Some vehicles ask you to choose between practicality and personality. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz simply ignores the question completely. It blends the comfort and class of a modern SUV with the utility of an open cargo bed, creating something that feels unique in the best ways. For drivers around New Rochelle, NY, it offers a refreshing alternative to both traditional compact pickups and conventional crossovers. more Two Engines, Two Very Different Personalities Every Santa Cruz starts with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 181 lbs. ft. of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers smooth, predictable performance for commuting, errands, and everyday driving. Drivers looking for stronger acceleration can move into the XRT or Limited, where a Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder raises output to 281 hp and 311 lbs. ft. of torque. Combined with available HTRAC-AWD, it transforms the Santa Cruz into a far more capable companion for changing weather and rougher terrain. Capability grows alongside performance. Standard front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 3,500 lbs., while Turbocharged AWD models increase maximum towing capacity to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped with trailer brakes. If you're planning to tow regularly, comparing trims in person can help identify the best fit. Technology That Works Behind the Scenes Hyundai has packed the Santa Cruz with features that become more useful the longer you own it. Every new model includes complimentary Bluelink+, allowing you to remotely start the vehicle, lock or unlock the doors, adjust cabin temperature, and monitor vehicle health through the MyHyundai app without an ongoing subscription. Upper trims expand the experience with a curved dual 12.3-inch display, integrated navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, Bose premium audio, and available Digital Key 2 Touch, allowing compatible smartphones to replace a traditional key. Drivers interested in connected vehicle technology can explore these features firsthand during a test drive at Empire Hyundai New Rochelle. A Cabin That Thinks Beyond Passenger Space The Santa Cruz doesn't simply add a pickup bed to an SUV. It reimagines how cargo can be carried every day. The composite bed measures 48.4 inches at the rail and stretches to 74.8 inches with the tailgate lowered. Heavy-duty cargo tie-downs, concealed storage compartments, available LED bed lighting, and an available 115-volt power outlet add genuine functionality for projects, camping gear, or home improvement supplies. Inside, 101.8 cu. ft. of passenger volume provides generous seating for five. The 60/40 split-fold rear seat includes hidden storage beneath the cushions, while the Limited trim elevates comfort with leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, and memory settings for the driver's seat and mirrors. Confidence Comes Standard Every Santa Cruz includes Hyundai SmartSense safety technology, with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Driver Attention Warning all included. XRT and Limited models expand the package with Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor, giving drivers additional awareness during highway travel and busy parking situations. While comparing trims, it's worth exploring how these driver-assistance technologies differ across the lineup to find the configuration that best fits your driving habits. A Different Kind of Daily Driver The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz succeeds because it doesn't try to imitate a traditional pickup. It creates its own lane, combining practical capability, modern technology, and everyday comfort in a package that feels remarkably easy to live with. Visit Empire Hyundai New Rochelle to experience the Santa Cruz in person, explore available trims, and discover why this sport adventure vehicle continues to attract drivers looking for something refreshingly different.
