2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Lakewood Ranch, FL

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Gettel Hyundai of Lakewood

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a crossover and pickup all-in-one – marrying SUV comfort and refinement with small-truck utility. Whether you’re driving to a beach in Sarasota, to a concert at Myakka River State Park, or maybe towing a kayak or small boat to the gulf, the Santa Cruz makes every drive an adventure.

Available in SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited trim levels, the Santa Cruz offers the versatility of front-wheel-drive efficiency or HTRAC® all-wheel-drive confidence.

Interior Features

Within the 2026 Santa Cruz, there is a cabin that is roomy, modern, and filled with comfort and technology. Although this truck is quite capable off-road, the interior feels premium, with 101.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, similar to a midsize SUV.

The driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable with power lumbar support. All trims feature heated front seats, and the Limited adds ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel for chilly mornings.

The interior design emphasizes ease and convenience:

  • Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with Auto Defog
  • Wireless Device Charging
  • Proximity Key with Push-Button Start and Remote Start
  • 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster
  • Ambient Interior Lighting (standard on Limited Trim)

Storage versatility is excellent, with a rear seat 60/40 split tip-up design that provides extra cargo room inside the cabin. Acoustically laminated glass keeps road noise out, making the Santa Cruz as quiet as it can be.

Exterior Features

The 2026 Santa Cruz is ruggedly handsome and smartly functional for those who desire ability and style. At 195.7 inches long and 75 inches wide, it is compact enough for city driving but strong enough for your weekend adventures.

The highlight (or hallmark) feature is an integrated composite bed with 27 cubic feet of cargo space, lockable under-bed storage, bed lights, standard LED lighting in the bed area, and a multi-function tailgate with an assisted open/close feature. The SEL Activity trim level and higher includes a factory-installed tonneau cover for gear storage and protection from the elements.

Other exterior features include:

  • 18-inch Alloy Wheels (SEL) or 20-inch Alloys (Limited)
  • LED Projector Headlights and Taillights
  • Roof Side Rails with 220-Pound Capacity
  • Dark Chrome Grille and Trim (Limited)
  • Power Sunroof
  • Rain-Sensing Wipers (Limited)
  • Heated, Power-Folding Side Mirrors with LED Turn Indicators

The XRT trim adds a distinctive look with black exterior accents, unique fender flares, and dark grille treatment, perfect for drivers who prefer a more rugged aesthetic.

Power & Performance

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two powertrains to match your driving style:

2.5-liter Inline 4-Cylinder

  • 191 Horsepower
  • 181 lb-ft of Torque
  • Front-Wheel Drive Standard; Available All-Wheel Drive
  • 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC®
  • Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 Pounds (FWD) / 5,000 Pounds (AWD)

2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline 4-Cylinder

  • 281 Horsepower
  • 311 lb-ft of Torque
  • Standard HTRAC® AWD
  • 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission with Tow Mode
  • Towing Capacity: 5,000 Pounds

Both powertrains utilize Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for optimum performance and efficiency.

The independent MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension deliver a smooth, composed ride when you’re on the highway or a gravel backroad. To keep the Santa Cruz steady and stable when hauling heavier loads, there is a self-leveling rear suspension. In addition, driver-selectable Terrain Mode lets you adjust traction settings for mud, sand, or snow.

Technology Features

Technology is front and center in the 2026 Santa Cruz, offering seamless connectivity and smart convenience across all trims.

Every model features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, HD Radio™, and SiriusXM® capability. The system is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple to stay connected on the go.

Available tech upgrades include:

  • Bose® Premium Audio System (Limited)
  • Dynamic Voice Recognition
  • Bluelink+® Connected Car System
  • Hyundai Pay for In-Vehicle Payments
  • Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control
  • Surround View Monitor (Limited)
  • Digital Key 2 Touch for Smartphone Entry and Ignition

With features like wireless charging, rear seat Quiet Mode, and real-time navigation updates, the 2026 Santa Cruz makes daily driving smarter and more enjoyable.

Safety Features

Every 2026 Santa Cruz comes equipped with Hyundai SmartSense®, a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to help prevent accidents and protect passengers.

Standard safety features include:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Detection
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • High Beam Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Alert

Higher trims add advanced systems like Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Monitor, and Blind-Spot View Monitor, providing a 360-degree safety net for you and your passengers.

The Santa Cruz also includes eight airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), ABS with Brake Assist, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire readouts.

Test Drive the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Lakewood Ranch, FL

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the ideal combination of adventure-ready capability and everyday usability. With robust turbocharged engine options, premium interior, and innovative tech, it is made for drivers who want more from their truck – while remaining comfortable and efficient.

Come to Gettel Hyundai of Lakewood in Lakewood Ranch, FL, today to test-drive the 2026 Santa Cruz and discover what sets this sport-adventure vehicle apart from every other pickup.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.