The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a vehicle that combines the characteristics of a sport utility vehicle with those of a pickup truck. It is available for purchase at Empire Hyundai of New Rochelle, located in New Rochelle, New York. This vehicle is categorized as a Sport Adventure Vehicle. It is designed to provide the seating comfort of a standard car while offering the external cargo space of a truck bed. This design allows the vehicle to be used for daily driving in cities as well as for various outdoor activities.
Engine and Performance Specifications
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has two different engine options. The first option is a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. This engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The second option is a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. This engine is included in the XRT and Limited trim levels. It produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The vehicle is equipped with the HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system. This system is intended to help the vehicle maintain traction in different weather conditions. The turbocharged models have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Additionally, the vehicle includes a Terrain Mode Select feature. This allows the driver to choose between specific settings for different surfaces. These settings include Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. These modes adjust how the vehicle delivers power to the wheels based on the selected terrain.
Cargo Bed Features and Utility
The rear of the vehicle features a cargo bed with 27 cubic feet of space. The bed includes several functional components. One component is a lockable tonneau cover. This cover is used to secure items placed in the bed. Another feature is a storage bin located under the floor of the truck bed. This bin has a built-in drain. This allows the bin to be used for storing wet items or as a cooler, as the water can be drained out later.
The truck bed also contains a 115V power outlet. This outlet can be used to provide electricity to external electronic devices. These features are intended to assist users who need to transport gear for hiking, the beach, or other utility purposes. The design focuses on the practical organization of tools and equipment.
Interior Technology and Safety Systems
The interior of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz contains various electronic features. The dashboard is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. This screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These systems allow a smartphone to connect to the vehicle interface without a cable. The Limited trim level includes a panoramic curved display. This unit combines the navigation system and the digital gauge cluster into one continuous screen.
Safety technology is included through the Hyundai SmartSense system. This is a collection of driver-assistance features. Standard features across all trims include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. These systems use sensors to monitor the area around the vehicle. The Limited trim adds more features, such as a Surround View Monitor. This monitor provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. It also includes Highway Driving Assist, which helps the driver maintain a steady position while driving on highways.
Available Trim Levels
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is sold in four different versions, which are referred to as trims. Each trim offers different equipment.
- SE: This is the base model. It includes 18-inch alloy wheels, the 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the 191 horsepower engine.
- SEL: This trim includes the features of the SE. It also adds dual-zone automatic temperature control. This allows the driver and the passenger to set different temperatures. It also has a proximity key with a push-button start.
- XRT: This trim is designed for more frequent off-road use. It uses the 281 horsepower turbocharged engine. It features 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It also has wider fender flares.
- Limited: This is the highest trim level. It includes 20-inch alloy wheels and a Bose audio system. It also features the panoramic curved display mentioned previously.
Conclusion
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a multi-purpose vehicle available in New Rochelle, New York. It provides a choice between two engines and includes a variety of safety and technology features. The vehicle is designed to serve both as a daily transport vehicle and a tool for moving cargo. Potential buyers can visit the local dealership to view the specific features of each trim level.
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