2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL AWD: Features, Specs, and Positioning

Hyundai presents the 2026 Santa Cruz SEL AWD with updated design and equipment. Explore key specs, features, and its role in the compact pickup segment.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to carve out its own space in the compact pickup segment, sitting somewhere between a traditional truck and a modern crossover. After a noticeable facelift for the 2025 model year, the latest version carries that design forward while refining its equipment and overall positioning.

The lineup still consists of five trims. Lower versions rely on a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the XRT and Limited models step up to a turbocharged variant. In SEL all-wheel-drive form, the focus remains on the non-turbo engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. Performance is measured rather than aggressive, with acceleration aimed at everyday usability instead of outright speed.

Visually, the Santa Cruz keeps the more assertive front-end styling introduced with the facelift. LED lighting, a bold grille treatment, and 18-inch wheels help it stand out without pushing it into full-size truck territory. Its proportions and design language align closely with Hyundai’s crossovers, yet the presence of a functional pickup bed gives it a distinct identity.

That bed remains one of the Santa Cruz’s strongest arguments. Beneath the load floor is a lockable, drain-equipped storage compartment that can hide gear or handle wet items. Additional waterproof side compartments, integrated tie-downs, and bed rails enhance everyday practicality. The tailgate itself is damped, opens via a button, and even includes molded cup holders—small details that hint at thoughtful design rather than pure utility.

Inside, the SEL trim offers a surprisingly comprehensive feature set. Dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, paired with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a full suite of driver-assistance systems. Built-in navigation is reserved for higher trims, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, covering most daily connectivity needs. While hard plastics are common, key touchpoints feel solid and well finished.

On the road, comfort takes priority. The suspension absorbs bumps with ease, helped by the tall tire sidewalls, and cabin noise remains subdued even at highway speeds or in wet conditions. Steering response is light and predictable, and different drive modes—including snow and sport—allow minor adjustments to throttle and drivetrain behavior without changing the truck’s fundamentally relaxed character.

Fuel efficiency is another highlight. With up to 29 mpg on the highway in all-wheel-drive form, the Santa Cruz competes favorably with both compact pickups and midsize SUVs. Towing capacity, however, reflects its positioning: the naturally aspirated engine is rated for 3,500 pounds, while opting for the turbocharged version increases that figure to 5,000.

Overall, the 2026 Santa Cruz is best understood as a practical alternative for drivers who want the flexibility of a truck bed without sacrificing ride comfort, technology, or efficiency. It is not designed for heavy-duty work, but as a daily vehicle with added utility, the SEL all-wheel-drive version offers a balanced and thoughtfully equipped package within its price range.