2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Comparison

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The new Hyundai Santa Cruz effortlessly combines capability, style, and versatility, giving drivers a compact pickup with SUV-like comfort and practical utility.

Across the trims, the standard eight-speed automatic transmission allows smooth shifts and contributes to the Santa Cruz’s responsive driving experience. Despite its compact size, the truck bed provides practical cargo space with clever features like a drainable in-bed trunk and adjustable tailgate height, allowing users to haul larger items with ease. 

This versatility, paired with Hyundai’s renowned warranty coverage, makes the Santa Cruz a standout option in the midsize truck segment.

What are the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels?

This Hyundai truck brings five different variations to the road: SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT and Limited. Dive into each one and explore our new Hyundai offers near Gettysburg!

Which Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Level is Right for Me?

Santa Cruz SE

As the foundation of the lineup, the SE trim provides a strong value proposition with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This trim comes standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available as an option, enhancing traction on uneven terrain. 

• FWD: 25 MPG Combined
• AWD: 24 MPG Combined
• 191-hp 2.5L GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine⁠
• 3,500 lbs of towing capacity 
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch touchscreen display⁠
• LED tail lights
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone®⁠ 
• Wireless Android Auto™ integration for your Android phone⁠ 

Santa Cruz SEL

Moving up, the SEL trim builds on the foundation by adding convenience and comfort features such as heated front seats and a larger touchscreen interface.

Includes SE features and adds: 

• Dual automatic temperature control
• Heated front seats⁠
• Heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators
• H-Tex® leatherette-trimmed seats⁠
• Illuminated sunvisors with sliding function
• Multi-Air Mode with Capacitive Touch HVAC controls
• Roof side rails⁠

Santa Cruz SEL Activity

The SEL Activity trim further enhances utility with bed cargo rails, a household-style power outlet, and synthetic leather upholstery, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those requiring extra cargo management.

Includes SEL features while adding or replacing with:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster⁠
• 5,000 lbs of towing capacity (on AWD version)
• Dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system
• Floor console-mounted rear A/C vents
• Integrated tonneau cover⁠
• LED bed lights
• Power sunroof⁠
• Terrain mode select
• Wireless device charging

Santa Cruz XRT

The XRT focuses on rugged styling and off-road capability by including Terrain Mode with settings for mud, snow, and sand, while also donning unique exterior accents and more aggressive tires.

Includes SEL Activity features while adding or replacing with:

• All Wheel Drive⁠ (HTRAC)
• 20 MPG Combined
• 281-hp 2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine⁠
• 18-inch XRT alloy wheels⁠
• 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation⁠
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Tow mode
• XRT front dark grille⁠

Santa Cruz Limited

The Limited trim brings premium features such as ventilated front seats, a digital instrument cluster, and an enhanced Bose audio system, combining luxury and performance for those who prioritize comfort and technology.

Includes XRT features while adding or replacing with:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Ambient interior lighting (64-color, upper center console, front door pockets)
• Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch⁠
• Integrated Memory System (IMS)⁠
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Surround-view monitor
• Ventilated front seats

New Hyundai Specials Near Gettysburg

Whether you prioritize affordability, utility, performance, or premium amenities, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims deliver. We also recommend scheduling a Hyundai test drive to get firsthand experience with your chosen trim!

How Much Can the 2026 Santa Cruz Tow?

Select trim levels of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The engine in the SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims allow a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, making them suitable for light towing tasks such as small trailers, boats, or utility trailers typically used around suburban or rural work sites.

In contrast, the increased 5,000-lb capacity of higher-end XRT and Limited trims allows owners to tow heavier loads, including larger campers or substantial equipment trailers, advantageous for outdoor enthusiasts or those requiring enhanced hauling performance on country roads or construction sites.

It is important to note that while the Santa Cruz boasts these towing capacities, achieving the maximum 5,000-pound rating requires an aftermarket trailer brake controller, as it is not included from the factory. This additional equipment ensures safe and efficient braking when pulling heavier trailers, aligning with best practices for towing safety and vehicle performance.

Does the Hyundai Santa Cruz Have a Tow Mode?

In line with increased towing capacities, the 2026 Santa Cruz XRT and Limited both feature a dedicated Tow Mode to optimize your hauling habits. In order to maximize the pickup’s abilities, Manchester area drivers must equip the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, while trailers must be fitted with their own braking systems, independent of the Santa Cruz, so they’re able to assist with braking.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Quick Comparison

Trim	Engine	Wheels	Tow Mode	LED bed lights
SE	191-hp 2.5L GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine	18-inch alloy wheels	Not available	Not available
SEL	191-hp 2.5L GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine	18-inch alloy wheels	Not available	Not available
SEL Activity	191-hp 2.5L GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine	18-inch alloy wheels	Not available	Standard
XRT	281-hp 2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine	18-inch XRT alloy wheels	Standard	Standard
Limited	281-hp 2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine	20-inch alloy wheels	Standard	Standard

Which Hyundai Santa Cruz Has the Best Value?

When it comes to value, it’s natural to look towards the middle of a given trim lineup, and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity stands out as a well-rounded combination of features, capability, and price. 

Drivers score key luxury and convenience upgrades like heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and a digital instrument cluster—all typically found in higher-end models—without pushing the price beyond reach. Additionally, the model’s utility is enhanced with a bed tonneau cover, cargo rails with anchor points, and a household-style power outlet, making it practical for both everyday use and work-related tasks.

Still, the base-level SE trim serves as an affordable entry point with essential features, and on the higher end, trims like the XRT and Limited deliver more power with turbocharged engines and standard all-wheel drive. At the end of the day, your driving habits and hauling requirements dictate which Santa Cruz you should go with, and the Hyundai truck is more than ready to live up to expectations.

Secure High-Level Hyundai Financing Near Manchester, MD

Ready to make the 2026 Santa Cruz yours? Talk to one of our Hyundai finance experts and value your trade right on our website. If you have any questions about Hyundai loans or this great pickup truck, don’t hesitate to contact us online!

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Disclaimer: While we strive for accuracy, Jack Giambalvo Motor Company is not responsible for errors or omissions. All pricing and availability must be confirmed by dealership staff.