2027 Hyundai Santa CruzMotorTrend - MotorTrendComfortable and easy to driveUseful and versatilePunchy turbo engineLittle bedSlow base engineFord Maverick is betterEssentially a crossover SUV with a small pickup bed, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is an unusual little vehicle. Yet it earns appeal against traditional trucks with its compact sizing and tidy driving manners.Hyundai introduced the Santa Cruz for 2022 and gave the truck an update for 2025. Its main rival is the Ford Maverick; the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline are among larger competitors.AdvertisementAdvertisementImage shown is last year model. This page will be updated with photos as information becomes available.What's NewBasicsSEL and Limited trims discontinued; SE, SEL Activity, and XRT remain availableExterior20-inch wheels no longer availableRockwood Green and Canyon Red paints discontinuedSunroof becomes standard on XRTInteriorLeatherette seating upholstery now standard on all trimsXRT model gains heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, fold-down rear armrest, and premium audioWhat We ThinkPart pickup, part SUV, the Santa Cruz only makes sense when treated as both. Unlike most trucks, its compact footprint, easy parking, quiet cabin, and comfortable ride make it friendly for daily use, and its bold styling gives it more personality and presence than common crossovers.AdvertisementAdvertisementUtility is more clever than expansive. The short bed limits big cargo, but adjustable tie-downs, underbed storage, and an available tonneau cover make the space useful for outdoor gear and home projects. Although the cabin looks nice, its design clashes with the exterior's adventurous character. Like the bed, the back seat is small, too.Although the base engine is weak, turbocharged versions add useful performance for merging and passing. More than just cosplay, the rugged XRT model's all-terrain tires and revised bumpers add traction and clearance without trying to transform into a hardcore off-roader.For pickup practicality without the trucky bulk, the Santa Cruz hits a distinctive sweet spot. Think of it as an everyday SUV with a bed—not a shrunken traditional truck.Top-Ranked Competitors:Ford MaverickToyota TacomaHonda RidgelineKia CarnivalMotorTrend TestedThe Santa Cruz' base engine is a 2.5-liter I-4 that produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. That goes through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard FWD or available AWD. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph should take about 9.0 seconds with this engine.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the XRT model, a turbocharged 2.5-liter I-4 engine makes 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It's also paired with an eight-speed automatic, but AWD is standard. In MotorTrend testing, a Santa Cruz with the turbo engine hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.MPGs and RangeWith the base engine, fuel economy for the Santa Cruz should come in at about 22/30 mpg city/highway with FWD and 21/29 mpg with AWD. Driving range on a full tank of gas is a bit more than 400 miles.The turbocharged engine returns fuel economy of approximately 18/25 mpg. Driving range with this engine is about 350 miles.Safety Ratings and FeaturesIn its most recent safety testing for 2026, the Santa Cruz earned IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick status, the second-best accolade.Standard FeaturesAll 2027 Santa Cruz models are equipped with front and rear automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, automatic high-beams, and rear-seat occupant alert.Available FeaturesThe XRT model gains intersection collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot view cameras.How Big Is the Santa Cruz Bed?Compared to traditional trucks, the Santa Cruz's bed is quite small, measuring only about 4 feet long when the tailgate is closed. It provides 27 cubic feet of space, but an underbed compartment improves storage capacity.Towing and PayloadTowing tops out at 3,500 pounds with the base engine and 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine. Maximum payload is slightly more than 1,400 pounds.TechnologyInfotainmentAll Santa Cruz models have a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base SE trim has a 4.2-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display. There are USB-C ports in both rows of seats.Sound SystemAbove the base sound system, the XRT model gains a Bose premium audio system.Available UpgradesThe SEL Activity and XRT trims get a 12.3-inch digital driver's display and a wireless charging pad. The XRT model gains built-in navigation and voice command technology.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Santa Cruz starts at approximately $32,000 for the base SE FWD model. Standard exterior features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and acoustically laminated glass. The bed has a locking underfloor storage compartment and integrated D-rings.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the Santa Cruz SE has leatherette upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and manual climate control. Keyless entry with push-button start adds convenience.Recommended TrimThe SEL Activity trim with AWD is our pick. For around $38,000, it gains useful upgrades such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, digital gauge display, and a wireless charging pad. The bed is enhanced with an integrated tonneau cover, 115-volt power outlet, and C-channel cargo rails. Really, though, the Ford Maverick is our top pick for a compact pickup truck.
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