2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Lakeland Buyers Guide

The turbo trims start here, and the changes are real

Hyundai's turbocharged 2.5-liter has always been the strong point of the Santa Cruz lineup — 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, more than most compact trucks in its class offer at any price. What held it back in earlier model years was the dual-clutch automatic underneath it, which could hesitate at low speed in stop-and-go traffic. For 2026, Hyundai swapped it for a conventional 8-speed automatic. It's a genuine mechanical fix, not a spec-sheet footnote, and it shows up most in the everyday situations that actually matter — crawling through a parking lot, easing onto I-4 in traffic, backing a trailer down a boat ramp.

Terrain Mode Select is new for the XRT this year too, with dedicated Snow, Mud, and Sand settings layered on top of standard HTRAC all-wheel drive. Snow and mud rarely come up around Lakeland, but the sand setting has a real local use — boat ramps and unpaved lake access points around Polk County can turn soft fast after a storm, and having a mode tuned for it beats guessing at throttle input.

What the XRT is, and isn't

The XRT looks like the rugged, off-road-focused Santa Cruz, and in styling terms it is — the dark grille, fender flares, cladding, and exposed front tow hooks are all unique to this trim. What it isn't is a loaded SEL Activity with off-road parts bolted on. The XRT trades the SEL Activity's sunroof and some of its bed-focused hardware for the turbo engine, standard AWD, and a longer list of driver-assistance tech: adaptive cruise with Stop & Go, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, navigation-based curve control, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist — the first trim in the range where all of that comes standard. It's a genuinely different truck underneath the badge, built for towing and traction rather than cargo utility.

Who the XRT actually fits

Households towing a boat, a pop-up camper, or a utility trailer with any regularity — the 5,000-pound rating and standard AWD make it the most capable Santa Cruz for that job without stepping up to the Limited's price. Buyers who want the adaptive-cruise safety package for regular highway trips toward Tampa or Orlando also land here first, since it's not available on the lower trims. Ely Pabon's review, after buying two vehicles from the same salesperson over time, speaks to the kind of repeat relationship that shows up across the dealership's reviews: "My wife and I bought two vehicles (Genesis GV70 and Hyundai Santa Cruz) from Trey Peterson at Lakeland Automall. Both times were the best car buying experiences we've had."

Frequently asked questions

What does the 2026 Santa Cruz XRT cost?

MSRP is $41,350, all-wheel drive standard, before Hyundai's $1,600 freight charge and Florida taxes and fees. The pricing guide has the full breakdown.

Is the XRT's transmission different from prior years?

Yes. The turbocharged engine on the 2026 XRT pairs with a conventional 8-speed automatic, replacing the dual-clutch automatic used on earlier Santa Cruz model years. It's a real change aimed at smoother low-speed driving.

Does the XRT have a sunroof?

No. The power sunroof is standard on the SEL Activity and Limited but not the XRT, which spends its feature budget on the turbo powertrain, off-road styling, and driver-assistance tech instead.

How much can the XRT tow?

Up to 5,000 pounds with a properly equipped trailer and standard HTRAC all-wheel drive — the same ceiling as an AWD-equipped SEL Activity, but delivered with more power for sustained towing.

The bottom line

The XRT is the Santa Cruz for anyone who tows or drives in variable conditions regularly — the turbo engine's smoother transmission and the standard adaptive-cruise package make a real, daily difference. Check XRT inventory at Lakeland Hyundai.