The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz arrives with a smaller trim lineup and a better-equipped XRT. Hyundai is keeping two engine choices, but dropping the SEL and Limited means shoppers will have fewer combinations to consider.
The changes matter most if you want the turbo engine with more comfort features. Here is what Hyundai has confirmed for the 2027 compact pickup, including prices, powertrain choices and bed utility.
Fewer trims, more comfort for the XRT
The 2027 lineup consists of SE, SEL Activity and XRT. Hyundai has dropped the separate SEL and range-topping Limited, making the turbocharged XRT the top trim. H-Tex seating surfaces now span the range.
The XRT gains a sunroof, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear center armrest with cupholders and Bose audio. Those additions make it a more complete daily driver on paper, although this is an equipment update rather than a new road test.
Hyundai also removes the 20-inch wheel option and fingerprint recognition, along with Rockwood Green and Canyon Red paint. The company describes the truck as a carryover model; the big changes are in the choices buyers make at the dealership. See Hyundai’s 2027 model update for the equipment changes.
Two engines, eight-speed automatics and a $31,950 starting price
SE and SEL Activity use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. XRT gets the turbocharged 2.5-liter with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet. Both engines pair with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic, according to Hyundai’s 2027 specifications.
Front-wheel drive is standard on SE and SEL Activity, with all-wheel drive a $1,500 option. XRT includes AWD. Properly equipped towing limits are 3,500 pounds for the non-turbo models and 5,000 pounds for XRT. Buyers should still check the specific truck’s payload and trailer requirements before hooking up.
2027 Santa Cruz prices by trim
Hyundai’s July 20 pricing sheet lists SE at $30,300, SEL Activity at $34,700 and XRT at $42,775 before the $1,650 freight charge. Including freight, that puts the starting prices at $31,950, $36,350 and $44,425, respectively. Taxes, options and dealer charges are additional.
The XRT therefore costs $6,575 more than an AWD SEL Activity before options. Its extra power, higher towing limit and added equipment need to justify that difference for your use; buyers who mainly want an open bed have less expensive choices within the lineup.
A compact footprint with useful bed storage
The five-seat Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches long, 75 inches wide and 66.7 inches tall, with a 118.3-inch wheelbase. Its approximately 52-inch bed provides 27 cubic feet of cargo space. Those dimensions keep the focus on everyday maneuverability and occasional hauling rather than a full-size truck’s long-bed capacity.
A lockable under-bed compartment remains part of the appeal. SEL Activity and XRT also include an integrated tonneau cover, bed utility tracks and a 115-volt outlet. That combination gives owners places to separate smaller items from bulkier cargo, though a short bed still calls for planning when carrying long material.
For driving impressions of the carryover design, read our 2026 Santa Cruz XRT review. The photos here come from that review and show the 2026 truck; this article covers Hyundai’s confirmed 2027 equipment, specifications and pricing.
