In this video I tell you all changes for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle. The Hyundai Santa Cruz was refreshed for 2025 but gets some small packaging tweaks but a big change for the Turbo engine in the form of a new transmission. This 8 speed will replace the Dual Clutch and should make for a better daily driving experience. The XRT also gets a new terrain management mode while the rear seat passengers in lower trims lose the armrest and rear A/C vents. The Santa Cruz are assembled here in the United States which should lessen the impact of tariffs. Let me know your thoughts on these changes to the Hyundai Santa Cruz in the comments below!
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ban all DCT's
rear seat AC vents gone from the SEL is awful. This is gonna haul around people in the back
Losing rear seat center armrest is lame. Might be the thing that tips me toward the Santa Fe.
Never had a problem ..the daytime running lights are not as good looking with the block looks
I’ve never understood the appeal of a hybrid that doesn’t increase horsepower. The Maverick hybrid has an anemic 181 hp, which is just about useless in real world driving. My understanding is that the Santa Cruz is supposed to be an enjoyable vehicle that’s supposed to also some utility. I’m glad that Hyundai isn’t making a hybrid model.
Wow, it took them long enough to realize that people were paying attention to the dual clutch transmission that kept people from considering this vehicle.
I don't know why Hyundai decided to eliminate the rear armrest. That was something attractive in 2025 what adds comfort to rear passengers I don't know how much it costs to put in an armrest. Otherwise, I think it's right that Hyundai gets rid of the dual-clutch transmission.
Thanks for the good overview of the changes. I always like the way you keep the dialog moving, and also include written bullet points. (One constuctive suggestion I have with no offense intended: I recommend you stop wearing sunglasses during your videos. After many years of training and interviewing, it is very common for people not to trust people if they cannot see their eyes. Not true 100% for everybody, but you can provide the great info without the sunglasses just the same.) Thanks for all your great info!!
You’re a man of your word! Thank you for posting the video I have been waiting for. It’s a shame that other than the DCT going away. Most other changes are downgrades. I was really hoping they would add the sunroof back to the XRT. Great video though hit us up with pricing as soon as you can
That is huge news about the removal of the dual clutch transmission. That was the one thing keeping me from buying a Santa Cruz XRT or Limited.
The problem I have with the Santa Cruz is that I like to change out of vehicles often, so I lease. The lease rates on these are awful. (I am getting better rates on the much more expensive Honda Ridgeline Black Edition than the XRT and Limited Santa Cruz). I really liked the XRT, test drove one, but was hoping the 2026 added some Limited features – like a steering wheel warmer and upgraded audio, to the XRT. Seems like it is losing more than it is gaining for 2026.