2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Adventure-Ready Truck for the Big Island
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Adventure-Ready Truck for the Big Island
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz brings a one-of-a-kind combination of open-bed utility and car-like versatility to the truck segment, and it’s a natural fit for life in Kailua-Kona, HI. Whether you’re hauling gear to the trailhead or navigating the island’s winding roads, it keeps pace with every kind of day. The team at Big Island Hyundai is here with all the details.
Performance Features
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available with two engine options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and is offered in FWD or AWD configurations. Step up to the XRT or Limited trim and you get the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rated at 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard AWD.
For drivers who want even more capability, the H-TRAC® all-wheel drive system on equipped trims includes an AWD Lock mode and a dedicated Sand/Mud setting on the XRT, giving this new Hyundai truck the kind of off-pavement confidence that suits island terrain.
Safety Features
Hyundai SmartSense® driver assistance technology is standard on every trim for this new adventure vehicle. Every model includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist™ with pedestrian detection
- Lane Keeping Assist™
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist™
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Safe Exit Warning
- Driver Attention Warning
Upper trims add Highway Driving Assist and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control™ with Curve Control for confident driving on longer stretches.
Technology Features
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto on every trim, alongside SiriusXM® satellite radio, and HD Radio. The Bluelink®+ connected car system is also standard across the lineup, enabling remote start, vehicle status alerts, and over-the-air updates. XRT and Limited trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch Audio-Video-Navigation touchscreen with onboard navigation, while the Limited adds a Bose® Premium Audio System and Wireless Device Charging™.
Towing Features
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is built to haul. SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims tow up to 3,500 lbs with trailer brakes, while the XRT and Limited trims increase that rating to 5,000 lbs, making the Hyundai Santa Cruz one of the more capable options in the sport truck segment. The open bed offers 27.0 cubic feet of volume, and the built-in tonneau cover T-slot system supports up to 440 lbs of gear from compatible accessories.
Explore the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Kailua-Kona, HI
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is ready to take on whatever the Big Island puts in front of it. Stop by our Hyundai dealership in Kailua-Kona, HI to browse the current inventory and get behind the wheel. Ask a team member about available Hyundai financing options to find a payment plan that works for you.