2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz nearby Loganville, GA
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines a five-passenger cabin with an open composite bed and a choice of two Smartstream® four-cylinder engines. Its technical configuration includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, available HTRAC all-wheel drive, a unibody structure, four-wheel disc brakes, and a fully independent suspension. Three trims define the equipment range: SE, SEL Activity, and XRT. Available features extend from integrated bed storage and adjustable cargo rails to large digital displays, connected services, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. This overview examines the powertrains, chassis, dimensions, cargo systems, interior equipment, connectivity features, and safety technology available for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Powertrain and Driving Engineering
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.5-liter Smartstream® engines. Both engines use gasoline direct injection and multi-point injection, dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves, and Continuously Variable Valve Timing. Each powerplant has an aluminum block, an aluminum cylinder head, a displacement of 2,497 cc, and a full engine cover. Hyundai specifies regular unleaded fuel for both engines, and each engine carries a ULEV emissions classification. A single-tip exhaust and hood insulator are also standard with either powertrain.
Smartstream® 2.5-Liter Engine
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It has an 85.5-by-101.5-millimeter bore and stroke, a 13.0:1 compression ratio, and a variable intake system. Hyundai pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic torque-converter transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while HTRAC Active On-Demand all-wheel drive is available. A center-console-mounted Drive Mode system gives the driver direct access to the supported operating settings.
Fuel-economy estimates for the naturally aspirated engine depend on the selected drivetrain. Front-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive versions achieve an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. This powertrain receives an EPA smog rating of 6 and a greenhouse-gas emissions rating of 5. A 17.7-gallon fuel tank supports both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Smartstream® 2.5-Liter Turbocharged Engine
The turbocharged 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine generates 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. This engine uses a turbocharged intake system, an 85.5-by-101.5-millimeter bore and stroke, and a 10.5:1 compression ratio. It works with an eight-speed automatic torque-converter transmission and standard HTRAC Active On-Demand all-wheel drive. The XRT also includes Terrain Mode Select for additional driver control. EPA estimates for the turbocharged XRT are 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, with a smog rating of 6 and a greenhouse-gas emissions rating of 4.
Chassis, Steering, Brakes, and Dimensions
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses a unibody, or monocoque, structure made primarily from advanced high-strength steels and high-tensile steel. Its front suspension employs MacPherson® struts with coil springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers. A multi-link rear suspension incorporates gas-pressurized, self-leveling shock absorbers. This independent suspension layout supports the passenger cabin and the functional requirements of the open bed. Every trim rides on 18-by-7.5J alloy wheels fitted with 245/60R18 tires and includes a temporary spare tire.
Braking and Steering Systems
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard across the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz range. The front axle uses 12.8-by-1.2-inch ventilated discs, while the rear axle uses 12.8-by-0.5-inch solid discs. The anti-lock braking system operates through four wheels, four channels, and four sensors, and it incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Brake Assist, driver-selectable Downhill Brake Control, and Hill Start Assist Control add support during braking and grade changes. An electronic parking brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold provides another standard control function.
Motor Driven Power Steering uses a column-mounted system with rack-and-pinion steering. The system has a 14.2 overall steering ratio and requires 2.62 turns from lock to lock. The curb-to-curb turning diameter measures 39.6 feet. These steering specifications remain consistent across the three listed trims. The shared setup accompanies the same 18-inch wheel and tire dimensions throughout the lineup.
Exterior Measurements and Weight Ratings
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a 118.3-inch wheelbase, a 75.0-inch overall width, and a standard overall length of 195.7 inches. The XRT measures 195.9 inches long. Overall height with roof rails measures either 66.7 or 66.9 inches, while minimum ground clearance for both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations is 8.6 inches. The standard approach angle is 16.9 degrees, increasing to 19.9 degrees on the XRT, and the departure and breakover angles measure 23.2 and 18.6 degrees. Hyundai lists a coefficient of drag of 0.36.
Curb weight varies by trim and drivetrain. The SE weighs 3,785 pounds with front-wheel drive and 3,931 pounds with all-wheel drive, while the SEL Activity weighs 3,900 pounds with front-wheel drive and 4,045 pounds with all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive XRT has a curb weight of 4,160 pounds. Gross vehicle weight ratings are 5,523 pounds for applicable front-wheel-drive models, 5,666 pounds for applicable all-wheel-drive models, and 5,798 pounds for the XRT. The maximum vehicle load limit is 1,411 pounds.
Open-Bed Utility and Exterior Equipment
The open bed gives the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz a dedicated cargo area with integrated storage and cargo-management equipment. Every trim includes a sheet-molded composite bed, a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall storage compartments, and heavy-duty cargo D-rings. A multifunction tailgate provides assisted opening and closing, while integrated rear-bumper side steps support access to the bed. Roof-mounted LED cargo lighting is standard, and SEL Activity and XRT models add two LED bed lights. Trailer pre-wiring includes a four-pin connection for the 2.5-liter powertrain and four-pin and seven-pin connections for the turbocharged configuration.
Bed Dimensions and Cargo Systems
The bed measures 48.4 inches at its upper length and 52.1 inches at its lower length. Opening the tailgate extends the load-floor length to 74.8 inches. Maximum bed width is 53.9 inches, width between the wheel housings is 42.7 inches, and bed depth is 19.2 inches. Hyundai lists an SAE bed volume of 27.0 cubic feet. The bed floor sits 31.6 inches above the ground, and the lower, upper, and side bumper-step heights measure 18.1, 25.2, and 18.9 inches.
SEL Activity and XRT models add a factory-installed integrated tonneau cover with two built-in T-slot accessory tracks. These trims also include a dual C-channel adjustable utility-track rail and cleat system. The built-in T-slot accessory tracks have a load capacity of 440 pounds when the load is distributed across at least four attachment points. A 115-volt power outlet located in a sidewall storage compartment provides an additional functional connection. Roof side rails are also standard on SEL Activity and XRT, with a listed static and dynamic load capacity of 220 pounds.
Exterior Lighting, Glass, and Towing Capacity
All trims include projector-type bi-LED high- and low-beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, and High Beam Assist. A roof-mounted center high-mount stop lamp and a gloss-black shark-fin antenna are also standard. Rear and back privacy glass, front-door solar glass, windshield solar glass, and an acoustic-laminated windshield are fitted throughout the lineup. SEL Activity and XRT add heated exterior mirrors, mirror-mounted turn-signal indicators, a conventional power sunroof, and a sliding rear window with a defroster. The XRT distinguishes its exterior equipment with matte-black mirror housings and matte-black door handles.
Maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes is 3,500 pounds for the 2.5-liter configuration and 5,000 pounds for the 2.5-liter turbocharged configuration. The maximum trailer weight without trailer brakes is 1,653 pounds for either powertrain. These ratings operate alongside the listed trailer pre-wiring connections for each engine. The cargo bed and towing specifications provide separate methods for carrying equipment. Drivers must remain within the applicable vehicle load and trailer-weight limits for the selected configuration.
Cabin Comfort, Displays, and Connectivity
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides seating for five occupants and a passenger interior volume of 101.8 cubic feet. Front and rear headroom without the sunroof measure 40.2 and 39.6 inches, while front headroom with the sunroof measures 38.2 inches. Legroom measures 41.4 inches in front and 36.5 inches in the rear. Front and rear shoulder room measures 57.7 and 56.1 inches, and the corresponding hip room measurements are 54.5 and 53.5 inches. The rear seat uses 60/40-split tip-up lower cushions to support flexible in-cabin storage.
Seating and Climate Equipment
The SE includes a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, while SEL Activity and XRT models provide an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support. Heated front seats are also standard on SEL Activity and XRT. H-Tex® leatherette seating surfaces are listed across the trim range, with the XRT receiving a black-only configuration. Manual air conditioning is standard on the SE. SEL Activity and XRT add dual automatic temperature control with an auto defogger, capacitive touch controls, center console rear air-conditioning vents, and a rear sliding glass window with a defroster.
Every trim includes a heater, rear-seat heater ducts, and a cabin air filter. The three-spoke steering wheel offers tilt and telescoping adjustment along with audio, Bluetooth®, and cruise-control switches. The XRT adds leather wrapping and heating to the steering wheel. Dual front cupholders, rear door-panel cupholders, a damped glove compartment, four assist grips, and a fixed-armrest center console storage box are standard. SEL Activity and XRT also provide 15-watt wireless device quick charging.
Infotainment and Instrumentation
SE and SEL Activity trims use a 12.3-inch ccNc Lite touchscreen display with six speakers. The XRT receives a 12.3-inch ccNc Audio-Video-Navigation color touchscreen with onboard navigation and a Bose® premium audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, SiriusXM® satellite radio, HD Radio™ technology, and Bluelink®+ are included throughout the lineup. Front and second-row occupants each receive dual USB Type-C ports. The system also supports over-the-air updates for electronic control unit and multimedia functions, while map-update capability applies to the XRT.
The SE uses a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display, while the SEL Activity and XRT models feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. All trims display speed, engine rpm, coolant temperature, fuel level, odometer information, trip mileage, and transmission position. The XRT adds Dynamic Voice Recognition and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch. A rearview camera is standard on every trim. Remote keyless entry, proximity-key access, push-button start, remote engine start, and key-fob tailgate release are also included throughout the range.
Safety Technology and Driver Assistance
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines structural reinforcements, occupant restraints, braking controls, and driver-assistance systems. Standard airbags include advanced driver and front-passenger units, front thorax side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors, and rear side airbags with rollover sensors. Three-point seatbelts cover all seating positions, and the front and rear outboard positions include pretensioners and load limiters. LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors support compatible child restraints. Rear child-safety locks, a power-window lockout button, bodyside reinforcements, an immobilizer, and an anti-theft system are standard.
Standard Active-Safety Features
Every 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz includes Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire indicators. Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist monitor areas around the sides and rear of the vehicle. Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert are also standard. Steering-wheel haptic feedback supports alerts from Lane Keeping Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. SE and SEL Activity models include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
The XRT expands Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection through a sensor-fusion system. It also adds a Surround View Monitor, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and a Forward Attention Warning. Highway Driving Assist 1 and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control are exclusive to this trim. Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop & Go replaces the conventional cruise-control system used by SE and SEL Activity models. An auto-dimming rearview mirror further distinguishes the XRT cabin equipment.
Visit ALM Hyundai of Athens for a Test Ride
Schedule a test drive at ALM Hyundai of Athens, nearby Loganville, GA, to experience the functional attributes of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Our team can demonstrate the available engine configurations, eight-speed automatic transmission, HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, and trim-specific driving technology. A test drive provides an opportunity to assess cabin comfort, steering response, suspension behavior, digital displays, and connected features. We can also explain the standard safety systems and the additional driver-assistance equipment included with the XRT. Contact us to arrange a visit and examine the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz configuration that fits your passenger, cargo, and towing requirements.