What's New for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz blends the comfort of an SUV with the usefulness of a pickup. It’s easy to drive in town and capable enough for weekend jobs or trips. This model brings a bolder look, smarter bed features, and simple, updated tech. If you compare small trucks and crossovers, the Santa Cruz offers the comfort and utility you want.

At Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway, we help shoppers from North Little Rock, Maumelle, Jacksonville, Cabot, Bryant, and Alexander find the right fit. The open bed has tie-downs and a lockable cover to keep gear secure. Inside, the cabin feels calm and modern with a clear touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and plenty of charging options. Hyundai SmartSense driver-assist features are available to add confidence in traffic and tight parking lots.

Whether you’re grabbing hardware supplies, loading bikes for a trail ride, or dropping kids at school, the 2026 Santa Cruz fits your day. It’s easy to park, smooth to drive, and ready for life in Central Arkansas.

Rugged & Functional Design

The Santa Cruz looks tough because it’s built for tough jobs, yet it still turns heads around town. A bold grille, strong hood lines, and sharp LED lighting give it a modern face. Wide wheel arches and a confident stance add presence without making the truck feel oversized. That balance helps when you’re squeezing into a downtown spot or a busy lot.

The bed is the highlight. It’s compact for city driving but packed with smart ideas for work and play:      

- Built-in tie-downs to secure cargo      
- In-bed storage for wet or muddy items
- Available lockable tonneau cover for extra protection
- Optional accessories like a bed extender or cross bars for longer gear
- LED bed lighting and an available household-style outlet on select builds for evening projects      

Because the Santa Cruz is sized right, it’s less stressful to maneuver. You get a truck that works hard without feeling bulky and makes it easy to say “yes” to projects, errands, and quick trips.

Comfort & Cozy Interior

Open the door, and the Santa Cruz feels like a comfortable SUV. There’s seating for five, and the driving position gives you a clear view of the road without feeling too tall. The ride is smooth and quiet, which makes daily drives around Conway, Jacksonville, and North Little Rock more relaxing. The controls are simple and right where you expect them.

Tech is easy to use:      

- A clear touchscreen that’s quick to learn      
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for maps, music, and calls
- Multiple USB ports so everyone can charge
- Available wireless charging for a clean, cord-free setup
- Available premium audio for richer sound      

Storage is smart, too. You’ll find helpful spots for small items, door bins, console space, and clever cubbies. It’s easy to buckle in child seats and still have room for backpacks and sports gear. Want a more upscale feel? Look for available heated and ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed surfaces, and a panoramic sunroof. These features bring comfort on long drives or quiet cruises to Lake Conway.

Unmatched Performance & Safety

The 2026 Santa Cruz is built to work and play, without wearing you out. A standard four-cylinder engine is smooth and efficient for everyday use. Need more power for passing or hills? Choose the available turbocharged engine on select trims for stronger acceleration while still managing fuel use.

For extra grip on wet roads, gravel, or light trails, the available HTRAC all-wheel drive helps the truck find traction. Steering feels precise and predictable, and the suspension is tuned to handle bumps and potholes calmly. You get truck utility with car-like comfort—great for your daily routine.

Towing and payload depend on the engine and equipment. Many builds are well-suited for small campers, jet skis, and utility trailers. If you have a specific trailer in mind, our team can show you VIN-specific ratings and available tow packages so you can match the truck to your plans.

Safety is a key part of the Santa Cruz:      

- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist      
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind-Spot features
- Rear Cross-Traffic alerts for tricky parking lots
- Available Smart Cruise Control to help manage speed and following distance on long drives
- Available parking sensors or surround-view camera on higher trims      

These systems are designed to assist you. They don’t replace careful, attentive driving.

Trim Highlights & Available Options

Hyundai offers five trims so you can pick the Santa Cruz that fits your budget and your to-do list. Here’s a simple guide to start your search at Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway:

SE: A great value with the core features most drivers use daily. You get a comfortable cabin, key connectivity, and important SmartSense safety tech. If you want a practical truck at a smart price, start here.
SEL: Adds convenient upgrades that make daily life easier. Look for features like keyless entry, connectivity, and available all-wheel drive. It’s a smart middle ground for extra comfort without going full luxury.
SEL Activity: Built for active owners who plan to use the bed often. You’ll find utility-focused upgrades and gear-friendly touches that make loading, securing, and protecting your stuff easier. This trim makes sense if your weekends include bikes, kayaks, or project runs.
XRT: A tougher look with added capability cues. Expect rugged styling, unique exterior details, and features aimed at outdoor adventures. If you like a bold, ready-for-anything vibe and spend time on gravel or trailheads, the XRT fits.
Limited: This is the most premium Santa Cruz. It features upscale materials, advanced tech, and the widest list of available driver-assist features. Heated and ventilated seats, enhanced audio, and a refined cabin create a small truck that feels high-end.      

Ready to find your fit? Visit Chris Crain Hyundai in Conway, AR, to test drive the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and compare trims side by side. Or start from home: browse our live inventory, value your trade, and apply for financing online. We serve drivers from North Little Rock, Maumelle, Jacksonville, Cabot, Bryant, and Alexander, and we’ll help you choose a Santa Cruz with the power, comfort, and bed features that match your life in Central Arkansas.

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