2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for Sale in Bentonville, AR

What's New for 2026?

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has officially arrived at Crain Hyundai of Bentonville. It combines the everyday comfort of an SUV with the open-bed utility of a pickup. Easy to maneuver downtown yet capable enough for weekend hauling and towing, it’s a smart fit for Bentonville drivers who want more versatility without moving up to a full-size truck.

This year brings thoughtful refinements. Turbocharged trims now feature a new 8-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts, while the rugged XRT adds Mud, Snow, and Sand drive modes for better traction. With distinctive styling introduced in 2025, carrying over, the Santa Cruz stays modern and unmistakable across Bella Vista and Rogers.

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

-Terrain drive modes added to the XRT trim

-Simplified interior color choices

-Styling from the 2025 refresh continues

Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz is built for people who need more than an SUV but don’t want the bulk of a full-size truck. With its open bed and crew cab comfort, it’s made for daily errands in Bentonville and weekend adventures around Bella Vista.

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.

Want the full breakdown? See 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 bikes, plywood, or kayaks
-Available integrated tonneau cover for secure storage
-Rear bumper steps for easier access to the bed

From loading mountain bikes for Coler Mountain to picking up home supplies in Centerton, the Santa Cruz is designed to fit real Northwest Arkansas routines.

Next-Gen Safety

Every 2026 Santa Cruz includes Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of driver-assistance features designed for extra confidence on the road. 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

The Santa Cruz has also earned strong recognition from IIHS and NHTSA. See the full details in our Hyundai Safety Picks blog.

With these systems, families in Bentonville, Rogers, and Lowell can count on protection wherever they travel.

Advanced Technology

The 2026 Santa Cruz is packed with digital tools and conveniences that keep you connected on the go.

Technology Highlights:
-Standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
-Available dual 12.3-inch displays on upper trims
-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 front and rear rows

Upper trims also feature Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, which allows you to unlock and start the truck using your smartphone. Our Hyundai Digital Key 2 guide provides the details.

From Bentonville traffic to trips into Springdale, the Santa Cruz makes every drive easier with its smart tech.

Spacious & Comfortable

Though compact on the outside, the Santa Cruz interior feels refined and roomy.

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
-Quiet ride thanks to thoughtful insulation

Whether it’s a quick drive into Rogers or a longer outing near Pea Ridge, the Santa Cruz keeps comfort at the forefront.

Trim Highlights & Available Options

Santa Cruz SE: Well-equipped base
-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: Added comfort
-Heated front seats and H-Tex leatherette trim
-Roof side rails for more cargo options
-Dual automatic temperature control

Santa Cruz SEL Activity: Best mix of value
-Power sunroof and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
-Integrated tonneau cover with locking storage
-Wireless charging and rear sliding glass
-Utility rails and 115V bed outlet

Santa Cruz XRT: Rugged performance
-Turbocharged 281-hp engine with standard AWD
-18-inch XRT wheels with all-terrain tires
-XRT-specific grille, bumpers, and cladding
-Mud, Snow, and Sand terrain modes

Santa Cruz Limited: Premium pickup
-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 ranging from the affordable SE to the rugged XRT and upscale Limited, Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista drivers can find the right Santa Cruz for their lifestyle.

Financing Your Santa Cruz in Bentonville
At Crain Hyundai of Bentonville, our finance specialists make the process straightforward. We work with drivers from Centerton, Cave Springs, and Lowell to secure competitive offers. For helpful tips, check out 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 competitive offer quickly—even without buying a new vehicle from us. Many Bentonville, Gravette, and Siloam Springs drivers already trust this program for simple trades and straightforward sales.

Shop the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Bentonville Today
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t just another truck or SUV—it’s a mix of both, designed to give you flexibility in a compact package. Visit Crain Hyundai of Bentonville to test drive your favorite trim and see why it’s a standout choice in Northwest Arkansas.

Looking for ideas on where to take your next trip? Explore our Hyundai scenic drives blog for inspiration.