- The Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- It has a 1,411-pound payload rating.
- The small bed has clever storage and security features.
The thing about full-size trucks is that when you don’t need the truck part, you’re stuck driving a very large vehicle. While many people do “truck stuff” daily, the rest of us need a comfortable, maneuverable vehicle with occasional use of the bed. You might have the budget to own a daily-driver car and a weekend pickup truck, but most people don’t, which is where the Hyundai Santa Cruz starts to make a lot of sense.
With a bed length of just over 4 feet, the Santa Cruz is smaller and less capable than mid- and full-size trucks, which offer much longer bed options. Despite that, it’s more comfortable than larger pickups on the road, less expensive to buy and operate, and just enough truck for most casual buyers.
However, before we go too far, it’s important to note that I’m not here to sell you on the Hyundai Santa Cruz, specifically. This is meant to show that smaller trucks can be a great choice for people who sometimes need a pickup but don’t want the downsides of a larger model.
Two Powertrain Options, One Turbo
Hyundai offers two engines for the 2026 Santa Cruz, starting with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The available turbo pairs with the same engine, making a much stronger 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Non-turbo models come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the turbo model comes exclusively with AWD.
While the turbo adds noticeably more thrust, both powertrain options are competent for around-town commuting and highway hauls. I tested the 2026 Santa Cruz Limited with the turbo engine, a configuration that will no longer be a part of the lineup in 2027, though the powertrain carries on in 2027 XRT models. I was never left wanting for more power during my week with the truck, as the turbo engine offers decent acceleration and passing power at highway speeds.
Is This Actually a Crossover?
The Santa Cruz’s big party trick is its cabin, which looks and feels like that of a compact SUV. There are some differences in equipment and design, but the Santa Cruz could pass for one of Hyundai’s smaller SUVs from the driver’s seat. Unlike most trucks, which lean into the blocky, utilitarian look inside, the Santa Cruz takes a friendlier approach, making it more comfortable, especially on longer drives. The Santa Cruz has been described as “truck/SUV mash-up you didn’t know you needed,” and we think that’s pretty accurate.
Hyundai only sells the Santa Cruz in a 4-door crew cab body style, giving it a usable back seat. The rear bench is comfortable for two adults, but three-across seating can become cramped. Similarly, the Santa Cruz can accommodate rear-facing car seats without issue, but it might take some trial and error to find good seating positions for taller front passengers with them installed.
Capable but Not as Practical
My kids’ friends started calling the Santa Cruz a “cruck” because it doesn’t quite look like an everyday pickup, but the bed is more useful than you might think. I’m not a hardcore truck user, but I am a homeowner, which means I sometimes need to haul lawn products, large loads of trash, and the occasional pile of lumber for yet another home improvement project. The Santa Cruz has no trouble with any of those things, though longer boards take some strategic loading and securing.
Heavy towing and hauling is where the Santa Cruz falls flat compared to mid- and full-size models. Hyundai rates the truck at only 1,411 pounds of payload, which includes passengers, making it very easy to reach and exceed that number. The turbo engine offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, enough for a small boat or utility trailer, but far short of what’s needed for larger boats, heavy equipment, and larger items. That may be a downside for “real” truck buyers, but those numbers are plenty for less demanding buyers like me.
The Santa Cruz makes up for the lack of bed size in other ways, including a lockable under-bed storage compartment. It offers enough space for a large backpack or other items better kept locked out of view. Most Santa Cruz trims also come with a lockable integrated tonneau cover that provides water resistance and protection for smaller items in the bed.
If you still have doubts about the Santa Cruz or any other small truck after reading this, go for a test drive. The Ford Maverick is available with a hybrid engine and offers up to 4,000 pounds of towing capacity with the right equipment. Slate’s all-electric pickup truck will be here soon, and other automakers are rumored to be close to releasing their takes on the segment.
