The Santa Cruz is Hyundai's compact pickup — built on the Tucson platform with a four-foot bed and a unibody design that puts it in a different category from the Ford Maverick or Toyota Tacoma. 2.5L gas (191 horsepower) or 2.5L turbo gas (281 horsepower, on Limited and XRT).
Four trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited. The XRT is the off-road-styled trim; the Limited is the loaded street-spec version. AWD is optional on SEL and standard on XRT and Limited.
Pricing has loosened compared to the launch period. Below-MSRP Santa Cruz deals are widely available, particularly on the gas-engine SE and SEL trims. The XRT and Limited hold firmer. For buyers who want pickup utility without committing to a full-size or body-on-frame truck, the Santa Cruz is among the few realistic options.
By Marcus Bell, Editor · Updated May 12, 2026