The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unique sport-utility truck — combining the comfort and refinement of an SUV with the utility of a pickup bed. Whether you’re hauling gear for outdoor excursions, towing a small trailer, or simply navigating daily life around town, there’s a Santa Cruz configuration that fits your lifestyle:
| Santa Cruz Trim / Package | Best For | Key Feature for Portland Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| SE / SEL | Everyday Comfort & Versatility | Balanced performance and utility with efficient 2.5-liter engine and smart tech. |
| SEL AWD / SEL with HTRAC® AWD | All-Weather Confidence | Available all-wheel drive for improved traction in varied conditions. |
| XRT | Adventure-Ready Style | Rugged appearance, standard all-wheel drive, and equipment for outdoor activity. |
| Limited / Limited AWD | Premium Features & Capability | More powerful turbocharged engine and top-tier comfort and safety tech. |
The Santa Cruz is offered with two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The base 2.5-liter produces solid everyday power and efficiency, while the turbocharged 2.5-liter delivers stronger performance and enhanced towing capability on higher trim levels.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a crew-cab design with seating for five passengers — two up front and a three-person rear bench — providing SUV-like comfort for all occupants.
Towing capacity varies by configuration and engine: more basic trims with the standard engine tow a moderate load, while Santa Cruz models equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and proper towing equipment can tow significantly more. This makes it capable for hauling trailers, small boats, or outdoor gear.
The Santa Cruz features a pickup-style cargo bed integrated into a unibody design, offering utility that includes tie-down cleats, a lockable tonneau, and flexible space for hauling gear — all while maintaining a comfortable cabin like an SUV.
Yes — all-wheel drive (HTRAC®) is available on multiple Santa Cruz trims and becomes standard on more adventure-oriented and higher-end configurations. Available AWD provides improved traction and confidence in rain, light off-road terrain, and mixed road conditions.
The XRT and higher AWD trims are especially well-suited for active lifestyles, offering rugged styling, available enhanced handling features, gear-friendly cargo beds, and available all-wheel drive — ideal for trips to hiking trails, lakes, beaches, or mountains.
Whether you’re preparing for coastal camping, landscaping projects, or day-to-day life in the Portland metro area, the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers the perfect blend of SUV comfort and pickup versatility. From its powerful engine options to flexible cargo solutions, the Santa Cruz is engineered to adapt to whatever your life demands.
Visit Ron Tonkin Hyundai in Gresham, OR to see our Santa Cruz lineup in person, take a test drive, and experience firsthand why so many drivers choose us for their new Hyundai — and for the support that continues long after purchase.
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