2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz: What’s New, New Colors & Trim Levels Explained
The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz gets a significant lineup change. Hyundai drops the regular SEL and Limited trims, leaving just three models: SE, SEL Activity and XRT. The XRT also gains several features that were previously associated with higher trims. (Car and Driver)
What’s New for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
1. Only Three Trim Levels
For 2027, the Santa Cruz lineup is:
- SE
- SEL Activity
- XRT
The regular SEL and Limited are discontinued for 2027. (Car and Driver)
2. New XRT Equipment
The biggest upgrade is the XRT. It now gets:
- Standard power sunroof
- Bose premium audio system
- Heated steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Rear center armrest with cupholders
- H-Tex leatherette seating
- 12.3-inch navigation/infotainment system
- Smart Cruise Control
- Standard HTRAC AWD
- Turbocharged 2.5-liter engine
- 281 horsepower
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity (Car and Driver)
3. H-Tex Seating Becomes Standard
Another important change for 2027 is that H-Tex leatherette seating is standard across the lineup, rather than being limited to higher trims. (MotorTrend)
2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
The SE is the entry-level Santa Cruz.
It comes with:
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
- 191 horsepower
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- FWD standard
- AWD available
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- LED lighting
- Rear under-seat storage
- Lockable under-bed storage
- H-Tex leatherette seating for 2027
- Hyundai SmartSense safety technology
The standard engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity is up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. (Car and Driver)
2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity
The SEL Activity is designed for buyers who want more comfort and utility without moving all the way up to the XRT.
Expected highlights include:
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
- 191 horsepower
- FWD or available AWD
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- H-Tex leatherette seating
- Heated front seats
- Power driver’s seat
- Power lumbar support
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- 12.3-inch infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Roof rails
- LED bed lighting
- Factory tonneau cover
- Integrated T-slot utility tracks
- Lockable under-bed storage
The SEL Activity is arguably the best middle-ground trim for someone who wants more equipment without paying for the turbocharged XRT.
2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
The XRT is the performance and adventure-oriented model and gets the most attention for 2027.
It includes:
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- 281 horsepower
- 311 lb-ft of torque
- HTRAC AWD standard
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- 18-inch XRT alloy wheels
- All-terrain tires
- XRT dark grille
- Black exterior accents
- Fender flares
- Standard sunroof
- H-Tex leatherette seating
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- 12.3-inch navigation system
- Bose premium audio
- Smart Cruise Control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Rear armrest with cupholders
- Factory tonneau cover
- Integrated bed utility tracks
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity (Car and Driver)
If you want the most powerful 2027 Santa Cruz, the XRT is the one to look at.
2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz Colors
The 2027 Santa Cruz is reported to have five exterior colors:
- Atlas White
- Blue Stone
- Hampton Gray
- Phantom Black
- Sage Gray (CarsDirect)
Colors Dropped for 2027
Two colors from the previous lineup are gone:
- Rockwood Green
- Canyon Red
The 2027 model also drops the previous 20-inch wheel option. (MotorTrend)
Quick 2027 Santa Cruz Comparison
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower | AWD | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 191 hp | Available | 12.3″ touchscreen, basic utility |
| SEL Activity | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 191 hp | Available | Heated seats, power seat, bed utility |
| XRT | 2.5L Turbo | 281 hp | Standard | Sunroof, Bose, heated wheel, AWD, 5,000-lb towing |
One Important 2027 Change
If you’re shopping for a Santa Cruz, don’t expect to find a 2027 Limited or regular SEL. Those trims have been eliminated. Hyundai essentially reshuffled the lineup so that the SEL Activity becomes the higher-volume comfort/utility choice while the XRT absorbs several premium features. (Car and Driver)
SEO focus keyphrase: 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim levels and colors