2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Comparison
Shop 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz For Sale
What are the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels?
| Trim | Key Features |
|---|---|
2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE |
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2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity |
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2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT |
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The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the right pick for active families and outdoor-minded professionals who want a compact pickup’s cargo utility without giving up a car-like ride. Starting at MSRP for the SE with front-wheel drive and reaching MSRP for the all-wheel-drive XRT AWD with 281 hp and 5,000 lbs of towing, the lineup covers a wide range of budgets and capability needs. Front-drive trims return up to 25 combined MPG, and all five trims seat five passengers with about 27 cu ft of cargo bed space.
Ready to see what’s currently in stock? Browse our new Hyundai Santa Cruz inventory to find your preferred trim and color combination at Spokane Hyundai.
Rugged Style for Navigating City Streets and Trails with the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz carries a design language that works equally well parked in a downtown lot and loaded up on a trailhead. Its crew cab body style features four conventional front-hinged doors, a short wheelbase of 118.3 in, and an overall length of 195.7 in — compact enough to maneuver through tight urban streets and fit in a standard parking space, yet substantial enough to feel purposeful on gravel forest roads.
Exterior lighting is full LED across the board: projector-beam LED headlights with both low and high beams in LED, LED daytime running lights, LED side indicator lights, rear LED lights, and LED brake lights. Painted front and rear bumpers are standard across all trims. The SEL Activity and XRT AWD trims add black roof rails and a standard manual tonneau cover over the cargo bed, giving the truck a cleaner, more finished look when hauling gear. The XRT AWD distinguishes itself further with black exterior mirrors (versus the painted mirrors on SE and SEL Activity trims) and all-terrain tires in place of the all-season rubber on other trims, signaling its off-road intent visually as well as mechanically.
Five exterior colors are available: Phantom Black, Hampton Gray, Sage Gray, Blue Stone, and Atlas White — a palette that ranges from understated to striking and suits the mix of urban polish and outdoor character that defines this vehicle’s personality.
Ground clearance across the SE, SE AWD, SEL Activity, and SEL Activity AWD measures 8.6 in. The XRT AWD shares this figure but pairs it with a more aggressive 19.9-degree approach angle (versus 16.9 degrees on other trims), making it meaningfully more capable when the pavement ends.
Shoppers who want the Santa Cruz’s distinctive look but prefer a pre-owned price point can also explore our pre-owned vehicle inventory at Spokane Hyundai.
Power and Efficiency Built for Lake Days and Mountain Roads in the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Four of the five trims in this guide share the same naturally aspirated Smartstream 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai’s 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. The XRT AWD is the exception: it carries a turbocharged version of the same 2.5L Smartstream unit, pushing output to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque — a 47% jump in horsepower and a 72% jump in torque over the naturally aspirated trims. That turbo engine reaches peak torque at just 1,700 rpm, which translates to confident, immediate pull when merging onto the highway or climbing grades.
The front-wheel-drive SE and SEL Activity trims return the best fuel economy at 22 city / 30 hwy / 25 combined MPG — useful for daily driving where fuel costs add up. Adding all-wheel drive trims the combined figure by one MPG to 24 combined. The XRT AWD, with its turbocharged engine, returns 18 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined MPG, a trade-off that makes sense for buyers who regularly tow or need maximum performance on demanding terrain.
Suspension is independent front strut and rear multi-link across all trims, with automatic rear load leveling — a thoughtful detail for a vehicle frequently loaded with cargo. Edmunds notes that the Santa Cruz benefits from smooth highway ride quality and handling that exceeds what you’d expect from a truck, a direct result of its unibody architecture shared with the Tucson.
Buyers interested in a certified pre-owned Santa Cruz can also explore Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned options at Spokane Hyundai for additional value.
Comfortable Cabin Space for Family Outings and Outdoor Gear in the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Five passengers fit comfortably in the Santa Cruz’s crew cab layout, with a 2+3 seating configuration. Front legroom measures 41.4 in, front headroom is 40.2 in, and front shoulder room reaches 57.7 in — generous numbers for a compact pickup. Rear passengers get 36.5 in of legroom, 39.6 in of headroom, and 56.1 in of shoulder room, making the back seat genuinely usable for adults on longer drives, not just a place to stow gear. The rear seat also folds asymmetrically, freeing up below-seat storage space when you need to secure smaller items out of sight.
| Feature | SE 2.5 | SE 2.5 AWD | SEL Activity 2.5 | SEL Activity 2.5 AWD | XRT 2.5 AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,785 lbs | 3,931 lbs | 3,900 lbs | 4,045 lbs | 4,160 lbs |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | 1,738 lbs | 1,735 lbs | 1,623 lbs | 1,621 lbs | 1,638 lbs |
All trims share: Seating: 5 · Cargo: about 27 cu ft
The pickup bed delivers about 27 cu ft of cargo volume with dimensions of 52.1 in long by 53.9 in wide (42.7 in between the wheelhouses). The loading floor sits at just 31.6 in off the ground, making it easy to load and unload without straining. A composite bed liner is standard on every trim. The SE and SE AWD trims include a standard cargo net and load hooks; the SEL Activity and XRT AWD add a standard manual tonneau cover that secures the bed and protects gear from weather.
Seat upholstery is synthetic leather across all trims. The SE and SE AWD use manual seat adjustments for both driver and passenger. Step up to the SEL Activity or higher and the driver’s seat becomes 5-way power adjustable with power lumbar — a comfort upgrade that matters on longer drives to trailheads or lake launches.
If you’re considering trading in your current vehicle before purchasing, get an online estimate for your trade-in before you visit Spokane Hyundai.
Connected Tech to Enhance Your Commute and Adventures in the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Every 2027 Santa Cruz comes standard with a 12.3-in touchscreen infotainment display paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto — both included at no extra charge for the life of the vehicle. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker audio system are standard on SE and SE AWD trims. The XRT AWD upgrades to an 8-speaker Bose audio system, a noticeable step up for music during long drives.
The instrument cluster on SE and SE AWD trims combines analog gauges with a 4.2-in TFT multi-information display. SEL Activity and XRT AWD trims replace this with a fully digital 12.3-in reconfigurable TFT cluster — a cleaner, more modern presentation that puts navigation, trip data, and driver-assist information directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Hyundai’s Bluelink+ connected services platform is standard across all trims, enabling remote start, remote lock and unlock, vehicle diagnostics, speed alerts, geo-fencing, theft alerts, and find-my-car functionality — all accessible from a smartphone app. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current without requiring a dealer visit. The XRT AWD adds built-in navigation with a 12.3-in screen, 3D map display, voice guidance, internet-connected real-time traffic, and 36 months of map updates included.
USB charging ports are plentiful: 2 in the front and 2 in the rear across all trims, plus a 12V outlet in the front. SEL Activity and XRT AWD trims add a wireless charging pad and a main power supply outlet — useful for charging devices or powering accessories at a campsite.
Ready to move forward on a purchase? You can submit a financing application online before your visit to Spokane Hyundai to save time at the dealership.
Safety Features Designed for Urban and Wilderness Roads in the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Every 2027 Santa Cruz — regardless of trim — comes equipped with a comprehensive standard safety suite that covers the full range of driving situations, from downtown intersections to winding mountain roads. The airbag count is 6 across all trims: dual front airbags, front side airbags, and front-and-rear side curtain airbags. LATCH child seat anchors, pre-tensioner front seatbelts with height adjustment, and a 3-point center rear seatbelt are also standard across the board.
On the active safety side, Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection is standard on the SE, SE AWD, SEL Activity, and SEL Activity AWD. The system monitors traffic ahead and can automatically apply the brakes starting at just 6 mph. The XRT AWD upgrades this to Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Junction Turning, which adds awareness of vehicles and pedestrians encountered during left-turn maneuvers at intersections — a meaningful addition for urban driving.
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Blind Collision Warning (BCW) are standard on all five trims, helping prevent unintended lane departures and alerting drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) uses radar to detect approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces and can apply the brakes automatically. A rear camera with guidance lines is standard on every trim, and the XRT AWD adds a full Surround View Monitor with front, rear, and side cameras.
Crash test data in the catalog shows a 5-star NHTSA overall rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick status — strong third-party validation of the Santa Cruz’s structural integrity. Keeping your safety systems in peak condition is straightforward with genuine Hyundai OEM parts available through Spokane Hyundai’s parts department.
Peace of Mind with a Trusted Hyundai Service Network for Your 2027 Santa Cruz
Hyundai’s warranty coverage on the 2027 Santa Cruz is among the strongest in the compact pickup segment. The basic warranty covers the entire vehicle for 5 years or 60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty extends to 10 years or 100,000 miles — protecting the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components for the long haul. Paint coverage runs 5 years or 60,000 miles, and anti-corrosion protection is included for 7 years. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years with unlimited distance, so a flat tire or dead battery on a remote trail doesn’t leave you stranded without support.
Hyundai’s Bluelink+ telematics system includes vehicle diagnostics as a standard feature, meaning your Santa Cruz can alert you to maintenance needs before they become larger problems. Over-the-air updates keep the software current, reducing the number of dealer visits needed simply to stay up to date.
Spokane Hyundai’s service team is ready to keep your Santa Cruz running at its best. Whether it’s a routine oil change, a tire rotation before winter, or a more involved repair, you can book your service appointment online at your convenience. Our technicians are trained specifically on Hyundai vehicles and use the equipment and procedures Hyundai requires to protect your warranty coverage.
Awards and Expert Recognition Highlighting the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz’s Strengths
Third-party expert assessments consistently reinforce what the specs already suggest: the Santa Cruz succeeds because it doesn’t compromise. Edmunds notes that the 2027 Santa Cruz is a small, outdoor lifestyle-oriented pickup that benefits from smooth highway ride quality and handling that exceeds what you’d expect from a truck — a direct result of its unibody construction and Tucson-shared platform. Car and Driver has praised the Santa Cruz for its car-like handling, manageable footprint, and unique versatility within its segment, pointing out that it fills a space no other vehicle quite occupies.
On the safety testing side, the Santa Cruz holds a 5-star NHTSA overall rating with a 5-star frontal crash score, a 5-star side impact score, and a 4-star rollover rating. IIHS results show Good ratings for small overlap front driver-side and side impact tests, along with a Good rating for headlights — the top score in that category. The IIHS also awarded the Santa Cruz its Top Safety Pick designation.
These ratings matter in practical terms. A vehicle that earns top marks in crash testing and headlight performance is one that’s been engineered to protect occupants in real-world collisions and to illuminate the road effectively on dark rural roads — both relevant considerations for drivers who venture beyond city limits regularly.
FAQ
How much can the 2027 Santa Cruz tow?
The SE, SE AWD, SEL Activity, and SEL Activity AWD all have a 3,500 lbs tow rating — enough for a small fishing boat, a personal watercraft, or a light utility trailer. The XRT AWD raises the bar to 5,000 lbs, making it the right choice for buyers who regularly pull a larger boat, a loaded cargo trailer, or multiple jet skis. Payload capacity ranges from 1,621 lbs on the SEL Activity AWD to 1,738 lbs on the SE. If you plan to use the bed for heavy cargo in addition to towing, the SE’s higher payload figure is worth noting.
Do I need AWD for winter and trail driving?
Front-wheel drive on the SE and SEL Activity trims handles everyday commuting and light outdoor use well. If your winters involve snow-covered roads or you regularly drive unpaved surfaces, the AWD variants add meaningful traction confidence. AWD pricing is available through the dealership on the SE and SEL Activity tiers. The XRT AWD is AWD-only and pairs its all-wheel drive with all-terrain tires for the most capable off-pavement performance in the lineup.
What are the key differences between the SE and SEL Activity?
The jump from SE to SEL Activity at MSRP brings a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, illuminated vanity mirrors, a cargo area light, an electric sunroof, a standard tonneau cover, black roof rails, a wireless charging pad, a main power supply outlet, a fully digital 12.3-in instrument cluster, and a sliding rear window. It also removes the analog instrument cluster and manual air conditioning of the SE. For buyers who spend meaningful time in the vehicle, these quality-of-life upgrades are substantial.
Can I apply for new Hyundai financing online?
Yes. If you’re ready to explore financing options for your next vehicle, you can use Spokane Hyundai’s online financing application. Applying online is a convenient first step when researching new Hyundai financing near Post Falls.