2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Bakersfield Buyers Guide

The engine changes everything above this line

Up through the SEL Activity, every Santa Cruz shares the same 191-hp 2.5-liter engine — the trims differ in comfort and bed features, not power. The XRT breaks that pattern with a turbocharged 2.5-liter making 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, a genuine step up rather than an incremental one. For 2026, Hyundai also swapped the transmission behind it: a conventional 8-speed automatic replaces the dual-clutch unit that earned complaints for hesitant behavior at parking-lot speeds in prior model years. HTRAC all-wheel drive is standard, not optional, and towing capacity rises to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes — the same figure as the Limited, and 1,500 pounds more than a front-wheel-drive SE or SEL.

Styling that isn't just badges

The XRT's off-road look is more than a decal package: exposed front tow hooks, XRT-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-chrome front and rear bumper trim, a dark grille design, fender flares, satin-black door handles and mirrors, and a black headliner inside. The new-for-2026 Terrain Mode Select adds Snow, Mud, and Sand settings on top of the AWD hardware — genuinely useful for a Kern County owner who splits time between pavement and the dirt roads around Lake Isabella or the Sequoia foothills.

What it skips, on purpose: the power tilt-and-slide sunroof that the SEL Activity and Limited both have, and the Bose premium audio system that's Limited-only. XRT trades some comfort polish for capability and price, which is a deliberate positioning, not an oversight.

The tech that comes standard here

The XRT is the first Santa Cruz trim in the lineup with the fuller safety stack: Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based cruise control with Curve Control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Blind-Spot View Monitor — none of which are standard on SE, SEL, or SEL Activity. The 12.3-inch touchscreen adds built-in navigation, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Hyundai Pay, and Digital Key 2 Touch. For a driver who spends real time on the 99 or crossing the Grapevine, that safety-tech jump is arguably as meaningful as the horsepower.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 2026 Santa Cruz XRT cost?

MSRP is $41,350, before the $1,600 freight charge and California fees. All-wheel drive is standard, not optional, on this trim. Current offers are on the specials page.

Is the XRT an off-road truck?

It's styling plus real hardware, not a lifted off-roader — there's no increase in ground clearance over other trims. What you do get: standard AWD, the new Terrain Mode Select (Snow, Mud, Sand), a standard tow hitch, and off-road-styled cladding. Think capable weekend explorer, not rock crawler.

How much can the XRT tow?

Up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes, with standard 4-or-7-pin trailer wiring — the same rating as the Limited and 1,500 pounds more than a front-wheel-drive SE, SEL, or SEL Activity.

Does the XRT have a sunroof?

No. The power tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard on the SEL Activity and Limited but not the XRT, which prioritizes off-road styling elements over that feature.

XRT or Limited — which should I choose?

They share the same 281-hp engine, standard AWD, and 5,000-pound towing. XRT adds the rugged styling, Terrain Mode, and a lower price; Limited answers back with leather, ventilated seats, Bose audio, a sunroof, and Surround View Monitor. Pick the one that matches how you'll actually use it — see the Limited guide for the full comparison.

The bottom line

The XRT is where the Santa Cruz stops being a comfortable crossover with a bed and starts being genuinely capable — more power, standard AWD, real terrain modes, and the lineup's fullest standard safety-tech stack. The styling is a bonus, not the whole pitch. Check XRT inventory at Bakersfield Hyundai.