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Compact pickup

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: buying summary

The lifestyle compact truck with a turbocharged AWD option and under-bed trunk

MSRP range
$29,750–$42,800
Combined MPG
22
Body style
Compact pickup
Powertrain
Gasoline

Pros

  • 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged AWD is the most powerful engine in the compact truck segment — beats the Maverick EcoBoost's 250 hp
  • Lockable in-bed trunk (under the bed floor) is unique in the segment — 9.3 cu ft of weatherproof, lockable storage
  • Dual-clutch transmission on N Line and Limited produces faster shifts than any competing compact truck
  • Integrated tailgate step and bed liner standard on SEL Convenience Package and above

Cons

  • 1,748 lb payload (base) and 5,000 lb tow (turbo AWD) are competitive but trail mid-size trucks for actual work use
  • No hybrid option; the Maverick's 42-mpg standard hybrid makes it a significantly more fuel-efficient choice at comparable base pricing
  • N Line sporty appearance package adds $3,000+ but only cosmetic upgrades — no chassis or suspension improvement
  • Hyundai reliability per J.D. Power 3-year dependability trails Toyota in the truck segment

Best trim: SEL Turbo AWD

SEL Turbo AWD is the value sweet spot at around $36,500. The 281-hp turbo engine, AWD, 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay, heated front seats, and the in-bed trunk are all included. Limited adds a panoramic roof and Bose audio for $6K more. N Line is for buyers who want the sportier look — it's the same powertrain as SEL Turbo at a class="relative z-10",000-$2,000 premium over the base SEL Turbo.

What to cross-shop

  • Ford Maverick
  • Chevrolet Colorado LT
  • Honda Ridgeline

Verdict

Buy the Santa Cruz if style, the turbocharged AWD powertrain, and the in-bed trunk matter more than fuel economy. The Ford Maverick is the smarter city-truck buy on fuel costs. The Santa Cruz wins for buyers who want more power and the most distinctive compact truck experience.

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