The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is the last call for buyers who want a blend of SUV and truck, plus some off-road utility.
Timing matters. The Santa Cruz carved out a niche since its 2022 debut, offering a unibody-based alternative to traditional body-on-frame trucks. Now, with Hyundai planning a larger midsize replacement, this smaller, more approachable truck becomes a short-term opportunity rather than a long-term option.
XRT Trim Adds Off-Road Appeal
The XRT trim leans into light off-road capability with subtle but meaningful upgrades inspired by our former managing editor Jill Ciminillo’s Rebelle Rally experience. Hyundai added terrain mode for 2026, tuning throttle response and transmission behavior for loose surfaces like snow and dirt.
Visually, the XRT stands apart with blacked-out trim, unique badging, and all-terrain tires sized at 245/60R18. It’s not a hardcore off-roader, but it delivers enough ruggedness for gravel roads, washboards and weekend trail use.
The design itself remains one of the Santa Cruz’s strongest assets. The updated front end from 2025 carries over, giving the truck a more aggressive stance without losing its crossover roots.
Turbo Powertrain: Solid, Not Spectacular
Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Performance is best described as “adequate plus.” It delivers enough power for daily driving, highway merging, and light towing, but it doesn’t feel particularly quick or exciting.
The engine runs on regular fuel and pairs well with the overall mission: practical, easy-to-live-with capability rather than headline-grabbing numbers.
Right Size and Right Features For Certain Customers
Where the Santa Cruz continues to stand out is size and features.
The 4-foot bed may sound small, but it’s surprisingly functional. It includes a sliding tonneau cover, integrated bed steps and an in-bed storage tray for keeping things out of the way.
Inside, the cabin feels more SUV than truck. A redesigned panoramic-style dash, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a clean layout make it easy to live with daily. Rear-seat space is usable but not amazing.
Payload is rated at 1,411 pounds, reinforcing that this is a light-duty utility vehicle rather than a workhorse.
Driving Experience: Easy, Comfortable, and Versatile
Behind the wheel, the Santa Cruz feels closer to a raised sedan than a traditional pickup.
Ride quality is smooth, visibility is strong, and it’s easy to maneuver and park—key advantages over larger trucks. It handles dirt roads confidently, and the XRT’s all-terrain setup adds a bit more confidence off pavement.
This is a truck designed for a specific use case: commuting, light hauling, occasional off-road use, and weekend projects. Within that lane, it performs exactly as intended.
Buy It While You Can
Starting around $43,000, the 2026 Santa Cruz XRT isn’t the cheapest option in the segment, but it offers a unique mix of comfort, practicality and style.
If you’ve been considering one, this is the moment. The Santa Cruz delivers a distinct alternative to traditional pickups and once it’s gone, there’s nothing quite like it waiting in the wings.
