At Hyundai of New Bern, we’re excited to bring you the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz — a unique blend of SUV comfort and truck utility, wrapped in a bold modern package. If you need flexibility, capability, and a vehicle that stands out, the Santa Cruz is designed with Eastern North Carolina life in mind. Whether you’re towing a jet ski to the coast, hauling gear for weekend adventures, or cruising town with style, the Santa Cruz is engineered to adapt.
What’s New for 2026
- Hyundai transitions the turbo model away from a dual-clutch automatic to a more refined 8-speed automatic transmission, smoothing out the power delivery and enhancing daily driving feel.
- The XRT trim gains a new Terrain Mode allowing better adaptation to conditions like mud, snow, and sand — ideal for rural and waterfront roads.
- Sleeker trim structure and refreshed aesthetics carry over, ensuring the 2026 Santa Cruz feels fresh without losing its character.
Performance & Powertrain Options
Base (Non-Turbo) Setup
- A 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
- Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
- Fuel economy is competitive: up to about 25–30 mpg highway depending on configuration.
Turbo / Performance Option
- In higher trims (XRT, Limited), you get a turbocharged 2.5L engine delivering 281 horsepower.
- This version comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (Hyundai’s HTRAC) and now uses the conventional 8-speed automatic (rather than the dual-clutch) for smoother shifts.
- With this setup, towing capability jumps significantly — up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
Utility, Bed & Dimensions
- The Santa Cruz features a 52.1-inch bed (approx) — compact, yet highly usable.
- Passenger seating for 5 with a comfortable cabin and modern amenities.
- When configured with turbo + AWD, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
- The unibody design means the ride and handling lean more toward a crossover than a traditional body-on-frame truck, giving you agile handling on both pavement and light off-road terrain.
Trim Options & Pricing
Here’s a look at the 2026 Santa Cruz trims and estimated pricing (MSRP) from recent listings:
- SE FWD — ~$29,500
- SE AWD — ~$31,000
- SEL / SEL Activity — mid-trim options with more features
- XRT AWD — ~$41,100
- Limited AWD — ~$43,450
Contact Hyundai of New Bern for current inventory, any local incentives, or dealer discounts that could affect the final delivered price.
Features, Comfort & Safety
Interior & Convenience
- Depending on trim: leather or H-Tex leatherette surfaces, heated/ventilated seats, 8-way power driver seat + lumbar support in upper trims
- Dual-zone automatic climate control, premium trim elements, ambient lighting, and modern infotainment features in higher trims
- Cargo bed features like built-in lighting and power outlets in some trims for utility use
Safety & Driver Assistance
- Hyundai’s standard safety suite includes forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning, and more
- Higher trims may add surround-view cameras, improved driver aid systems, and more advanced safety features.
Why Choose the 2026 Santa Cruz from Hyundai of New Bern
Local Expertise & Support
You get the best of both worlds — Hyundai’s national support and local care. Our knowledgeable team is well-versed in Santa Cruz capabilities, trim distinctions, and helping you pick the version that aligns with your driving needs in Eastern North Carolina.
Regional Advantage
From ferry crossings to beach drives to rural roads, having AWD, towing capability, and utility in one vehicle is a strong proposition in this region. We can show you how the Santa Cruz can adapt to local conditions that many SUVs or trucks may struggle with.
Test Drives & Custom Packages
We encourage you to test drive both base and turbo versions so you feel the difference. We also help you build out optional packages or accessories (bed covers, power outlets, off-road enhancements) to tailor your Santa Cruz to your lifestyle.
Find your Santa Cruz today!
