Shop for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Pharr
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Charlie Clark Hyundai of Pharr in Pharr, TX
Drivers looking for a pickup truck that blends everyday comfort with real utility will find a smart fit in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Charlie Clark Hyundai of Pharr in Pharr, TX. Designed with a crew cab layout and a versatile composite bed, the Santa Cruz bridges the gap between compact SUVs and traditional trucks like the Ford Maverick. It delivers confident road capability, flexible cargo solutions, and modern driver assistance features while staying easy to maneuver in daily driving.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup includes five trims: SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited. Each trim builds on the last with added convenience, capability, and design upgrades. Whether your habits and vehicle needs lean toward commuting, weekend hauling, or light towing, the Santa Cruz delivers a balanced approach within the Hyundai vehicle lineup.
Interior Comfort and Interior Measurements
Inside the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, comfort and practicality take priority. The cabin seats up to five passengers and uses a layout that keeps controls intuitive and storage within reach. Front seats provide supportive cushioning for longer drives, while the rear seat offers adequate space for adult passengers or additional cargo. Interior materials vary by trim, ranging from durable cloth to H-Tex seating surfaces and leather-trimmed upholstery in Limited models.
Interior measurements:
- Front headroom measures up to 40.2 inches without the sunroof
- Front headroom measures up to 38.2 inches with the sunroof equipped
- Second-row headroom reaches 39.6 inches
- Front legroom measures 41.4 inches
- Second-row legroom comes in at 36.5 inches
- Front shoulder room measures 57.7 inches
- Rear shoulder room measures 56.1 inches
Interior highlights include:
- Heated front seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual automatic temperature control
- Eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support
- Integrated Memory System for driver seat
Additional interior comfort features available across the Santa Cruz trims include a heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, six-way power front passenger seat, ambient LED interior lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®, front and second-row LED interior lights, second-row center armrest with cupholders, and a 60/40 split tip-up rear seat with under-seat storage tray.
Exterior Design with Real Utility Built In
The exterior of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines bold styling with functional details that support real-world use. A wide stance, sculpted body panels, and modern lighting elements give the Santa Cruz a distinctive presence on the road. Projector-type LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights are standard across the lineup to improve visibility.
The composite pickup bed is designed for durability and flexibility. It includes sidewall and underbed storage compartments, open stake pockets, and integrated heavy-duty cargo D-rings. A roof-mounted LED cargo light and available LED bed lighting improve visibility when loading at night. Integrated multi-level rear bumper steps provide easier rear cargo access, while available dual C-channel bedside utility tracks securely mount accessories.
Available exterior paint colors include:
- Sage Gray
- Hampton Gray
- Phantom Black
- Atlas White
- Rockwood Green
Blue Stone is also available on select trims.
Cargo Bed Design and Rear Utility Features
What sets the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz apart from other vehicles is its innovative bed design. The sheet-molded composite bed resists dents and corrosion and offers integrated storage solutions. Sidewall storage bins keep smaller items secure, while underbed compartments provide hidden space for tools or gear.
The lockable integrated tonneau covers available on SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited trims keep cargo protected. LED bed lighting and a roof-mounted cargo light improve visibility, and the available 115V AC power inverter allows power tools or accessories to be used directly from the bed.
Powertrain and Road Performance
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two engine options designed to support different driving needs. SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims use a Smartstream 2.5-liter GDI and MPI four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. XRT and Limited models upgrade to a Smartstream 2.5-liter Turbo GDI and MPI engine, generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
All trims use an eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® and Drive Mode Select. Front-wheel drive is standard, while HTRAC all wheel drive is available and standard on XRT and Limited models.
Performance features include:
- Drive Mode Select
- Electronic Parking Brake with automatic vehicle hold
- Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control
- Self-leveling multi-link rear suspension
Additional performance-related equipment includes trailer pre-wiring, Terrain Mode Select on XRT models, and towing capability up to 3,500 pounds on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims and up to 5,000 pounds on XRT and Limited when properly equipped with trailer brakes.
EPA-Estimates for Fuel Economy
Fuel economy varies by engine and drivetrain configuration. When fuel economy is referenced, EPA-estimates apply.
- 2.5-liter front-wheel drive models EPA-estimates of 22 city, 30 highway, and 25 combined
- 2.5-liter all wheel drive models EPA-estimates of 21 city, 29 highway, and 24 combined
- 2.5-liter Turbo all wheel drive models EPA-estimates of 18 city, 25 highway, and 20 combined
Technology Features Focused on Connectivity and Convenience
Technology in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz emphasizes clarity, connectivity, and ease of use. A 12.3-inch color touchscreen interface anchors the dashboard, while a digital display provides clear driver information.
Higher trims add navigation, premium audio, and expanded connected services. Hyundai Bluelink+ Connected Car System provides remote access, diagnostics, and over-the-air updates, supporting vehicle online management through Hyundai online platforms.
Technology highlights include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Bose® premium audio system
- Digital Key 2 Touch
- Bluelink+ Connected Car System
- Wireless phone charger
Additional technology features available include SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Dynamic Voice Recognition, HD Radio™, USB-C ports for front and rear passengers, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited trims.
Advanced Safety Systems that Support Driver Awareness
Safety remains a priority in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance systems standard across the lineup. These systems use cameras and sensors to monitor surroundings and assist with braking, steering, and lane positioning. The Santa Cruz has earned strong safety ratings, adding confidence for daily driving and highway use.
Higher trims add advanced monitoring and visibility features that assist with lane changes and parking. Navigation-based systems further support highway driving by adjusting speed for curves and posted limits.
Safety features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Highway Driving Assist
Additional safety systems include Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop and Go, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor on select trims.
Explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Pharr, TX
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers everyday comfort, pickup truck utility, and modern technology in a package designed for real life. With five trims, flexible cargo solutions, and confident road capability, it stands out among compact trucks and other vehicles in its class. Visit Charlie Clark Hyundai of Pharr in Pharr, TX to explore the Santa Cruz lineup, compare trims, and schedule a test drive that fits your driving needs.
* All fuel economy mpg listing in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.
*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.
