Auto Guide
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
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Review and specifications

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Based on the Tucson, the Santa Cruz melds a small SUV and pickup truck into one vehicle. It is similar in concept to the Honda Ridgeline, albeit smaller. The base engine is a rather strained 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Uplevel models come with a powerful turbo engine, making this trucklet quick. Front- or all-wheel drive versions are available. The Santa Cruz drives like a car with responsive handling, comfortable ride and easy maneuverability. But rear visibility is hampered due to the small rear window and thick rear pillar. Maximum tow capacity is 5,000 lbs. The short 52-inch bed has a handy hidden trunk and turbo versions come with a built-in lockable tonneau cover. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection are standard. BSW and RCTW became standard beginning with the 2023 model year. The Santa Cruz received a refresh for 2025 that includes new front and rear bumpers, along with an updated interior that includes a standard 12.3-inch display. For 2026 the 8-speed automatic became the standard transmission. The 8-speed dual clutch was dropped.

Market value
$30,138
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 4/5
Data updated July 14, 2026

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
crew cab
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-speed
Category
Small pickup trucks
Generation began
2022

Pricing

Current retail median
$30,138
Retail value range
$24,050 - $40,875
Original MSRP range
$29,750 - $43,700
Trade-in range
$21,300 - $37,980

Ratings

Road test score
75/100
Reliability
4/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
21 MPG
EPA highway
29 MPG
EPA combined
24 MPG
Tested city
16 MPG
Tested highway
33 MPG
Tested overall
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,635
Cruising range
425 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.6 sec
0-60 mph
10.3 sec
60-0 mph braking
132 ft
Avoidance speed
51.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
196 in
Width
75 in
Height
67 in
Wheelbase
118 in
Weight
4,030 lb
Maximum load
1,410 lb
Towing capacity
3,500 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5.5 in
Front leg room
42.5 in
Rear head room
5.5 in
Rear leg room
26 in
Cargo volume
16 cu ft

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
5/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Hyundai

<p>From low-cost sedans to three-row electric SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. Performance for individual models and years varies widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost compact Elantra and midsized Sonata sedan. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsized Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer hybrid powertrains and three-row seating. In our testing, most Hyundai models are available with a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness while improving fuel economy. The Ioniq electric models are high-tech, well-designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.</p>

Vehicle ID: 39884 First published: July 13, 2026 Updated: July 14, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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