The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz remains largely unchanged since its 2022 introduction, offering a stylish, SUV-like driving experience with a functional truck bed. It competes closely with the Ford Maverick but stands out for its comfort and aesthetics. While the dual-clutch transmission is discontinued, the Santa Cruz provides solid towing capabilities and a practical bed size, making it a versatile choice in the compact pickup segment.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to impress as a compact pickup truck that blends the comfort and driving dynamics of a small SUV with the utility of a truck bed. Since its introduction in 2022, the Santa Cruz has seen minimal changes, maintaining its appeal as a versatile and stylish vehicle in the compact pickup segment.
One of the standout features of the Santa Cruz is its distinctive style. Compared to its main rival, the Ford Maverick, the Santa Cruz offers a more refined and SUV-like aesthetic. While the Maverick leans into a traditional truck feel, the Santa Cruz resembles a Hyundai Tucson with a truck bed attached, providing a unique blend of utility and comfort.
The Santa Cruz drives like a small SUV rather than a conventional pickup truck. It offers a dynamic and confident driving experience, feeling well-balanced and composed on the road. Although it is not a sports car and does not deliver rapid acceleration, it provides a smooth and enjoyable ride suitable for everyday driving.
A notable change for the 2026 model is the discontinuation of the dual-clutch transmission, which was previously available on select turbocharged trims. This transmission was praised for its smoothness but was removed due to cost considerations. All Santa Cruz models now come equipped with a standard automatic transmission.
The interior of the Santa Cruz is comfortable, especially in the front seats. However, like most vehicles in the compact and midsize pickup truck categories, the rear seating is less accommodating and generally considered subpar. This is a common drawback across the pickup truck segment.
The Santa Cruz offers a practical truck bed that is sufficiently sized for most users' needs. It also boasts a towing capacity that exceeds the Ford Maverick by approximately 1,000 pounds in certain configurations. However, it does not come with trailer brake control as standard, which buyers will need to add separately, typically through dealerships.
When towing, it is important to consider the vehicle's size and weight distribution, as hauling heavy trailers can affect handling. A prudent approach is to use about 75% of the maximum tow rating to ensure safety and reduce brake wear.
The base price for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at around $31,350 plus destination fees, but most buyers tend to opt for mid-level trims priced between $36,000 and $38,000. The trim lineup includes:
The SE Activity trim is particularly well-equipped and represents a popular choice among buyers.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a well-rounded compact pickup truck that offers a unique combination of style, comfort, and utility. Its SUV-like driving dynamics and practical features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle that can handle daily driving and light hauling tasks without the bulk and traditional feel of a full-size truck.
Overall, the Santa Cruz stands out in its segment for its aesthetic appeal and balanced performance, making it a compelling option for buyers looking for a small pickup truck with a modern twist.
This review was provided by Aaron, highlighting the key aspects and personal insights on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
