The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity is determined by the engine and drivetrain combination. Base SE and SEL trims use the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. The SEL Premium, Night, XRT, and Limited trims use the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine paired with HTRAC all-wheel drive and are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes. Without trailer brakes, the rating on turbocharged AWD trims is lower; always confirm the specific setup against the owner’s manual before towing.

The 5,000-pound rating makes the Santa Cruz one of the most capable compact pickups in its class on a per-pound basis, and it handles the types of loads Sanford-area drivers are most likely to pull: personal watercraft, small boats, utility trailers, and lightweight campers.

• SE and SEL (2.5L NA, FWD): 3,500 lbs
• SEL Premium, Night, XRT, Limited (2.5T Turbo, HTRAC AWD): up to 5,000 lbs with trailer brakes
• 5,000-lb rating requires turbocharged engine, HTRAC AWD, and trailer brakes

New Vehicle Specials

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries a payload rating of 1,411 pounds across all trim levels. Payload includes the weight of passengers, cargo in the bed, and the tongue weight of any trailer being towed. For drivers planning to tow near the maximum rating, it is important to calculate the combined weight of passengers and bed cargo first, since tongue weight counts against the payload figure and reduces how much can be added to the bed.

• 1,411-pound payload capacity across all trims
• Payload includes passengers, bed cargo, and trailer tongue weight
• Always verify the door jamb sticker for the vehicle-specific payload number

Finance Application

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz bed measures 52.1 inches long from bulkhead to tailgate, 53.9 inches wide at the widest point, 42.7 inches wide between the wheel wells, and 19.2 inches deep. Total open bed volume is 27 cubic feet. These dimensions hold consistent across all trim levels.

The 52.1-inch bed length accommodates most recreational gear comfortably, including mountain bikes, kayaks, camping equipment, lumber up to 8 feet long with the tailgate down, and the kinds of weekend-use cargo that Hyundai designed the Santa Cruz around. A standard 4×8 sheet of plywood will not fit flat but can be carried diagonally or cut to size beforehand.

• Bed length: 52.1 inches
• Bed width (max): 53.9 inches
• Bed width between wheel wells: 42.7 inches
• Bed depth: 19.2 inches
• Open bed volume: 27 cubic feet

Finance Center

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers more built-in storage within its bed than most competitors in the compact truck segment. An integrated lockable in-bed storage compartment under the bed floor provides 8.9 cubic feet of secure, covered space for tools, equipment, and valuables that need to stay out of sight. A separate hinged floor section near the tailgate offers additional shallow storage of approximately 7 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Storage cubbies on both bed walls add organization for smaller items.

The integrated lockable tonneau cover is standard on all trims and keeps bed cargo protected from rain and access without adding bulk or requiring a separate purchase. LED bed lighting makes loading and unloading easy after dark, and four drain plugs in the bed floor allow for easy cleanup. The composite bed liner is standard across the lineup and resists scratches, dents, and UV damage better than a spray-in liner.

• Integrated lockable in-bed storage compartment: 8.9 cubic feet
• Additional hinged floor storage section and dual wall cubbies
• Integrated lockable tonneau cover standard on all trims
• LED bed lighting standard
• Composite bed liner standard
• Four drain plugs in bed floor
• Bed tie-down points and remote-opening tailgate
• Three rear bumper steps for easy bed access

New Inventory