2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity and Bed Payload

2026 hyundai santa cruz hauling a trailer near the coast

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The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The vehicle also supports a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,411 pounds. Explore our highly capable inventory below or contact our Muncie dealership with questions.

Maximum Towing Limits by Engine

The Santa Cruz is engineered to bridge the gap between SUV comfort and pickup truck utility. To achieve this, Hyundai offers two distinct powertrains, each with its own trailering limits. If you select a model equipped with the standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine, you will receive a highly capable maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (when equipped with trailer brakes). This is more than enough capability to haul small utility trailers, a couple of dirt bikes, or a pop-up camper for a weekend getaway.

For Delaware County drivers who need to move heavier loads, such as a large fiberglass boat out to Prairie Creek Reservoir, the 2.5L Turbocharged engine is required. Available on the XRT and Limited trims, this turbocharged powertrain dramatically increases your pulling power to a maximum of 5,000 pounds (when equipped with trailer brakes). For the 2026 model year, this powerful engine is now mated to a remarkably smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous dual-clutch system to provide better low-speed control when backing up a trailer.

You can browse our local Muncie Hyundai Santa Cruz inventory to find a model equipped with the exact trailering hardware required for your lifestyle.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz hauling a wake board

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Composite Bed and Storage

Bed Utility and Payload Capacity

Hauling cargo is not limited to what you can pull behind you. The Santa Cruz features a highly durable, molded composite bed that resists dents and prevents rust. This open bed allows you to haul dirty, oversized, or awkwardly shaped cargo that would simply never fit inside a traditional SUV cabin.

The vehicle boasts a maximum payload capacity (vehicle load limit) of 1,411 pounds, allowing you to confidently load the bed with bags of mulch, landscaping stones, or construction materials. The bed also features incredible built-in utility. It includes heavy-duty tie-down points, available LED bed lighting, and a brilliant lockable under-bed storage compartment. This integrated trunk features a drain plug, meaning you can fill it with ice to serve as a built-in cooler at local tailgate parties.

To see how this exterior utility pairs with the premium cabin features, review our complete 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz overview.

XRT Terrain Modes and Capability Specs

If your adventures take you off the paved roads, you will want the rugged XRT trim. New for 2026, the XRT introduces exclusive Terrain Modes. By simply turning a dial, you can select specific driving profiles for Mud, Snow, or Sand, which actively adjust the HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system to maximize traction in harsh conditions.

Review the specific utility metrics below to ensure the vehicle meets your hauling needs. All specifications are verified via the official Hyundai capability page.

Powertrain Configuration	Max Towing (With Trailer Brakes)	Max Payload (Vehicle Load Limit)
Standard 2.5L 4-Cylinder	3,500 lbs.	1,411 lbs.
2.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder	5,000 lbs.	1,411 lbs.
Any Engine (Without Trailer Brakes)	1,653 lbs.	1,411 lbs.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Experience the unmatched versatility and towing capability of the 2026 Santa Cruz. The team at Greg Hubler Hyundai in Muncie, IN, is ready to help you find the perfect Sport Adventure Vehicle for your lifestyle.

View Santa Cruz Inventory See All Santa Cruz Specs Schedule a Test Drive

Current Inventory

New|2026|At Dealership

Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SEL AWD

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Pricing

MSRP: $36,125
Greg Hubler Discount: - $767
Internet Price: $35,358
Retail Bonus Cash Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $1,750
Doc Fee Doc fee is $251.05 Details: +$251
Final Price: $33,859

Stock #: 4H26211
VIN: 5NTJBDDE9TH173102
Fuel Economy: City:21 Hwy:29
Engine: 2.5L I4
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drivetrain: AWD

Exterior Color: Blue / Stone
Interior Color: Black

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New|2026|At Dealership

Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SEL AWD

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1 of 47

Pricing

MSRP: $36,125
Greg Hubler Discount: - $767
Internet Price: $35,358
Retail Bonus Cash Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $1,750
Doc Fee Doc fee is $251.05 Details: +$251
Final Price: $33,859

Stock #: 4H26201
VIN: 5NTJBDDE4TH172939
Fuel Economy: City:21 Hwy:29
Engine: 2.5L I4
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drivetrain: AWD

Exterior Color: Blue / Stone
Interior Color: Black

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Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SEL AWD

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Pricing

MSRP: $35,920
Greg Hubler Discount: - $1,068
Internet Price: $34,852
Retail Bonus Cash Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $1,750
Doc Fee Doc fee is $251.05 Details: +$251
Final Price: $33,353

Stock #: 4H26160
VIN: 5NTJBDDE1TH168735
Fuel Economy: City:21 Hwy:29
Engine: 2.5L I4
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drivetrain: AWD

Exterior Color: Blue / Stone
Interior Color: Black

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Pricing

MSRP: $35,515
Greg Hubler Discount: - $1,057
Internet Price: $34,458
Retail Bonus Cash Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $1,750
Doc Fee Doc fee is $251.05 Details: +$251
Final Price: $32,959

Stock #: 4H26159
VIN: 5NTJBDDE8TH169901
Fuel Economy: City:21 Hwy:29
Engine: 2.5L I4
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drivetrain: AWD

Exterior Color: Hampton Gray
Interior Color: Black

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Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SEL AWD

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1 of 47

Pricing

MSRP: $35,515
Greg Hubler Discount: - $1,058
Internet Price: $34,457
Retail Bonus Cash Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $1,750
Doc Fee Doc fee is $251.05 Details: +$251
Final Price: $32,958

Stock #: 4H26158
VIN: 5NTJBDDE3TH169627
Fuel Economy: City:21 Hwy:29
Engine: 2.5L I4
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drivetrain: AWD

Exterior Color: Atlas White
Interior Color: Black

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Pricing

MSRP: $35,560
Greg Hubler Discount: - $1,114
Internet Price: $34,446
Retail Bonus Cash Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $1,750
Doc Fee Doc fee is $251.05 Details: +$251
Final Price: $32,947

Stock #: 4H26161
VIN: 5NTJBDDE0TH169357
Fuel Economy: City:21 Hwy:29
Engine: 2.5L I4
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drivetrain: AWD

Exterior Color: Hampton Gray
Interior Color: Black

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New|2026|At Dealership

Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SEL AWD

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1 of 53

Pricing

MSRP: $35,290
Greg Hubler Discount: - $1,055
Internet Price: $34,235
Retail Bonus Cash Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $1,750
Hyundai Inventory Coupon Exp: 07/06/2026 Details: - $750
Doc Fee Doc fee is $251.05 Details: +$251
Final Price: $31,986

Stock #: 4H26030
VIN: 5NTJBDDE7TH161580
Fuel Economy: City:21 Hwy:29
Engine: 2.5L I4
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Drivetrain: AWD

Exterior Color: Hampton Gray
Interior Color: Black

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