Abhishek 
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has hit a critical crossroads. While it continues to win over urban adventurers with its 5,000-lb towing capacity, premium 12.3-inch curved displays, and a smoother new 8-speed automatic transmission, industry reports suggest this may be the model’s final chapter. As Hyundai prepares a more rugged, body-on-frame mid-size truck for 2029, the Santa Cruz remains a unique, high-tech “truck-lite” option for those prioritizing SUV comfort over raw work-site utility.
In the 15 years I’ve spent testing trucks from the Detroit Three to the newcomers from Seoul, the Hyundai Santa Cruz remains one of the most polarizing yet practical machines on the road. It doesn’t want to be a “work truck,” and it’s finally leaning into that identity—just as rumors of its retirement begin to circulate.
Refined for 2026: What’s Actually New?
For the current model year, Hyundai addressed the biggest gripe from long-term owners: the transmission.
- A Smoother Drive: The previous dual-clutch transmission (DCT) has been swapped for a traditional 8-speed automatic on the turbo models. This provides a much more predictable feel when creeping through traffic or reversing with a trailer.
- The Command Center: The interior is no longer “truck-like.” Higher trims now feature a 12.3-inch panoramic curved display that puts most luxury SUVs to shame.
- The XRT Trim: The 2026 XRT model adds dedicated Terrain Modes (Mud, Sand, and Snow), making it more capable for light off-roading than its crossover roots might suggest.
The Elephant in the Showroom: Why It’s Trending
If you look at the sales charts, there’s a massive gap. The Ford Maverick is currently outselling the Santa Cruz by nearly 6-to-1. This has sparked a “will they or won’t they” frenzy among enthusiasts and industry analysts. Recent reports from Automotive News indicate that Hyundai may wind down Santa Cruz production by early 2027.
Why? Hyundai is reportedly pivoting toward a “true” mid-size truck—a body-on-frame beast designed to go toe-to-toe with the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. This makes the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz a potential “collector’s item” for those who want the specific blend of a Tucson’s ride quality with a 4-foot bed.
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Side-by-Side: How the Santa Cruz Stack Up for 2026
To understand why the Santa Cruz is trending, you have to see how it competes with its two biggest rivals: the budget-king Ford Maverick and the rugged Toyota Tacoma.
| Feature | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Toyota Tacoma |
| Base Engine | 191-hp 2.5L GDI | 191-hp 2.5L Hybrid | 228-hp 2.4L Turbo |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs (Turbo) | 4,000 lbs (Turbo) | 6,500 lbs |
| Drive Type | Unibody (SUV-based) | Unibody (Car-based) | Body-on-Frame (Truck) |
| Max Fuel Economy | 22 City / 30 Hwy | 42 City / 33 Hwy | 21 City / 26 Hwy |
| Primary Edge | Luxury Tech & Warranty | Efficiency & Price | Off-Roading & Resale |
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Still the Right Move?
The Santa Cruz excels because it doesn’t apologize for what it is. It has an in-bed trunk with a drain plug (perfect for a tailgate cooler), a factory-integrated tonneau cover, and a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that its rivals simply can’t match. For the suburban DIYer or the mountain biker who hates parking full-size rigs, it remains the smartest choice in the segment—even if its days are numbered.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hyundai Santa Cruz
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz a “real” truck?
A: Technically, it is a unibody “Sport Adventure Vehicle.” While it has a bed and can tow up to 5,000 lbs, it shares its chassis with the Hyundai Tucson SUV, offering a much smoother ride than traditional trucks.
What is the “in-bed trunk” everyone mentions?
A: Under the floor of the truck bed is a lockable, waterproof compartment. It includes a drain plug, meaning you can fill it with ice for drinks or wash out mud after storing hiking boots.
Did the 2026 model get a hybrid engine?
A: No. Despite high demand, the 2026 Santa Cruz remains gas-only, featuring either a 191-hp 2.5L engine or a more powerful 281-hp 2.5L Turbo.
How does the Hyundai Santa Cruz compare to the Ford Maverick?
A: The Maverick is more affordable and offers a hybrid, but the Santa Cruz offers a significantly more premium interior, better tech, a higher towing capacity (5,000 lbs vs. 4,000 lbs), and a superior warranty.
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