2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Levels Explained near Omaha, NE
The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ near Omaha, NE brings crossover comfort and open-bed versatility together in a way that feels especially useful for drivers who want one vehicle for commuting, weekend projects, errands, and everyday family movement. For 2027, Hyundai streamlines the lineup to SE, SEL Activity, and XRT, while expanding premium convenience content to the XRT. Every trim includes H-Tex®-trimmed seating surfaces, a smart open-bed design with a lockable under-bed storage compartment, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, a multi-functional tailgate, and modern safety technology through Hyundai SmartSense features. The SE is practical and well-equipped, the SEL Activity adds activity-ready bed equipment and comfort upgrades many shoppers want, and the XRT brings turbocharged power, standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive, advanced driver-assistance technology, and premium audio. At Vern Eide Hyundai Sioux City, we see the SANTA CRUZ as a smart alternative for shoppers who like SUV refinement but need more flexible cargo solutions than a traditional compact SUV can provide.
| Trim Level | Focus | Powertrain | Utility | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Core sport utility | 2.5L, FWD standard | Lockable bed storage | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| SEL Activity | Comfort and activity upgrades | 2.5L, HTRAC available | Tonneau, rails, outlet | 12.3-inch digital cluster |
| XRT | Turbo AWD capability | 2.5T, HTRAC standard | 5,000-lb towing | Navigation, Bose® audio |
2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Options
SE
2.5L engine · 18-inch alloys · H-Tex® seating surfaces · 12.3-inch touchscreen
The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SE gives shoppers a strong foundation without making the entry trim feel stripped down. Its Smartstream 2.5L GDI plus MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth everyday driving. Front-wheel drive is standard, while HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available for those who want added traction confidence. The SE also includes 18 x 7.5J alloy wheels, Bi-LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, High Beam Assist, privacy glass, and an acoustic laminated windshield. The bed is one of its biggest strengths: every SANTA CRUZ includes a Sheet Molded Composite bed, lockable under-bed storage, sidewall storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, integrated rear bumper side steps, and a multi-functional tailgate with assisted open and close. Inside, the SE seats five and includes H-Tex® seating surfaces, 60/40 split tip-up lower rear seat cushions, Bluelink+, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, dual front USB Type-C ports, second-row USB Type-C ports, and a rearview camera. Safety coverage is also meaningful, with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert.
SEL Activity
Integrated tonneau cover · Dual C-channel rails · 115V bed outlet · Power sunroof
The SEL Activity is the trim that turns the SANTA CRUZ into an even more complete adventure-and-errand companion. It keeps the efficient 2.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission setup while adding the equipment many shoppers associate with the SANTA CRUZ lifestyle. The integrated tonneau cover includes two built-in T-slot accessory tracks, while the dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system helps secure gear more thoughtfully than a basic open cargo area. Hyundai also adds LED bed lighting and a 115V power outlet in the sidewall storage area, making this trim especially helpful for carrying tools, tailgate supplies, sports gear, or home improvement items. The SEL Activity also adds heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, a rear sliding glass window with defroster, roof side rails, and a conventional-type power sunroof. The cabin feels more premium, too, thanks to an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control with Auto Defogger, center console-mounted rear A/C vents, front auto-down and auto-up windows, illuminated sunvisors, a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, and 15W wireless device quick charging. For drivers who want the sweet spot between utility and daily comfort, SEL Activity is easy to appreciate.
XRT
2.5L Turbo engine · HTRAC All Wheel Drive · Terrain Mode Select · Bose® Premium Audio
The XRT is the most capable and technology-rich 2027 SANTA CRUZ trim, and its upgrades are easy to feel from the driver’s seat. It replaces the naturally aspirated engine with a Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI plus MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. HTRAC All Wheel Drive is standard, and the XRT is the only trim with Terrain Mode Select, giving it a more confident personality when pavement turns rough or traction changes. It also increases maximum trailer capability with trailer brakes to 5,000 lbs. The XRT stands apart visually with Matte Black side mirror housings, Matte Black door handles, black-only H-Tex® seating surfaces, and a slightly longer overall length than the other trims. Inside, Hyundai expands the premium feel with a 12.3-inch Audio-Video-Navigation color touchscreen, onboard Navigation, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Bose® Premium Audio System, leather-wrapped shift knob, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, rear armrest with cup holders, and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch. Driver-assistance content is also elevated with Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Forward Attention Warning, Highway Driving Assist 1, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control, and sensor fusion-type Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection.
Which 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim is Best for Omaha Drivers?
For many shoppers, the best 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ near Omaha, NE depends on how much cargo flexibility, traction confidence, and driver-assistance technology matter in daily life. Omaha-area driving can mean a mix of Dodge Street commuting, I-80 travel, tight parking near Aksarben or the Old Market, and weekend hauling for home projects or recreation along the Missouri River corridor. The SE makes sense if you want the core SANTA CRUZ experience with practical bed storage, modern connectivity, and a strong standard safety package. The SEL Activity is the balanced choice because it adds the integrated tonneau cover, adjustable bed rail system, bed outlet, heated front seats, sunroof, and digital cluster. The XRT is the standout for drivers who want turbo power, standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive, expanded safety displays, premium audio, and higher towing capability. At Vern Eide Hyundai Sioux City, we recommend matching your trim to your real routine rather than choosing by name alone.
*Not actual model shown in images
- Choose SE if you want a smart daily driver with SUV comfort, standard H-Tex® seating surfaces, essential Hyundai SmartSense safety features, and a versatile composite bed for errands, gear, and weekend tasks.
- Choose SEL Activity if you want the best all-around blend of comfort and cargo management, including the integrated tonneau cover, dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, 115V bed outlet, power sunroof, heated front seats, and digital instrumentation.
- Choose XRT if you regularly drive longer highway routes, want standard HTRAC All Wheel Drive, prefer the stronger 2.5L Turbo engine, plan to tow more confidently with trailer brakes, or value Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Navigation, and Bose® Premium Audio.
- For most Omaha, NE drivers, SEL Activity is the most broadly useful trim, while XRT is the best answer for shoppers who want the highest capability, strongest performance, and most advanced technology in the lineup.
*Images may not show trim level described