Do you need the usefulness of a truck but don't want a huge vehicle that's hard to park and drives like a tank? The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sel Activity offers a fresh take on what a vehicle can be. It blends the comfort of an SUV with the open-bed versatility of a pickup, making it perfect for both city life and weekend getaways.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sel Activity
Versatile Open Bed: A standard composite style pickup box with integrated storage and an easy lift/lower tailgate for all your gear.
Efficient Performance: Get an impressive 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, with a combined 25 MPG.
Comfortable Interior: Enjoy heated front seats, H-Tex leatherette upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Advanced Technology: A 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and front wireless smart device charging keep you connected.
Smart Utility Features: Includes roof rails, an exterior 120V AC power outlet, and a sliding rear windshield.
Confident Towing: With a 3500 lbs towing capacity, it's ready for your smaller trailers and toys.
Top Safety Features: Packed with driver-assist systems like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Blind Spot Collision Warning.
Driving Performance & Capability
Under the hood, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sel Activity comes with a Smartstream 2.5L I-4 engine, delivering 191 horsepower. This engine works with an 8-Speed Automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC, giving you smooth and responsive power. The Drive Mode Select system lets you change how the vehicle feels to drive, matching your mood or the road conditions. With front-wheel drive, it handles daily commutes with ease and offers good fuel efficiency for longer trips. The 3500 lbs towing capacity and 1411 lbs standard payload mean you can carry more than you might expect, from camping gear to home improvement supplies, without needing a full-size truck.
Comfort & Technology Features
Step inside the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sel Activity and find a cabin designed for comfort and convenience. Heated driver and front passenger seats, along with H-Tex leatherette upholstery, make every ride pleasant. The dual-zone front climate control lets both you and your passenger set your preferred temperatures. A first-row sliding and tilting glass sunroof with express open/close activation brings in natural light and fresh air. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which serves as your command center for wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. You also get front wireless smart device charging, 4 USB ports, and Bluelink+ Connected Car services for navigation, remote access, and safety features. Smart key with hands-free access and push button start adds to the ease of use.
Safety & Reliability
Hyundai prioritizes your safety in the 2026 Santa Cruz. It includes a comprehensive suite of safety technologies to help you drive with confidence. Features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/Pedestrian Detection help prevent accidents, while Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps you stay in your lane. Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) are there to help when changing lanes or backing up. Other important safety systems include Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and Hill Assist Control (HAC). With 8 airbags and an electronic stability control system, the Santa Cruz is built to protect you and your passengers.
Quick Specifications Summary
Engine: Smartstream 2.5L I-4, 191 HP
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Fuel Economy (MPG): 22 City / 30 Highway / 25 Combined
Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs
Payload: 1411 lbs
Seating: 5 passengers
Find Your New Hyundai Santa Cruz in Franklin
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sel Activity is a smart choice for anyone seeking the flexibility of a truck without the bulk. It’s perfect for daily drives, weekend projects, and all your adventures. If you're looking for a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for sale near me, visit Hyundai of Cool Springs in Franklin. Our team is ready to help you learn more about the new Hyundai Santa Cruz and see if it's the right fit for your lifestyle. Stop by or call us at (615) 567-5280 today!
Written for Hyundai of Cool Springs
By the USA TODAY Network Automotive Insights Team, in collaboration with https://vehiclesforsalenearnashville.com and the Vehicles For Sale Near Nashville - Tennessean.