# Hyundai Santa Cruz H-TRAC 2.5T 2026: Test Drive Review - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/hyundai-santa-cruz-h-trac-2-5t-2026-test-drive-review/ - Published: 2025-09-24T22:03:33-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## First Look at the Hyundai Santa Cruz The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is still a [compact pickup](https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/santa-cruz) in shape but a crossover at heart. The new face looks sharper. The [XRT trim](https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/santa-cruz) adds a tougher bumper, tow hooks, and rugged cladding. It looks more ready for adventure without losing its urban style. Step [inside and you see why ](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/energy-audits-report-called-ducts-inside-hvac-case-studies/) Hyundai calls it a “sport adventure vehicle.” The curved display stretches across the dash. The cabin feels upscale for this class. [MotorTrend](https://www.motortrend.com/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz/2026) notes the ride is more SUV than truck, and the materials back that up. The rear seat is tight for tall adults, but still serviceable. The bed is short at four feet, though [clever storage bins](https://www.dorsetthyundai.com/everything-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-new-2026-hyundai-santa-cruz-near-indianapolis-in) make the most of the space. ### On the Road with the Hyundai Santa Cruz The turbo 2.5-liter four makes 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. [Santanhyundai](https://www.santanhyundai.com/eli-2026-hyundai-santa-cruz-review) reports towing up to 5,000 pounds with this setup. The big change is the transmission. Hyundai dropped the old dual-clutch and fitted an eight-speed automatic. That makes throttle response smoother and more predictable in traffic. ![Front view of the 2026 hyundai santa cruz parked on a driveway showcasing its sleek design and rugged features](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/09/IMG_4795-300x400.jpeg?resize=300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4795 - The Green Living Guy") 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz showcasing its rugged exterior and urban style Performance is brisk. In earlier [testing the turbo hit](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/10/genesis-g80-3-5t-test-drive-review-luxury-sedan-hits-30-mpg-without-going-electric/) sixty in a little over six seconds. This new version feels just as quick. It also pulls strongly when merging or climbing. The [H-TRAC all-wheel drive](https://www.santanhyundai.com/eli-2026-hyundai-santa-cruz-review) system reacts fast. It shifts torque to the rear when the road turns twisty and finds grip when conditions get slick. Terrain modes let you choose Snow, Mud, or Sand. It is not built for rock crawling, but dirt roads and winter weather are no issue. ### Ride and Comfort of the Hyundai Santa Cruz This truck rides like a crossover. It soaks up rough pavement and feels planted at highway speed. Steering is light but accurate. You can toss it into corners with more confidence than you’d expect from a pickup. ![Close up of the hyundai logo on the rear tailgate of a 2026 hyundai santa cruz showcasing its sleek design](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/09/IMG_4804-300x400.jpeg?resize=300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4804 - The Green Living Guy") Close up of the Hyundai logo on the 2026 Santa Cruz highlighting its stylish design and modern features The seats support you well, providing a comfortable yet firm embrace that makes long journeys much more enjoyable. Road and wind noise stay low, allowing for a peaceful cabin experience where conversations can flow without interruption. The infotainment system is slick and user-friendly, designed with a modern aesthetic that appeals to a range of drivers. However, it pushes too many controls onto touch surfaces, which can be less intuitive compared to traditional buttons. That makes quick adjustments tricky on the move and potentially distracting. Drivers may need to take their eyes off the path more often than desired. ![Close up view of the interior dashboard and gear shifter of the 2026 hyundai santa cruz showing modern controls and layout](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp- content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_4798-300x400.jpeg?resize=300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4798 - The Green Living Guy") Interior view of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz showcasing the modern dashboard and gear shift ### Fuel Economy [Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/santa-cruz) reports earlier turbo models achieving fuel economy figures of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This provides a decent balance for everyday commuting and longer journeys. The [Green Living Guy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/seth-work-leitman-talks-handling-stress-and-work-pressure/) achieved an impressive 32 mpg at best, showcasing the potential for efficiency with the right driving conditions and techniques. With the introduction of a new transmission, drivers can expect a small but noticeable gain in [fuel efficiency during long drives](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/hyundais-fuel-efficiency-driving-brand-loyalty/). This enhances the overall driving experience on road trips. However, it’s important to note that the turbo engine may consume more fuel. This is likely if you need to tow heavy loads or climb steep grades, negating some of the efficiency benefits. Users should consider these [factors when assessing their needs and driving](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/green-building-market-factors-driving-growth-and-success/) habits. ![Close up view of the steering wheel and dashboard of a hyundai featuring controls and a digital display](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/ 09/IMG_4797-400x300.jpeg?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "IMG_4797 - The Green Living Guy") Interior view of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz showcasing the steering wheel and dashboard features ## Utility The Santa Cruz is no full-sized hauler, which means it may not be the ultimate choice for those needing to transport large amounts of cargo. The four-foot bed limits lumber or larger loads that some traditional trucks can easily accommodate. However, Hyundai compensates for this with a range of thoughtful and intelligent design features that enhance its utility. For instance, an under-bed trunk offers additional storage space, making it easy to secure valuable items out of sight. Lockable compartments provide peace of mind, allowing users to safely stow away tools or equipment. To further enhance versatility, integrated tie-downs can be found throughout the bed. This makes it simple to secure everyday gear, bikes, or camping kits effectively. As a result, while it may not resemble a conventional truck, the Santa Cruz excels at meeting the needs of active [lifestyles and urban living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/green-living-practices-that-can-lead-to-a-healthier-lifestyle/) where thoughtful design is essential. ![Close up view of the interior bed features of a 2026 hyundai santa cruz showcasing storage compartments and tie down points](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp- content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_4807-300x400.jpeg?resize=300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4807 - The Green Living Guy") The interior storage features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz highlighting its utility for everyday tasks It tows more than the rival Ford Maverick, showcasing a commendable capacity that appeals to those needing extra muscle for their towing tasks. However, despite its impressive towing capabilities, the payload remains modest, which might limit its suitability for heavier hauls. If you want to haul drywall every weekend, this isn’t the right tool. Carrying substantial loads consistently could prove challenging. For weekend warriors or DIY enthusiasts who require reliable transportation for smaller, lighter loads, this vehicle will serve adequately. However, for heavy-duty hauling, it’s advisable to consider alternatives designed with greater payload capacities. ![Close up view of a comfortable front seat featuring a sleek design and high quality materials](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_4808- 300x400.jpeg?resize=300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4808 - The Green Living Guy") Close up of the premium leather seat in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz showcasing comfort and upscale design ## Verdict The 2026 Santa Cruz H-TRAC 2.5T blends strength and comfort in an impressive package. It drives like an SUV, offering a commanding view of the road, while accelerating with the spirited performance of a hot hatch that can easily outpace many of its competitors. Additionally, it retains the capability to tow a small trailer, making it versatile for both everyday commuting and weekend adventures. However, the short bed may limit cargo options for those needing to transport larger items. Its fuel efficiency under load stands out as the primary drawback for those looking to maximize their economical driving experience. This combination of attributes makes the Santa Cruz H-TRAC a compelling [choice for drivers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/kia-soul-ev-wins-2015-motorweek-drivers-choice-award/) seeking the perfect balance between utility and performance. ![Close up of the floor mat in a hyundai santa cruz featuring the logo](https:// i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_4801-300x400.jpeg?resize =300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4801 - The Green Living Guy") Interior view showcasing the Santa Cruz branding on the floor mat highlighting the vehicles stylish and urban design ### Wrapping Up If you want a truck that doubles as a daily driver, this is a sharp choice, offering both versatility and comfort for everyday use. Its sleek design and [efficient fuel economy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/toyota-fuel-economy-tips-for-better-efficiency/) make it suitable for city driving and commuting, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on style or practicality. However, if you want a truck to replace a full-sized pickup, look elsewhere, as this model may lack the towing capacity and cargo space that larger trucks provide. It is less ideal for heavy-duty tasks and extensive hauling needs. It’s essential to consider your specific requirements before making a decision. Finally, here’s how I see it: turning the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz into a hybrid or plug-in hybrid would let it retain the performance and torque needed for towing and off-road duty, while dramatically [improving fuel efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/nyserda-awards-contracts-to-14-constituency-based-groups-to-spur-energy-efficiency-improvements-new-york-house/) in everyday driving. A PHEV version could capture many of the benefits of full electrification( zero-tailpipe emissions for local trips) without the [range anxiety or high battery](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/way-cheaper-longer-range-batteries-coming-to-market/) cost of a fully electric version. As for going full EV, it’s certainly compelling, especially as battery and [charging](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/we-need-more-electric-vehicle-charging-stations/) infrastructure improve — but for a pickup/utility vehicle like the Santa Cruz, the trade-offs in payload, towing, and cost are still steep. In short: a hybrid or PHEV gives a strong intermediate path, while a full EV might be the ideal long-term goal once the supporting tech catches up. ![Close up of the rear badge of a 2026 hyundai santa cruz displaying &aposh trac 2 5t&apos on a light green vehicle](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2025/09/IMG_4803-300x400.jpeg?resize=300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4803 - The Green Living Guy") Close up of the H TRAC 25T emblem on the rear of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz highlighting its advanced all wheel drive capabilities ![Close up of a speaker grille and door panel in a vehicle highlighting the design and material finish](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/ 09/IMG_4800-300x400.jpeg?resize=300%2C400&ssl=1 "IMG_4800 - The Green Living Guy") Detail of the speaker design in the Hyundai Santa Cruz enhancing the cabins audio experience ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)