2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for Sale in Fayetteville, AR

What's New for 2026?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is ready to roll at Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville. It delivers the comfort of an SUV with the utility of a pickup in one smart package. Easy to park downtown yet capable of hauling and towing when needed, it’s a smart fit for everyday life in Fayetteville.

For 2026, Hyundai introduces thoughtful upgrades. Turbocharged trims now use a new 8-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts, and the adventurous XRT trim adds Mud, Snow, and Sand drive modes for better traction. The bold styling from 2025 carries over, making the Santa Cruz stand out in Springdale, Farmington, and across Washington County.

2026 Santa Cruz updates include:
-8-speed automatic transmission on turbocharged trims

-Terrain drive modes added to the XRT trim

-Simplified interior color options

-Fresh styling from the 2025 refresh continues

Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz is for drivers who want SUV comfort but also need the practicality of a truck bed. From errands in Fayetteville to weekend projects in Prairie Grove, it adapts with ease.

Performance and Capability:
-Standard 2.5L 4-cylinder with 191 hp
-Available turbocharged 2.5L with 281 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque
-Front-wheel drive standard; AWD available (AWD standard on turbo trims)
-3,500-lb. towing capacity with the base engine
-5,000-lb. towing capacity with the turbo engine
-Payload capacity up to 1,411 lbs.

Curious about its strength? See the full breakdown in our Santa Cruz towing power blog.

Utility Highlights:
-Four-foot bed with a lockable in-bed trunk and a drain plug
-Adjustable tailgate for hauling gear or building supplies
-Optional integrated tonneau cover for secure storage
-Rear bumper steps for easy bed access

Hauling equipment to Elkins or loading up for a Saturday at Beaver Lake, the Santa Cruz shows why a compact pickup is the right choice in Washington County.

Next-Gen Safety

Every 2026 Santa Cruz comes with Hyundai SmartSense, a driver-assist suite designed to add peace of mind on every trip. Learn more in our Hyundai SmartSense overview.

Standard features include:
-Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
-Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
-Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
-Driver Attention Warning and Rear Occupant Alert
-Safe Exit Warning and High Beam Assist

Available upgrades include:
-Navigation-based adaptive cruise control
-Highway Driving Assist
-Blind-Spot View Monitor (upper trims)
-360-degree Surround View Monitor
-Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist with braking

Hyundai has also earned recognition from IIHS and NHTSA for safety across its lineup. See more in our Hyundai Safety Picks blog.

From Springdale to Prairie Grove, families can count on these features to make the Santa Cruz a secure daily driver.

Advanced Technology

Inside, the Santa Cruz combines smart tech with a clean, modern cabin design.

Technology highlights:
-Standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
-Available dual 12.3-inch digital displays
-Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
-Hyundai Bluelink connected services
-Wireless charging (SEL Activity and above)
-Bose 8-speaker premium audio (XRT and Limited)
-Multiple USB ports for both rows

Top trims also include Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, letting you unlock and start the truck with your phone. Learn how it works in our Hyundai Digital Key 2 guide.

From downtown Fayetteville to long drives through Winslow, the Santa Cruz makes every trip smarter and more convenient.

Spacious & Comfortable

Though smaller than a traditional pickup, the Santa Cruz delivers a cabin that feels refined and quiet.

Interior Highlights:
-Crew cab seating for five
-Available H-Tex leatherette or premium leather upholstery
-Heated and ventilated front seats on higher trims
-12.3-inch digital gauge cluster (SEL Activity and above)
-Dual-zone automatic climate control
-Insulated cabin for reduced road noise

Running errands in Johnson or driving out to Lincoln, this compact truck provides SUV-like comfort while keeping its pickup flexibility.

Trim Highlights & Available Options

Santa Cruz SE: Smart starting point
-191-hp 2.5L engine with 8-speed automatic
-18-inch alloy wheels
-12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
-LED headlights and remote start

Santa Cruz SEL: Everyday upgrades
-Heated front seats and H-Tex leatherette trim
-Roof side rails for added cargo options
-Dual automatic temperature control

Santa Cruz SEL Activity: Balanced choice
-Power sunroof and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
-Integrated tonneau cover with lockable storage
-Wireless charging and rear sliding glass
-Utility rails and 115V bed outlet

Santa Cruz XRT: Adventure-focused
-Turbocharged 281-hp engine with standard AWD
-18-inch XRT wheels with all-terrain tires
-XRT-exclusive grille, bumpers, and rugged cladding
-Mud, Snow, and Sand terrain modes

Santa Cruz Limited: Premium finish
-Turbocharged 281-hp engine with AWD
-Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch
-Bose 8-speaker premium audio system
-20-inch alloy wheels
-Integrated Memory System for driver settings

With trims covering everything from value to luxury, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Farmington drivers can find a Santa Cruz that matches their lifestyle.

Financing Your Santa Cruz in Fayetteville
At Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville, our team makes financing simple. We help drivers from Prairie Grove, Johnson, and Elkins secure competitive rates and incentives. For tips and resources, visit our Financing Made Easy blog.

Crain Buys Cars – Even If You Don’t Buy Here
Selling or trading? With Crain Buys Cars, you can get a quick and fair offer without committing to a new purchase. Many drivers in Fayetteville, Elm Springs, and Tontitown already rely on this program for simple appraisals and fast sales.

Shop the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Fayetteville Today
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is more than just a compact truck — it’s a smart alternative that combines SUV comfort with pickup versatility. Visit Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville to test drive your favorite trim and see why it’s such a standout in Washington County.

Need inspiration for your next adventure? Take a look at our Hyundai scenic drives blog.