What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ

Vern Eide Hyundai Sioux City – What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ

The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ continues to stand out as one of the most versatile choices for drivers who want the comfort of a modern SUV with the added utility of an open bed. It is not a traditional pickup, and that is exactly what makes it appealing. With a unibody design, refined cabin, smart cargo solutions, and available turbocharged performance, the SANTA CRUZ is built for daily driving first while still offering the flexibility to haul gear, supplies, weekend equipment, and project materials with confidence.

At Vern Eide Hyundai Sioux City, we see the SANTA CRUZ as a strong fit for shoppers who want something easy to maneuver, comfortable for passengers, and useful beyond the average crossover. The 2027 model keeps the formula focused and practical with a streamlined trim lineup, expanded premium features for the XRT trim, standard H-Tex-trimmed seating surfaces, and a well-rounded set of safety and technology systems. For local and regional shoppers, including those serving Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Des Moines, the SANTA CRUZ offers an appealing balance of everyday refinement and open-bed capability.

A Focused 2027 Trim Lineup

The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ lineup is organized around three trims: SE, SEL Activity, and XRT. This simplified structure makes it easier to compare models and choose the right level of comfort, technology, and capability. The SE trim provides a well-equipped foundation with important driver-assistance features, a practical bed, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a confident powertrain. The SEL Activity adds more convenience, comfort, and cargo-focused equipment, while the XRT brings the strongest performance and the most premium feature content in the lineup.

One of the most notable updates for 2027 is the expanded equipment on the XRT. Features previously associated with higher-end configurations are now part of the XRT experience, including a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, rear armrest with cup holders, and Bose premium audio. For drivers who want a more rugged look along with enhanced technology and convenience, XRT is positioned as the standout choice.

Performance and Capability

The 2027 SANTA CRUZ offers two powertrain personalities. The standard 2.5-liter Smartstream 4-cylinder engine delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, making it a practical match for commuting, errands, and light hauling. For drivers who want stronger acceleration and added confidence under load, the XRT features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission, which helps support smooth power delivery in everyday driving.

Front-wheel drive is standard with the 2.5-liter engine, while HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on select configurations and standard with the turbocharged XRT. HTRAC is an active on-demand all-wheel-drive system designed to help manage traction when road surfaces or driving demands change. XRT also includes Terrain Mode Select, which adds another layer of confidence for drivers who value extra control beyond paved roads.

• Standard engine: 2.5-liter Smartstream 4-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
• Turbocharged XRT engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic with a torque converter
• Available traction: HTRAC all-wheel drive on select models and standard on XRT
• Maximum towing: Up to 3,500 pounds with the standard engine and up to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged XRT when properly equipped with trailer brakes

Open-Bed Utility Without Oversizing Your Drive

The SANTA CRUZ bed is one of its defining features. Instead of simply adding a basic cargo box, Hyundai designed the bed with clever storage and usability in mind. Every 2027 SANTA CRUZ includes a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall bed storage compartments, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, a sheet molded composite bed, a multi-functional tailgate with assisted open and close, and integrated rear bumper side steps. This makes loading, securing, and accessing cargo more convenient.

SEL Activity and XRT trims add even more functionality with an integrated tonneau cover, two built-in T-slot accessory tracks, a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, LED bed lighting, and a 115V power outlet located in sidewall storage. These features are helpful for active lifestyles, small business use, home improvement tasks, and anyone who wants cargo flexibility without stepping into a larger truck footprint.

• Bed length: 48.4 inches at the upper section, 52.1 inches at the lower section, and 74.8 inches with the tailgate open
• Bed width: 53.9 inches at maximum width and 42.7 inches between the wheelhouses
• Bed volume: 27.0 cubic feet by SAE measurement
• Smart storage: Lockable under-bed storage plus sidewall storage compartments
• Added convenience: Available tonneau cover, utility track system, LED bed lighting, and sidewall power outlet

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside, the 2027 SANTA CRUZ feels more like a refined SUV than a work-focused truck. Seating for five, a practical center console, rear 60/40 split tip-up lower seat cushions, and generous front-seat space make the cabin useful for both passengers and cargo. Standard H-Tex-trimmed seating surfaces add a more upscale feel across the lineup, while SEL Activity and XRT bring comfort upgrades such as an 8-way power driver seat, power lumbar support, heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control, rear A/C vents, and wireless device quick charging.

Technology is another SANTA CRUZ strength. SE and SEL Activity trims feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while XRT adds a 12.3-inch audio-video-navigation touchscreen with onboard navigation, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Bose premium audio, and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch. Bluelink+ connected services are standard across the lineup, adding helpful remote and connected-car functions for a more modern ownership experience.

• Standard display: 12.3-inch touchscreen on SE and SEL Activity
• XRT display: 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen with onboard navigation
• Smartphone integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup
• Premium sound: Bose audio system standard on XRT
• Connected features: Bluelink+ standard on every 2027 SANTA CRUZ

Safety and Driver Assistance

Hyundai equips the 2027 SANTA CRUZ with a strong collection of safety and driver-assistance technologies. Standard features include 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, Rear Occupant Alert, High Beam Assist, and steering wheel haptic feedback for select alerts. This creates a reassuring foundation for daily driving, parking lots, lane changes, and busy traffic.

The XRT trim takes the safety and convenience package further with sensor fusion-type Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist that includes Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection. XRT also includes 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 Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. For shoppers who prioritize driver-assistance technology, XRT delivers the most comprehensive package in the 2027 lineup.

Which 2027 SANTA CRUZ Trim Is Right for You?

The SE trim is a smart choice for drivers who want the core SANTA CRUZ experience with open-bed utility, modern infotainment, and standard safety technology. SEL Activity is ideal for shoppers who want a stronger mix of comfort and cargo features, including heated front seats, a power driver seat, dual automatic temperature control, wireless charging, bed lighting, and the integrated tonneau cover. XRT is the best fit for drivers who want turbocharged power, standard all-wheel drive, a more adventurous appearance, advanced safety technology, premium audio, navigation, and expanded comfort features.

In simple terms, SE is practical and well-equipped, SEL Activity adds meaningful convenience, and XRT provides the most complete blend of power, technology, and premium appointments. For many shoppers, the right choice will come down to how often towing, all-wheel-drive confidence, premium sound, and advanced driver-assistance features matter in day-to-day use.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What trims are offered for the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ?

The 2027 SANTA CRUZ lineup includes SE, SEL Activity, and XRT. This simplified lineup helps shoppers compare comfort, capability, and technology more easily.

Does the 2027 SANTA CRUZ have all-wheel drive?

Yes. HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on select 2.5-liter configurations and standard on the turbocharged XRT trim.

How much can the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ tow?

When properly equipped, the standard 2.5-liter model can tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes. The turbocharged XRT can tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

What is new or notable about the 2027 SANTA CRUZ XRT?

The XRT trim gains expanded premium content, including a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, rear armrest with cup holders, and Bose premium audio. It also includes the turbocharged engine, standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, navigation, and advanced driver-assistance features.

Is the 2027 SANTA CRUZ more like an SUV or a pickup?

The SANTA CRUZ blends both concepts. It offers SUV-like comfort, handling, and interior technology along with an open bed that adds pickup-style cargo flexibility.

A Smart Alternative to the Traditional Truck

The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ remains a compelling choice for drivers who want capability without unnecessary bulk. It is easy to live with, smartly packaged, and well equipped across the lineup. With standard H-Tex seating surfaces, useful bed storage, available all-wheel drive, strong turbocharged performance on XRT, and a modern technology suite, the SANTA CRUZ is designed for people who need flexibility but still value comfort and refinement.

If your search includes compact trucks, midsize pickups, crossover SUVs, or lifestyle-focused vehicles, the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ deserves a close look. It brings a unique mix of everyday drivability and practical utility, making it a standout option for workdays, errands, travel, hobbies, and everything in between.

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