New 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in Colorado Springs
The new 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz blends an open pickup bed with the comfort of an SUV. It seats five, tows up to 5,000 lbs with available HTRAC all-wheel drive and fits in most home garages. At Phil Long Hyundai of Chapel Hills, you can compare every trim and test drive the new Hyundai Santa Cruz in Colorado Springs in one visit.
What Makes the Santa Cruz XRT Different
Every Santa Cruz shares the same smart bed and five-seat cabin. The XRT adds hardware and styling aimed at drivers who head off the pavement:
- Turbo power: A 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged engine with 311 lb-ft of torque.
- Standard HTRAC AWD: All-wheel drive comes on every XRT.
- XRT wheels and tires: 18-inch XRT alloy wheels with 245/60R18 tires.
- Rugged styling: An XRT dark front grille sets it apart from other trims.
- Terrain Mode Select: Drive settings that adjust traction for changing surfaces.
- Tow-ready details: Tow Mode, trailer pre-wiring and self-leveling rear suspension.
Why the XRT is the Perfect Fit for Colorado Springs Drivers
The Santa Cruz XRT matches the way people here use a pickup:
- Trail access: Standard AWD and Terrain Mode Select help on gravel and forest roads like Rampart Range Road and Gold Camp Road.
- Mountain trips: Haul bikes, skis or camping gear to Woodland Park, Breckenridge or Pikes Peak.
- Winter driving: AWD adds traction on I-25 and Ute Pass when snow hits.
- Everyday size: It parks like an SUV and fits in most home garages.
Military families at Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever or the Air Force Academy can ask about our military program. It can make the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT in Colorado Springs easier to afford.
Turbo Power, AWD and Performance at Altitude
281Horsepower
311Lb-ft of torque
1,700RPM peak torque
The XRT's 2.5L turbo engine makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque arrives at just 1,700 rpm, so the truck pulls hard from low speeds. An 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC lets you shift manually when you want more control.
The turbo matters at our altitude. Colorado Springs sits above 6,000 feet, where non-turbo engines lose power in the thinner air. The XRT's turbo helps it keep its strength on climbs like Ute Pass.
- EPA estimates for the XRT are 18 city, 25 highway and 20 mpg combined.
Santa Cruz XRT Towing
5,000Lbs towing (up to)
4 or 7Pin trailer pre-wiring
Santa Cruz XRT towing capacity is up to 5,000 lbs. That covers many small campers, utility trailers and small boats headed to Eleven Mile or other Colorado reservoirs.
The XRT includes features that make towing easier:
- Tow Mode: Adjusts how the truck drives with a trailer attached.
- Trailer pre-wiring: Ready for a 4- or 7-pin connector.
- Self-leveling rear suspension: Helps keep the truck level under a heavy load.
Always check your trailer's loaded weight against your exact configuration before you tow. Our team can help you confirm the right setup.
Bed Features and Utility
The Santa Cruz bed is built for real gear:
- Lockable underfloor storage: A hidden compartment keeps smaller items secure.
- Tie-down points: Anchors keep bikes, coolers and camping gear in place.
- LED bed lights: Help you load and unload after dark at the trailhead.
- Available integrated tonneau cover: Closes the bed to protect cargo from weather and theft.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the XRT feels like a modern Hyundai SUV. It includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, plus Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance features. Projector bi-LED headlights improve visibility on dark mountain roads.
Santa Cruz XRT vs. Limited and SEL Activity: Which Trim Is Right for You?
The Santa Cruz XRT vs. Limited decision comes down to rugged style versus premium comfort:
- Around $34,000
SEL Activity
Starts around $34,000 MSRP with the 191-hp engine and available AWD. Best if you want outdoor features at a lower price.
- Around $41,000
XRT
Starts around $41,000 MSRP with the turbo, standard AWD and XRT styling. Best for trail access and towing.
- Low-to-mid $40,000s
Limited
Starts in the low-to-mid $40,000s MSRP with the same turbo and AWD, plus more premium comfort and technology. Best if you want the most features.
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and fees. If you are still deciding on the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT in Colorado Springs, drive the XRT and Limited back to back. Compare every trim on our main Hyundai Santa Cruz page.
Buy, Lease or Finance a Santa Cruz XRT for Sale
Every Santa Cruz XRT for sale at our store is backed by Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Ask how our exclusive 30-year/300,000-mile warranty applies to your XRT.
- Buy: Browse our inventory or call us to locate the color you want.
- Lease: Check current Santa Cruz deals on our specials page.
- Finance: Apply online and know your payment before you arrive.
- Trade:Value your current vehicle online to lower your price.
Inventory moves quickly. If you do not see a Santa Cruz XRT for sale online, check with our team. We can look at incoming vehicles and help you find the right one.
Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT FAQs
What makes the Santa Cruz XRT different from other Santa Cruz trims?
The XRT combines the 281-horsepower turbo engine with standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, 18-inch XRT alloy wheels, an XRT dark front grille, Terrain Mode Select and Tow Mode.
How much can the Santa Cruz XRT tow?
Up to 5,000 lbs. The XRT includes Tow Mode, 4- or 7-pin trailer pre-wiring and self-leveling rear suspension.
Does the Santa Cruz XRT come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. HTRAC all-wheel drive is standard on every Santa Cruz XRT.
What mpg does the Santa Cruz XRT get?
The XRT is EPA-rated at 18 city, 25 highway and 20 mpg combined.
What is the difference between the Santa Cruz XRT and Limited?
Both use the 281-horsepower turbo and standard all-wheel drive. The XRT focuses on rugged styling at a lower starting price. The Limited adds more premium comfort and technology features.
Is the Santa Cruz XRT available at Phil Long Hyundai of Chapel Hills?
Inventory changes often. Check with our sales team at (719) 722-2330 for current availability, or visit us for more details.
