The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the right pick for buyers who want a compact crew-cab pickup that handles farm chores, hauls gear for weekend fishing trips, and seats five in genuine comfort — all without the bulk of a full-size truck. Prices start at $30,300 for the SE 2.5 and top out at $42,775 for the XRT 2.5 AWD, which jumps to 281 hp and 5,000 lbs towing capacity. Every trim carries a about 27 cu ft cargo bed, a 5-passenger cabin, and a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technology.
Table of Contents
- How Well Does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Serve Beaver Township Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts?
- Exterior Styling and Rugged Design Features Tailored for Rural Terrain
- Powertrain Performance and Towing Capacity of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Rural Ohio
- Interior Comfort and Space for Families and Workers
- Infotainment and Connectivity Features That Enhance the Driving Experience
- Safety Technologies and Driver Assistance Systems Built for Rural Roads
- Comprehensive Pricing Breakdown of All 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims
- Warranty Coverage and Maintenance Services Supporting 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Owners
- Awards, Expert Reviews, and Recognition Highlighting the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz's Strengths
- Frequently Asked Questions from Shoppers About the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
How Well Does the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Serve Beaver Township Families and Outdoor Enthusiasts?
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz fits the rhythms of rural life in Beaver Township better than most vehicles in its class. It is a four-door crew cab with a usable open bed, a comfortable interior, and a footprint small enough to navigate gravel lanes and county roads without the unwieldy length of a traditional midsize pickup. For a family that farms during the week, fishes at Beaver Creek on the weekend, and needs to haul a trailer to a community event, the Santa Cruz covers all three tasks without compromise.
The five-trim lineup — SE 2.5, SE 2.5 AWD, SEL Activity 2.5, SEL Activity 2.5 AWD, and XRT 2.5 AWD — gives buyers a clear ladder from a practical front-wheel-drive entry point up to a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive workhorse. Every trim is assembled at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, so the supply chain is domestic and service intervals are well-supported by Hyundai dealers throughout Ohio.
If you have questions about which configuration fits your specific situation, Herrnstein Hyundai has a frequently asked questions resource covering common Santa Cruz buyer concerns. Shoppers who want to explore a more budget-conscious path can also browse our pre-owned vehicle inventory for prior-model Santa Cruz listings. Whether you are replacing a worn-out work truck or adding a second vehicle that doubles as a daily driver and weekend hauler, the Santa Cruz lineup gives Beaver Township households a genuine range of options.
Exterior Styling and Rugged Design Features Tailored for Rural Terrain
At 195.7 inches long, 75 inches wide, and 66.7 inches tall (66.9 inches on the SEL Activity 2.5, SEL Activity 2.5 AWD, and XRT 2.5 AWD), the Santa Cruz occupies a purposeful middle ground between a crossover and a pickup. The 118.3-inch wheelbase keeps the turning circle manageable at 475.3 inches curb-to-curb — a practical advantage when backing down a narrow farm lane or maneuvering in a tight feed-store parking lot.
Ground clearance is 8.6 inches across all five trims, and the approach angle is 16.9 degrees on the SE and SEL Activity variants. The XRT 2.5 AWD sharpens that to a 19.9-degree approach angle, making it the most capable trim for uneven terrain. The departure angle holds at 23.2 degrees across the lineup. Painted front and rear bumpers are standard on every trim, and 18-inch alloy wheels with 9.6-inch-wide all-season tires are fitted across the board — no trim gets a steel-wheel compromise.
The SEL Activity 2.5 and SEL Activity 2.5 AWD add black roof rails and a glass sunroof as standard equipment, while the XRT 2.5 AWD distinguishes itself with black exterior mirrors and a sliding rear cab window rather than the fixed glass on lower trims. All trims include a fixed rear cargo box step, making it easy to load supplies without climbing over the tailgate.
| Feature | SE 2.5 | SE 2.5 AWD | SEL Activity 2.5 | SEL Activity 2.5 AWD | XRT 2.5 AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,785 lbs | 3,931 lbs | 3,900 lbs | 4,045 lbs | 4,160 lbs |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Payload | 1,738 lbs | 1,735 lbs | 1,623 lbs | 1,621 lbs | 1,638 lbs |
All five trims share 5-passenger seating and an about 27 cu ft cargo bed. The SE 2.5 carries the highest payload at 1,738 lbs, while the XRT 2.5 AWD leads on towing at 5,000 lbs. If you're trading in a current vehicle to fund the purchase, it's worth getting a precise figure — you can estimate your current vehicle's trade-in value online before you visit the showroom.
Powertrain Performance and Towing Capacity of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Rural Ohio
The powertrain story across the 2027 Santa Cruz lineup splits into two distinct chapters. The SE 2.5, SE 2.5 AWD, SEL Activity 2.5, and SEL Activity 2.5 AWD all share Hyundai's naturally aspirated Smartstream 2.5L four-cylinder, producing 191 hp at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Paired with the SHIFTRONIC 8-speed automatic, this engine handles everyday hauling, gravel-road commuting, and light trailer work with straightforward competence.
The XRT 2.5 AWD is a different machine entirely. Its turbocharged Smartstream 2.5L four-cylinder generates 281 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm — torque arriving nearly 2,300 rpm earlier than the naturally aspirated engine. That broad, low-rpm torque band is exactly what you want when pulling a loaded livestock trailer up a modest grade on a Beaver Township back road, and the XRT's 5,000 lbs towing rating reflects it. The three AWD trims — SE 2.5 AWD, SEL Activity 2.5 AWD, and XRT 2.5 AWD — add full-time all-wheel drive with both automatic and manual drive selection modes, giving drivers meaningful traction control on wet or muddy farm access roads.
All trims run on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel and carry a 17.7-gallon main tank. The front-wheel-drive trims use a conventional strut front and multi-link rear suspension; the AWD trims add a center differential lock. Every trim gets four-wheel disc brakes with two ventilated front discs, ABS, brake assist, electronic hand brake with auto hold, and hill holder — the full safety-oriented braking suite.
Browse our current new Santa Cruz inventory to see which powertrain configurations are in stock. If you're ready to move forward, you can also submit a credit application online and get a head start on the financing process before your visit.
Interior Comfort and Space for Families and Workers
The Santa Cruz's crew cab gives all five passengers genuine room rather than the token rear-seat squeeze common in compact trucks. Front headroom measures 40.2 inches on the SE trims and 38.2 inches on the SEL Activity and XRT trims — the difference attributable to the panoramic sunroof standard on those upper trims. Rear headroom is 39.6 inches across the lineup. Front leg room is 41.4 inches; rear leg room is 36.5 inches. Front shoulder room is 57.7 inches and rear is 56.1 inches, with front hip room at 54.5 inches and rear at 53.5 inches. For a family loading up for a drive to Beaver Creek State Park, those rear dimensions translate to real comfort for adults, not just children.
The seating configuration is 2+3 across all trims, with front bucket seats and a rear split-bench. On the SE 2.5 and SE 2.5 AWD, both front seats are manually adjusted. Starting with the SEL Activity 2.5, the driver's seat gains 5-way power adjustment including electric height, reach, recline, tilt, and lumbar — a meaningful upgrade for the driver who spends long days behind the wheel. Front and rear seats are trimmed in synthetic leather (H-Tex) in either Black or Medium Gray on the SE and SEL Activity trims; the XRT is available in Black H-Tex only.
Storage is thoughtfully distributed: a full floor console, a partial overhead console, front cup holders, and below-seat rear storage. The SEL Activity and XRT trims add a cargo area light, illuminated vanity mirrors, and a wireless charging pad. The XRT also includes a heated steering wheel wrapped in leather.
For genuine Hyundai accessories — bed liners, cross rails, cargo organizers — the official Hyundai accessories catalog for this dealership is the best place to browse fitment-specific options.
| Feature | SE 2.5 | SE 2.5 AWD | SEL Activity 2.5 | SEL Activity 2.5 AWD | XRT 2.5 AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 191 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
All five trims share a 2.5L engine and SHIFTRONIC 8-speed automatic transmission.
Infotainment and Connectivity Features That Enhance the Driving Experience
Every 2027 Santa Cruz trim ships with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster — the only difference is that the SE trims use a 4.2-inch analog-TFT hybrid cluster while the SEL Activity and XRT trims receive a fully reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard across all trims, meaning no cable is required to mirror your phone. Both integrations are included as lifetime subscriptions.
Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, AM/FM/digital radio, and a 3-month SiriusXM trial subscription round out the audio baseline on every trim. The SE and SE AWD trims carry a 6-speaker audio system. The XRT 2.5 AWD steps up to an 8-speaker Bose sound system, a meaningful upgrade for anyone who spends time on the road and values audio quality.
Hyundai's Bluelink+ connected services platform is standard on all trims, providing remote start, remote lock/unlock, vehicle diagnostics, geo-fencing, speed alerts, theft notification, and driving history analysis — all accessible through a smartphone app. The telematics subscription is included for the life of the vehicle. The SEL Activity and XRT trims add a 36-month remote HVAC subscription, letting you pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin before you get in — useful on cold Ohio mornings before a day of farm work.
The XRT 2.5 AWD also includes built-in navigation with a 12.3-inch 3D map display, voice guidance, live traffic information, and map updates — both on a 36-month included subscription. A Surround View Monitor with front, rear, and side cameras is also XRT-exclusive standard equipment.
If you'd like to see the Santa Cruz's infotainment system in person, check our dealership hours and directions before making the trip to 2827 River Rd, Chillicothe.
Safety Technologies and Driver Assistance Systems Built for Rural Roads
The 2027 Santa Cruz carries a strong safety foundation across every trim. NHTSA awarded the Santa Cruz an overall 5-star crash test rating, with 5 stars in both frontal and side impact categories and a 4-star rollover rating. IIHS testing returned Good ratings in the small overlap front driver-side and side impact tests, with Good headlight performance as well.
Standard driver-assistance technology on the SE 2.5 and SE 2.5 AWD includes Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, which activates at speeds above 6 mph and applies the brakes at low speeds from both front and rear directions. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) monitors lane position and applies corrective steering input when drift is detected. Blind Collision Warning (BCW) monitors the blind spot zones and alerts the driver without requiring a turn signal. Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) uses radar to detect crossing traffic when reversing and can apply the brakes to prevent a collision. A rear camera with guidance display is standard on all trims.
The SEL Activity 2.5 and SEL Activity 2.5 AWD add an emergency call function and an accident data recorder to the baseline suite.
The XRT 2.5 AWD takes driver assistance to a higher level. Its forward collision system is named Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Junction Turning, adding junction-turn detection to the standard pedestrian and vehicle detection. The XRT also includes NSCC (Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control) with stop-and-go function, which links the adaptive cruise system to the navigation map for predictive speed management — a genuine benefit on winding rural routes. Traffic sign recognition and autonomous drive Level 2 partial automation complete the XRT's safety package.
All trims include 6 airbags — dual front, front side, and front-and-rear curtain — plus height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, a 3-point center rear seatbelt, and LATCH child-seat anchors.
Comprehensive Pricing Breakdown of All 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims
The 2027 Santa Cruz lineup covers a $12,475 spread from the entry-level SE 2.5 to the fully-loaded XRT 2.5 AWD, with each step up the ladder adding meaningful equipment rather than cosmetic differentiation.
| Feature | SE 2.5 | SE 2.5 AWD | SEL Activity 2.5 | SEL Activity 2.5 AWD | XRT 2.5 AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $30,300 | $31,800 | $34,700 | $36,200 | $42,775 |
All trims carry a $1,600 destination charge.
The SE 2.5 at $30,300 is the most accessible entry point — front-wheel drive, 191 hp, manual front seats, 6-speaker audio, and the full standard safety suite. The SE 2.5 AWD adds all-wheel drive for $31,800, a $1,500 premium that makes sense for anyone who regularly drives unpaved roads in wet or icy conditions.
The SEL Activity 2.5 at $34,700 is a significant step up in daily usability: it adds a standard tonneau cover over the cargo bed, a 5-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, black roof rails, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, illuminated vanity mirrors, a cargo area light, and a sliding rear cab window. The SEL Activity 2.5 AWD brings all of that to all-wheel drive for $36,200.
The XRT 2.5 AWD at $42,775 is the performance-oriented flagship: the turbocharged engine, 5,000-lb towing, Bose audio, full navigation, Surround View Monitor, NSCC adaptive cruise, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the upgraded autonomous drive Level 2 package. For buyers who tow regularly and want the most capable version of the Santa Cruz, the XRT justifies its price in capability.
To learn more about the dealership's history and commitment to the Chillicothe area, visit our about page.
Warranty Coverage and Maintenance Services Supporting 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Owners
Hyundai backs the 2027 Santa Cruz with a warranty structure that is among the most generous in the compact truck segment. The basic vehicle warranty runs 5 years or 60,000 miles. The powertrain warranty extends to 10 years or 100,000 miles — covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components that matter most to buyers who use their truck for real work. Anti-corrosion protection runs 7 years, and the paint warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years with unlimited mileage.
Hyundai Bluelink+ also provides vehicle diagnostics and breakdown assistance through the telematics system, so issues can be flagged before they become roadside problems. When service is needed, Herrnstein Hyundai's service department handles all Hyundai-authorized maintenance and warranty work. You can book a service appointment online at your convenience. Shoppers considering a certified pre-owned Santa Cruz from a prior model year can browse our certified pre-owned inventory for vehicles that carry an extended Hyundai CPO warranty.
Awards, Expert Reviews, and Recognition Highlighting the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz's Strengths
The Santa Cruz has earned consistent third-party recognition since its introduction. The NHTSA's 5-star overall crash test rating is the most direct safety credential in the segment, and the IIHS's Good ratings in side impact and small overlap front driver-side tests reinforce that the structure performs well in real-world crash scenarios. The IIHS also rated the Santa Cruz's headlights Good — a result that matters for rural drivers navigating dark county roads without streetlights.
Industry observers have consistently noted the Santa Cruz's unusual positioning. The vehicle occupies a category of its own: more useful than a crossover for buyers who need an open bed, but more livable than a traditional compact pickup for buyers who spend most of their time on pavement. The combination of a crew cab with genuine rear-seat space, a composite-lined pickup bed with a standard tonneau cover on SEL Activity trims and above, and a technology package that rivals crossovers in the same price range makes the Santa Cruz a genuinely hard vehicle to replicate with alternatives from the Ford Maverick, Toyota Ridgeline, or Subaru Outback segments.
The IIHS TSP (Top Safety Pick) designation further validates the Santa Cruz as a credible choice for families who prioritize occupant protection alongside utility.
Frequently Asked Questions from Shoppers About the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Q: What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The XRT 2.5 AWD is the only trim rated at 5,000 lbs towing capacity. All other trims — the SE 2.5, SE 2.5 AWD, SEL Activity 2.5, and SEL Activity 2.5 AWD — are rated at 3,500 lbs. The XRT achieves its higher rating through the turbocharged Smartstream 2.5L engine producing 311 lb-ft of torque, compared to 181 lb-ft on the naturally aspirated trims. For towing a small utility trailer or livestock trailer across the rolling terrain near Beaver Township, the 3,500-lb rating on the SE and SEL Activity trims is sufficient for most light hauling tasks.
Q: Does the 2027 Santa Cruz come with all-wheel drive, and which trims offer it?
Three of the five available trims offer all-wheel drive: the SE 2.5 AWD ($31,800), the SEL Activity 2.5 AWD ($36,200), and the XRT 2.5 AWD ($42,775). The SE 2.5 and SEL Activity 2.5 are front-wheel drive only. The AWD system on all three trims includes both automatic and manual drive selection modes. For buyers on gravel roads or wet farmland, the AWD trims are worth the premium.
Q: How large is the cargo bed on the 2027 Santa Cruz?
The pickup bed measures 52.1 inches in length, 53.9 inches in width, 42.7 inches between the wheelhouses, and sits at a 31.6-inch loading floor height. Total cargo volume is about 27 cu ft across all five trims. The bed includes a composite liner, sliding tie-down anchorage points, and load hooks as standard. The SEL Activity 2.5, SEL Activity 2.5 AWD, and XRT 2.5 AWD add a standard manual tonneau cover.
Q: What payload can the 2027 Santa Cruz carry in the bed?
Payload ratings vary slightly by trim due to curb weight differences. The SE 2.5 carries the highest payload at 1,738 lbs, followed by the SE 2.5 AWD at 1,735 lbs, the XRT 2.5 AWD at 1,638 lbs, the SEL Activity 2.5 at 1,623 lbs, and the SEL Activity 2.5 AWD at 1,621 lbs. All five trims are well-suited to hauling farming supplies, landscaping materials, or outdoor recreation gear.
Q: Where can I see the 2027 Santa Cruz in person and what trims are available?
Herrnstein Hyundai is located at 2827 River Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601. You can view our current new vehicle inventory online to check which trims and configurations are on the lot before making the drive. To get directions to the showroom, use this map link. You can also reach the sales team directly at (740) 779-6555 to ask about specific trim availability or to schedule a test drive.
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