailer weight of 1,653 pounds
• Trailer pre-wiring: Four-pin for non-turbo models; four-/seven-pin for XRT

These limits require the correct equipment and loading.

Driving Experience and Efficiency

• Construction: Unibody body/chassis
• Suspension: MacPherson-strut front and multi-link rear with self-leveling rear shock absorbers
• Turning diameter: 39.6 feet, curb to curb

This hardware supports the Santa Cruz’s passenger-vehicle approach. Compare steering feel and parking maneuvers on your test drive, not just peak engine output.

Technology

Hyundai gives every Santa Cruz a large center touchscreen, but the surrounding digital experience changes by trim. That distinction makes it easier to prioritize familiar smartphone tools or step up to integrated navigation.

Displays and Infotainment

• SE and SEL Activity: 12.3-inch touchscreen with six-speaker audio
• XRT: 12.3-inch touchscreen with onboard navigation and Dynamic Voice Recognition
• Driver display: SE has a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display; SEL Activity and XRT have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Updates: Standard ECU and multimedia over-the-air update capability; navigation map updates on XRT

Consider whether you prefer phone-based directions or built-in navigation. The larger instrument cluster also changes how vehicle information is presented directly ahead of you.

Connectivity and Convenience

• Smartphone integration: Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• USB access: Standard dual USB-C ports in front and in the second row
• Charging: 15W wireless device charging on SEL Activity and XRT
• Connected services: Standard Bluelink+ Connected Car System
• XRT additions: Bose® Premium Audio System and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch

Front and rear charging access helps passengers keep compatible devices powered without passing a cable through the cabin.

Safety

Hyundai’s driver-assistance equipment addresses forward traffic, lane positioning, and surrounding vehicles. These systems support an attentive driver; they do not make the Santa Cruz autonomous or eliminate the need to check your surroundings.

Driver-Assistance Technology

• Forward assistance: SE and SEL Activity have Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection; XRT adds Cyclist and Junction Turning Detection
• Standard across trims: Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist
• Attention and exit reminders: Standard Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert
• XRT highway support: Highway Driving Assist 1, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control

These features assist with lane changes, reversing, and highway travel within their operating limits.

Parking, Visibility, and Vehicle Safety

• Camera equipment: Standard rearview camera; Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor on XRT
• Night visibility: Standard High Beam Assist
• Vehicle control: Standard Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Brake Assist
• Tire monitoring: Standard individual tire-pressure indicators
• Restraints: Front airbags, front and rear side airbags, and side-curtain airbags

Camera views add perspective when positioning the vehicle near obstacles, but direct observation remains essential. Tire-pressure information is also useful before a loaded trip, alongside the recommended inflation guidance.

Explore Your Santa Cruz Options at Tuscaloosa Hyundai

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz brings passenger comfort, open-bed flexibility, and connected convenience together in one vehicle. SE provides the core combination, SEL Activity adds useful comfort and bed equipment, and XRT brings turbocharged performance and expanded assistance technology.

As you compare new Hyundai vehicles in Tuscaloosa, think about your passenger needs, typical cargo, and any trailer you plan to use. Browse new Hyundai inventory, then contact Tuscaloosa Hyundai in Tuscaloosa, AL, to ask about 2027 Santa Cruz availability and arrange your next step.

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.