During my week behind the wheel of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, I came away impressed with how well this unique vehicle fits Colorado driving. Part pickup and part SUV, Hyundai calls it a Sport Adventure Vehicle, and that description fits.
The model I tested was the 2026 Santa Cruz XRT all-wheel drive, finished in Sage Gray, a sharp color that drew more than a few looks in parking lots.
Under the hood is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic and Hyundai’s H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system. The turbo delivers strong performance and quick acceleration when merging onto highways or climbing into the foothills.
The Santa Cruz XRT rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, which are especially useful for Colorado drivers heading into the mountains. With winter traction laws requiring proper tires during storms, those all-terrain tires add confidence for mountain driving.
Inside, the Santa Cruz feels more like a well-equipped SUV than a traditional pickup. The cabin is comfortable and loaded with technology. A 12.3-inch navigation screen, AM/FM audio system, heated front seats and adjustable lumbar support make longer drives easy.
Hyundai has also packed the vehicle with safety features, including front, side and side-curtain airbags along with rear side airbags. Driver attention warning systems, forward collision alerts, blind-spot collision warning, a blind-spot view monitor and rear cross-traffic collision warning add additional layers of protection.
Fuel economy averages about 20 miles per gallon overall, with 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Considering the turbocharged performance and all-wheel-drive capability, those numbers remain respectable.
The Santa Cruz is also built in America, with final assembly at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama. Vehicles assembled in the United States may also qualify for certain federal tax incentives depending on current regulations.
The suggested retail price for the Santa Cruz XRT is $41,100, with a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, one of the strongest warranties offered in the industry.
After a week of driving it on Colorado roads, one thing became clear. The Santa Cruz fills a niche many drivers didn’t know they needed. It offers the practicality of a pickup bed with the comfort and drivability of an SUV.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle daily commuting, weekend mountain trips and the occasional load of gear, the Santa Cruz deserves a serious look.
For drivers who want a pickup-SUV combination, this one may be just about perfect.