Verified vehicle record
2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai discontinued the SEL and top-tier Limited trims for 2027, leaving the SE, SEL Activity and XRT, which gains a sunroof, Bose audio, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror and a rear armrest. MSRP runs $31,950 to $44,425. Car and Driver says Hyundai is all but confirmed to end the Santa Cruz after 2027.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.5L four-cylinder or turbo 2.5L four-cylinder
Output191 / 281 hp
DrivetrainFWD / AWD
Seating5
Maximum towingUp to 5,000 lb
Decision answers20Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2027
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Hyundai discontinued the SEL and top-tier Limited trims for 2027, leaving the SE, SEL Activity, and XRT as the three available models. The XRT sees upgrades to fill the void: a sunroof, Bose premium audio, a standard heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, and a rear armrest as standard equipment.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) adds that 20-inch wheels are no longer available, Rockwood Green and Canyon Red paints are discontinued, and leatherette seating upholstery is now standard on all trims.
Pricing for 2027, and possibly the last year
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,950-$44,425. It's all but confirmed that Hyundai is discontinuing the Santa Cruz at the end of the 2027 model year, so savvy shoppers might find a deal before it's gone.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Santa Cruz's main rival is the Ford Maverick, with the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline among larger competitors.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz the last model year?
Likely yes. Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says it's all but confirmed Hyundai is discontinuing it at the end of 2027.
How much does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $31,950 to $44,425.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
SE, SEL and SEL Activity share the 191-horsepower base engine and 3,500 lb towing; XRT and Limited step up to a 281-horsepower turbo with standard HTRAC AWD and 5,000 lb towing.
Model-year note
XRT is AWD-only: it isn't offered with front-wheel drive the way lower trims are. MY2027 is confirmed by Hyundai's own newsroom as a carryover model: same five trims, same output figures.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| SE | Entry trim | 2.5L engine standard, 191 hp, 3,500 lb towing capacity standard, 60/40 split folding bench rear seat standard |
| SEL | Trim 2 of 5 | Upgraded equipment over SE standard, 2.5L engine standard, 191 hp, 3,500 lb towing capacity |
| SEL Activity | Trim 3 of 5 | Adventure-oriented appearance package standard, SEL-level comfort equipment carries over, 2.5L engine standard, 191 hp |
| XRT | Trim 4 of 5 | 2.5L turbo engine standard, 281 hp, Standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, 5,000 lb towing capacity with trailer pre-wiring |
| Limited | Top trim | 2.5L turbo engine standard, 281 hp, 5,000 lb towing capacity with trailer pre-wiring, Highest-appointed Santa Cruz trim |
01
Entry trim
SE
- 2.5L engine standard, 191 hp
- 3,500 lb towing capacity standard
- 60/40 split folding bench rear seat standard
02
Trim 2 of 5
SEL
- Upgraded equipment over SE standard
- 2.5L engine standard, 191 hp
- 3,500 lb towing capacity
03
Trim 3 of 5
SEL Activity
- Adventure-oriented appearance package standard
- SEL-level comfort equipment carries over
- 2.5L engine standard, 191 hp
04
Trim 4 of 5
XRT
- 2.5L turbo engine standard, 281 hp
- Standard HTRAC all-wheel drive
- 5,000 lb towing capacity with trailer pre-wiring
05
Top trim
Limited
- 2.5L turbo engine standard, 281 hp
- 5,000 lb towing capacity with trailer pre-wiring
- Highest-appointed Santa Cruz trim
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 3 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SEL Activity | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| XRT | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 281 | 311 | 18 / 25 / 20 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 3,931 lb | 195.7 in | 66.7 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | P245/60R18 |
| SEL Activity | 4,045 lb | 195.7 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 38.2 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | P245/60R18 |
| XRT | 4,160 lb | 195.9 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | P245/60R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SE | SEL Activity | XRT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | – | – | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | – |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | – |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50539Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 | N/A |
| 50529Santa Cruz FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 22 | 30 | 25 | N/A |
| 50542Santa Cruz XRT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 18 | 25 | 20 | N/A |
Direct answers
20 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 Santa Cruz come in?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz (compact pickup) comes in 5 trims: SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, Limited.
Source: Hyundai
Q02What are the 2027 Santa Cruz trims?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims are SE, SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, Limited, listed from the entry SE up to the top Limited.
Source: Hyundai
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 Santa Cruz use?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz is built around 2.5L four-cylinder or turbo 2.5L four-cylinder, rated at 191 / 281 horsepower across its compact pickup body style.
Source: Hyundai specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Santa Cruz?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz is offered with FWD / AWD.
Source: Hyundai specifications
Q05What changed for the 2027 Santa Cruz?
XRT is AWD-only: it isn't offered with front-wheel drive the way lower trims are. MY2027 is confirmed by Hyundai's own newsroom as a carryover model: same five trims, same output figures.
Source: Hyundai model-year information
Q06How long is the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz's bed?
Bed length is 52.1 in. Documented for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Web search aggregate (dealer/research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q07What does the 2.5L four-cylinder (SE, SEL, SEL Activity) engine in the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz deliver?
Horsepower: 191 hp. Torque: 181 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 2.5L four-cylinder (SE, SEL, SEL Activity) configuration of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q08What does the Turbo 2.5L four-cylinder (XRT, Limited) engine in the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz deliver?
Horsepower: 281 hp. Torque: 311 lb-ft. These figures belong to the Turbo 2.5L four-cylinder (XRT, Limited) configuration of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09What engine does the base 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 191 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q10What engine does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT have?
XRT and Limited use a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 281 horsepower with standard all-wheel drive, well above the base engine's 191 hp.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q11How much does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost?
Pricing starts at $31,950, with the turbocharged XRT and Limited trims starting above $40,000 with destination.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q12What transmission does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?
Both engines use a conventional 8-speed automatic. Hyundai dropped the turbo engine's previous 8-speed dual-clutch transmission starting with the 2026 model year to cure low-speed hesitation, and that change carries into 2027.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q13What kind of brakes does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
MotorTrend lists the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz with four-wheel disc brakes.
Q14What suspension does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?
MotorTrend describes the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design.
Q15How long is the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz's cargo bed?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz's cargo bed length is 4 feet on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q16What size wheels does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz's wheel diameter is 18 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q17What is the payload capacity of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE FWD?
CarBuzz lists a maximum payload of 1,411 pounds for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE FWD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q18What is the GVWR of the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SE 4dr Crew Cab 4.3ft SB?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 5,523 pounds for the 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SE 4dr Crew Cab 4.3ft SB.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q19How quickly does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The most recent instrumented 0 to 60 mph tests of this model that 0-60Specs.com lists are of earlier model years than the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 6.5 seconds for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT 2.5T HTRAC (4'4.1" Bed) (Motor Trend) and 6.6 seconds for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT 2.5T HTRAC (4'4.1" Bed) (MotorWeek).
Source: 0-60Specs.com model-year specification page
Q20How do the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims differ from one another?
The SEL Activity has front and rear climate zones, heated front seats, heated mirrors and 2 more as standard equipment over the SE. The XRT has 281 hp against 191 and forward collision warning, a heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 3 more as standard equipment over the SEL Activity.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Hyundai Santa Cruz across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Hyundai Santa Cruz official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.