2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Punta Gorda, FL

Meet the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Gettel Hyundai of Charlotte County

Compact pickup or adventurous SUV? With the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, you don’t have to choose. Built for drivers who want the utility of a truck bed with the ride quality and interior of an SUV, the new Santa Cruz delivers smart design, top-tier tech, and serious flexibility. Whether you’re headed to the beach, the trails, or your driveway in Punta Gorda, the Santa Cruz is ready to go.

This 2026 model is available in five trims: SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited. Every trim brings unique features, but they all share the same commitment to versatility and innovation. The Santa Cruz also offers more towing capability than rivals like the Ford Maverick and backs it all with “America’s Best Warranty”. If you’re shopping for a compact pickup that performs like a champ and looks sharp doing it, Hyundai has your match. Visit us at Gettel Hyundai of Charlotte County for a closer look at this 2026 model.

Interior: Comfortable and Capable

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a thoughtfully designed interior with space, comfort, and utility in equal measure. With seating for five and a total passenger volume of 101.8 cubic feet, there’s 40.2 inches of front headroom and 41.4 inches of front legroom, with 39.6 inches of rear headroom and 36.5 inches of rear legroom. Seat materials range from durable cloth to premium leather-trim, depending on trim. Heated and ventilated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control are all available for added comfort.

Families will appreciate the inclusion of LATCH anchors in the second row, child safety locks on the rear doors, and rear occupant alerts as standard across all trims. Cargo capacity comes out to 27 cubic feet in the bed, and inside, you’ll find plenty of clever storage areas and a 60/40 split rear seat for added flexibility.

Interior Highlights Include:

• 12.3-inch Touchscreen with Navigation
• Heated Front Seats
• Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay®
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
• Rear Underseat Storage & Floor Console A/C Vents

Additional interior perks include a leather-wrapped steering wheel (SEL Activity and above), rear sliding glass window, LED interior lighting, and available wireless device charging. You can also opt for a power sunroof and ambient lighting for an upscale feel.

Exterior: Eye-Catching From Every Angle

Hyundai calls it a Sport Adventure Vehicle, and the exterior styling makes that clear. With muscular lines, an aggressive stance, and signature grille styling, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz looks ready for action. The truck bed itself is packed with features like a lockable underfloor storage compartment, a 115V power outlet, a remote-release tailgate, and optional dual C-channel utility tracks with cleats.

Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, depending on the trim, and the Limited trim adds dark chrome accents and bold LED bed lighting. Roof side rails and an integrated tonneau cover are also available, giving you extra cargo options without sacrificing style.

Available Exterior Colors:

• Canyon Red
• Hampton Gray
• Blue Stone
• Atlas White
• Sage Gray
• Phantom Black

You’ll also get LED headlights, high beam assist, body-colored or satin black mirror caps, and a shark-fin antenna standard. The XRT adds rugged elements like fender flares, an exclusive grille, and all-terrain tires, while the Limited trim takes it upscale with chrome accents and 20-inch wheels.

Performance: Built To Achieve. Ready To Tow

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two powertrain options to suit your driving needs. The standard 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, perfect for everyday driving, commuting, or weekend errands. If you’re looking for more power, opt for the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that kicks out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine also enables a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive.

Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (dual-clutch with the turbo), and all models include Terrain Mode Select. The turbocharged trims also add Tow Mode for more confident towing in varied conditions.

Fuel economy is strong, too. Expect up to a manufacturer-estimated 30 mpg on the highway with FWD models, making this compact pickup one of the more fuel-efficient options in its class.

Technology: Making Your Drive Easier

From top to bottom, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is loaded with modern tech designed to enhance your daily drive. Even the SE trim includes a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and HD Radio, with Bluetooth® wireless audio and SiriusXM™ standard across the lineup. Higher trims include navigation, Dynamic Voice Recognition, and Hyundai Pay capabilities.

Top Technology Features:

• 12.3-inch Touchscreen with Navigation
• Bluelink+ Connected Car System
• Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay®
• Bose® Premium Audio System (Limited Trim)
• Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch (XRT & Limited)
• Surround View Monitor (Limited Trim)

Whether you’re charging your phone wirelessly or using Apple CarPlay® to stream music, the Santa Cruz helps you stay connected and in control without distractions. You’ll also get USB ports for both rows, standard wireless charging, and multiple 12V outlets for added convenience.

Safety: Systems that Look Out For You

Hyundai SmartSense is standard on every 2026 Santa Cruz and includes essential driver assistance systems for peace of mind on the road. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Safe Exit Warning are both standard, along with Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Higher trims gain even more protection with features like Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor.

Key Safety Features:

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)

Every Santa Cruz also includes eight airbags, LATCH anchors, vehicle stability management, and a rearview camera. With Smart Cruise Control and Highway Driving Assist on the XRT and Limited trims, highway travel becomes safer and more intuitive.

Take the 2026 Santa Cruz for a Spin at Gettel Hyundai of Charlotte County

Whether you’re after style, strength, or utility, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is packed with it all. Visit Gettel Hyundai of Charlotte County in Punta Gorda, FL, to explore available trims, current Hyundai specials, and your best financing options. Schedule a Santa Cruz test drive today and see how a compact pickup with SUV comfort can upgrade your new car buying experience.

*Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Hyundai is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

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.

*All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are manufacturer estimates. Actual mileage will vary.