The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in a Nutshell
Released in 2021 for the 2022 model year, the Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s first pickup truck to be sold and produced outside of its home market, South Korea. It’s a huge deal for the brand, given that it was one of the first models to restart the compact pickup segment in North America.
It’s been around for a couple of years now, and it received a facelift in mid-2024 for the 2025 model year. It adapted the same look as the Tucson, the model it’s based upon. It rides on a longer wheelbase compared to its crossover counterpart, mainly to accommodate its integrated bed. Engine choices are identical to the Tucson, though.
The 2026 model gets a few updates and upgrades, but is largely unchanged from the 2025 version. There are four main model lines available with six trim levels to choose from.
Hyundai
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Lease Deals for November
The good news here is that all trims of the Santa Cruz are available for lease deals this month, as listed on Hyundai’s official website. Starting with the SE FWD, you can lease it for $319 per month, while opting for all-wheel drive bumps it up to $339 per month.
Moving to the SEL, there are four versions to choose from, namely the SEL FWD, SEL AWD, SEL Activity FWD, and SEL Activity AWD. The SEL FWD can be driven home for $369 per month, while the SEL AWD is at $379 per month. The front-drive SEL Activity meanwhile is at $429 per month, and the AWD goes for $449 per month.
Next up is the off-road-oriented XRT, which comes with all-wheel drive as standard. That one has a special leasing rate of $539 per month. Meanwhile, the range-topping Limited goes for $549 per month.
All trims require a due-at-signing price of $3,999 with a 36-month leasing period and 10,000 miles per year. There is a surcharge of $0.20 per mile in excess of the agreed-upon mileage. This offer is valid until December 1, 2025.
Hyundai
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Highlights
The SE serves as the entry-level model of the Santa Cruz and comes with niceties such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a neat 12.3-inch touchscreen display. SEL adds roof rails, heated seats, and leatherette trims, while the SEL Activity gets a sunroof, a digital cluster, and an integrated bed cover. These models are powered by a 2.5-liter engine that’s good for 191 horsepower.
But go for the XRT, and it gets a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine packing 281 hp. The rugged makeover is backed up by standard all-wheel drive, as well as an upgraded infotainment system. As for the Limited, it goes for a more sophisticated (sort of) look with 20-inch alloys, plus a few more tech features.
Hyundai
Final Thoughts
Okay, it’s not a ladder-frame pickup with live axles, so don’t expect it to come with crazy towing capacities or mountain goat off-road capabilities. On the flipside, not everyone wants or needs a big truck, and the Santa Cruz is the right size for most folks. The bed may be small, but it’s still useful, and there’s even a storage bin under the bed to give it more versatility.
It’s more of a lifestyle pickup for (very) light-duty hauling, and it’s fit for purpose for the most part. But the main advantage of the Santa Cruz is in the ride and handling department. Sure, body-on-frame pickups drive better these days, but the unibody chassis in this (and Ford Maverick) means it’ll happily zip up twisties while being comfortable on long highway jaunts.
Our take? Try this or the Maverick a shot first before you go for a bigger truck.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
Â
