2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Very Good

There's nothing quite like the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Its main rival, the Ford Maverick, comes close, but the Santa Cruz sports a more distinctive look. It's also comfortable, has lots of tech, offers a powerful optional turbocharged engine and provides a surprising amount of utility for its size.Read full review

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Hyundai Santa Cruz for Sale

Price

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$28,050

8 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 7/6/26

Final assembly in USA

Pros

Comfortable ride quality and agile handling
Powerful turbocharged engine option
Impressive assortment of tech features
Thoughtful cargo bed features

Cons

Flat seats and limited rear legroom
Compromised rear visibility
Pricey upper trim level

Overview

Written by automotive expert Michael Cantu

Updated: 7/8/2026

Hyundai entered the competitive world of trucks in 2022 when the company introduced the Santa Cruz. But you don't have to be a truck person to enjoy this little gem. Since it's based on the Tucson, the Santa Cruz rides smoothly, handles well, and is easy to maneuver around the city. It's essentially an SUV with a bed instead of an enclosed cargo area. The bed is only 4 feet long, but it can be extended to about 6 feet with a bed extender. The lockable bed storage area (which is drainable) and cargo rails add more utility. But there's more to the Santa Cruz than meets the eye.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Very Good

7.6

out of 10

We drove the Hyundai Santa Cruz on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7.9/10

How does the Hyundai Santa Cruz drive? The Santa Cruz's stiffer car-like chassis makes it more fun to drive than a truck on a conventional body-on-frame structure. Steering and handling are impressive, and you can have fun when the road gets curvy. The optional turbocharged engine makes excellent power, vaulting the Santa Cruz from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds in our testing. That's quicker than any midsize truck and comparable to the rival Ford Maverick.

Thanks to decent ground clearance and available all-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz can handle most graded dirt roads and slippery surfaces, although it's no off-roader. On road, the Santa Cruz rides smoothly over nearly any surface, easily absorbing most road imperfections. Visibility out of the rear window is compromised, but the optional 360-degree parking camera and high-resolution screen are excellent additions. Many driver aids are standard on the Santa Cruz, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and forward collision warning. Most work well, but the warnings and alerts can be overly sensitive and annoying after a while.

Comfort

7.3/10

How comfortable is the Hyundai Santa Cruz? The Santa Cruz's cabin has good front legroom, plenty of headroom and a very adjustable driver's seat. Comfortable and supportive front seats make long highway journeys easier, and they're also heated and ventilated (on upper trims), a rarity in compact and midsize trucks. Adults will find the back seat a bit cramped, though. The rear seats are set upright and aren't nearly as comfortable as the fronts. Large child seats will be a squeeze in the back seat, but anchors are easily located for securing them. Wind noise over the side mirrors is noticeable at speed, as is road noise from underneath the body.

The big center touchscreen and digital driver's instrument panel highlight the cabin's distinct future-forward look, but the shortcut buttons below the touchscreen are too cute for their own good. They're touch-sensitive pads instead of regular buttons, and they're distracting to locate and use while driving. Otherwise, everything is well labeled and organized, and there are a number of redundant steering wheel controls too.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? The Santa Cruz's 12.3-inch touchscreen is about an inch smaller than the rival Ford Maverick's, but the high-resolution graphics are sharp, easy to read, and don't wash out in the sunlight. The optional Bose sound system is top-notch too, with good sound quality across most of the volume range. Four USB-C ports offer fast charging and data pass-through, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging tray, allow you to ditch the cables altogether.

Storage & cargo

8/10

How’s storage and cargo? The Santa Cruz's bed is relatively short but almost dimensionally identical to the Maverick's. The tailgate can be adjusted to match the height of the wheelwells so that 4-by-8 sheets of plywood can be carried in the bed. The in-bed trunk features a drain, useful for storing wet or muddy gear or even ice for tailgating. The cupholders and center console storage are similar to something you'd find in a compact SUV.

Value

8.6/10

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a good value? The Santa Cruz's main rival, the Ford Maverick, costs less. But for the money, the Santa Cruz offers more equipment and one of the industry's best warranties. Our test model, a Santa Cruz Limited trim, cost more than $40,000 when new. That's a lot for a compact truck, but in general we think you're getting your money's worth.

Hyundai's five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are both unrivaled. So are the rust coverage for seven years/unlimited miles, roadside assistance for five years/unlimited miles, and free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.

Towing & hauling

7/10

How is the towing and hauling? A bit of a cancelling out here - the SC has a higher towing capacity than the Maverick, but no available trailer brake controller from the factory. And even in their own spec sheets, they say that's required to get to the 5,000-lb limit. So, to get the truck's full capacity, you have to go aftermarket for around $300ish bucks (or more when you consider install). Maybe they'll see the error of their ways in future years, but who knows.

MPG

3/10

How’s the fuel economy? Our test vehicle had the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates the Santa Cruz in this configuration gets 20 mpg combined. This isn't the most impressive stat when you consider that the Santa Cruz's main competition, the Maverick, gets 25 mpg with its turbocharged engine or the bigger Honda Ridgeline gets 21 mpg.

X factor

9/10

The Santa Cruz is fun to drive in ways you wouldn't expect from a pickup. Steering and handling are impressive, it's maneuverable in tight spaces, and it really scoots when you ask it to. Its funky design is a matter of personal taste, but the Santa Cruz certainly stands out. Factor in the cool in-bed trunk and a premium interior, and you have a unique car-truck mash-up that commands some attention.

Save as much as $4,019 with Edmunds

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for July

Santa Cruz shoppers have a rare mix of discounts and supply, with buyers paying about $1,000 under MSRP on average and Hyundai also stacking a $2000 customer rebate.

The Edmunds Suggested Price sits below sticker across the lineup, and most trims are clustered near 3% off MSRP. The XRT stands out as the best value play at about 3% off, while the SE trails a bit on discount depth.
Hyundai has about 5,540 new Santa Cruz models on the ground nationally, so supply is plentiful. The SEL is easiest to find with about 2,390 new vehicles, while the XRT is much tighter at around 500, so expect less flexibility if that trim is your target.
New Santa Cruz models are taking a median 121 days to turn, far slower than the 27-day industry average, which points to softer demand and supports firmer bargaining. If you finance, qualified buyers can also ask for the 4.99% promo for 48 or 60 months, and a lower APR can save real money versus market rates.

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2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim level differences

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small crew-cab pickup available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT and Limited. The SE, SEL and SEL Activity come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque) and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. XRT and Limited trims get a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft) and standard all-wheel drive. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Notable features for each trim level include: Compare the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim levels in-depth.

Which Santa Cruz trim does Edmunds recommend?

The SEL Activity is the way to go because it comes loaded with plenty of features and has a reasonable price tag. Comfort and tech features like heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a digital instrument panel and a wireless smartphone charger are all standard. The midlevel trim also takes utility up a notch with a bed tonneau cover, bed cargo rails with anchor points, and a household-style power outlet.

Competitors to consider

The Santa Cruz competes mainly against the similarly sized Ford Maverick. Both are priced similarly and offer two engine options and an off-road model. But the Maverick's hybrid engine is by far the most efficient. Their payload capacities are almost identical, but the Santa Cruz can tow 1,000 pounds more, although an aftermarket trailer brake controller is needed for heavy trailers. The Santa Cruz is also the clear winner when it comes to comfort and boasts a more refined interior. The larger Honda Ridgeline is another alternative if you have the budget for it. For a full rundown on the Santa Cruz, check out our Expert Rating below.

Edmunds spotlight: A unique SUV alternative

If you're considering a small SUV, why not buck the trend and buy something more distinctive? The Santa Cruz is similar to most small SUVs in the passenger space, tech features and comfort it provides. But the bed adds more utility because it's larger than an SUV's cargo area and can carry more weight. You can also equip the bed with a lockable tonneau cover to keep your belongings safe. The bed rails with anchor points can secure tall items that could never fit in a small SUV. If you plan on light off-roading or live in a snowy area, the Santa Cruz offers all-wheel drive and has lots of ground clearance (8.6 inches). The little truck can also tow more than many small SUVs.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

57 reviews

5(75%)

4(9%)

3(7%)

2(5%)

1(4%)

See all 57 reviews of the Hyundai Santa Cruz

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

My little 2026 Trucklette

Persian cat mom, 03/09/2026

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

Incredibly comfortable seats, smooth and solid driving, immediate, powerful, engine response with no hesitation whatsoever, touchy brakes, so be cautious, awesome warning systems, great panoramic view with strong body frame protection, nicely crafted and large, deep,console area, cute little cargo bed with composite lining, cargo bed amenities aplenty. The power driver’s seat …

Did not purchase the Huyndai Santa Cruz

Juan, 11/23/2025

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

The bed was too small for our needs. We ended up getting a Tacoma instead.

Honey Hyundai

Gary L Hertel , 09/25/2025

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

First time buyer of a Hyundai and I am more than pleased. Very smooth ride, steering wheel controls are convenient for user. It rides like a SUV with a truck bed. Gas mileage since I brought it home (9-23-25) has been awesome. Like the upgrades in this 2026 model.

Good vehicle very comfortable

Lasseigne , 01/29/2026

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

I just recently purchased a 2026 Santa Cruz for this date. This vehicle is awesome. Very comfortable ride very roomie. It looks sharp sound system. Excellent no problems with the transmission the infotainment system. Everything runs like a charm. I would only trade this vehicle for anything.

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2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,750
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$183/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs.
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 7 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles

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FAQ

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Santa Cruz both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Santa Cruz gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews) And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Hyundai Santa Cruz. Learn more

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

To determine whether the Hyundai Santa Cruz is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Santa Cruz. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Santa Cruz's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Santa Cruz and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Santa Cruz gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Santa Cruz is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The least-expensive 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,750.

Other versions include:

SE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $29,750
SE 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $31,250
SEL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $31,400
SEL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $32,900
SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $34,450
SEL Activity 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $35,950
XRT 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $41,350
Limited 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $43,700

Learn more

What are the different models of Hyundai Santa Cruz?

If you're interested in the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the next question is, which Santa Cruz model is right for you? Santa Cruz variants include SE 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A), SE 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A), SEL 4dr Crew Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A), and SEL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A). For a full list of Santa Cruz models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more