2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Levels Explained near San Dimas, CA
The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ brings together pickup-style utility, SUV-like comfort, and city-friendly maneuverability in a way that feels especially useful for drivers who want one vehicle to handle commuting, errands, home projects, and weekend gear. As a carry-over model, it focuses on a streamlined trim lineup: SE, SEL Activity, and XRT. Hyundai also expands comfort and convenience by making H-Tex®-trimmed seating surfaces standard across the range, while the XRT gains desirable upgrades such as Bose® Premium Audio, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, and a rear armrest with cup holders. For shoppers researching a 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ near San Dimas, CA, the appeal is clear: compact exterior dimensions, an open bed with smart storage, available HTRAC AWD, and a confident turbocharged XRT option. At CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora, we can help online shoppers compare the trims based on driving needs, cabin technology, cargo utility, and daily comfort.
2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Comparison
| Trim Level | Focus | Powertrain | Bed | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Essential sport adventure utility | 2.5L engine | Under-bed storage | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| SEL Activity | Comfort with bed upgrades | Available HTRAC AWD | Integrated tonneau cover | 12.3-inch digital cluster |
| XRT | Turbo AWD capability | 2.5T engine | Utility rail system | Navigation with Bose® audio |
2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Options
SE
H-Tex® seating surfaces · 12.3-inch touchscreen · Bi-LED headlights · Lockable under-bed storageThe 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SE starts the lineup with the core qualities that make this model so distinctive. It uses the Smartstream 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while HTRAC AWD is available for drivers who want extra traction confidence. Standard Bi-LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, and High Beam Assist give the SE a modern lighting package from the start. Inside, Hyundai adds H-Tex® seating surfaces for 2027, along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, AM/FM/HD Radio/SiriusXM®, Bluelink+, front and second-row USB Type-C ports, and a rearview camera. The open bed is practical, too, with a Sheet Molded Composite bed, heavy duty cargo D-rings, sidewall storage compartments, a lockable under-bed storage compartment, an assisted multi-functional tailgate, and integrated rear bumper side steps. For online shoppers who want SANTA CRUZ flexibility without overcomplicating the choice, SE is a smart, well-equipped starting point.
SEL Activity
Integrated tonneau cover · 115V bed outlet · 12.3-inch digital cluster · Dual automatic temperature controlThe 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SEL Activity adds the everyday comfort and cargo-management features many drivers will appreciate right away. It keeps the 2.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, with available HTRAC AWD, while adding a factory-installed integrated tonneau cover with two built-in T-slot accessory tracks. The bed also gains LED bed lighting, a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, and a 115V power outlet inside the sidewall storage area, making this trim especially useful for carrying tools, hobby equipment, tailgating supplies, or bulky purchases. The cabin takes a noticeable step forward with an 8-way power driver’s seat, power driver’s lumbar support, heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control with Auto Defogger, center console-mounted rear A/C vents, illuminated sunvisors, and front auto down/up power windows. The driver information experience also improves with a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, while wireless device quick charging supports busy daily routines. Outside, SEL Activity adds heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, a rear sliding glass window with defroster, roof side rails, and a conventional power sunroof. It is a strong middle trim for shoppers who want more comfort and bed versatility.
XRT
2.5T turbo engine · HTRAC AWD · Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch · Surround View MonitorThe 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ XRT is the capability-focused trim, and it is also the trim that benefits most from the latest feature expansion. Its Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard HTRAC AWD. XRT also adds Terrain Mode Select, giving drivers an extra layer of confidence when pavement ends or traction varies. It is rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped with trailer brakes, making it the best fit for drivers who regularly move recreational equipment, small trailers, or heavier weekend gear. The XRT cabin includes a 12.3-inch Audio-Video-Navigation color touchscreen with onboard Navigation, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop & Go, Highway Driving Assist 1, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. For 2027, XRT also gains Bose® Premium Audio, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, and a rear armrest with cup holders. Matte Black exterior details, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and expanded driver-assistance technology give XRT a more advanced, adventure-ready personality.
Which 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim is Best for San Dimas Drivers?
Choosing the right SANTA CRUZ depends on how much performance, comfort, and open-bed utility you want in your daily routine. Around San Dimas, drivers often balance freeway time on nearby routes, neighborhood errands, foothill drives, and weekend stops near local recreation areas, so a compact sport adventure vehicle with smart cargo solutions can make real sense. The SE is appealing if you want the essential formula: standard H-Tex® seating surfaces, a large touchscreen, advanced safety features, and a practical composite bed. SEL Activity is the sweet spot for many households because it adds meaningful comfort and bed upgrades, including the tonneau cover, utility track system, power sunroof, heated front seats, and digital cluster. XRT is the most confident choice for shoppers who want turbocharged power, standard HTRAC AWD, upgraded towing capability, premium audio, advanced camera technology, and navigation-based driver assistance. If you are comparing a 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ near San Dimas, CA, our team at CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora can help match each trim to how you actually drive.
*Not actual model shown in images
The best trim for many San Dimas-area shoppers is the SEL Activity because it balances comfort, useful bed equipment, and everyday value, while the XRT is the stronger choice for drivers who want maximum capability and technology.
- Choose SE if you want the cleanest entry into SANTA CRUZ ownership with standard H-Tex® seating surfaces, wireless smartphone integration, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and smart bed storage for errands, small projects, and daily commuting.
- Choose SEL Activity if you want the best balance of comfort and utility, especially if you will use the integrated tonneau cover, LED bed lighting, 115V bed outlet, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control, and power sunroof.
- Choose XRT if you want the 2.5T turbo engine, standard HTRAC AWD, Terrain Mode Select, 5,000-lb towing capability when properly equipped, Bose® Premium Audio, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and navigation-based driver assistance.
- For shoppers who want a 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ near San Dimas, CA for both weekday driving and outdoor gear, compare SEL Activity and XRT first because both deliver the most versatile bed hardware and a more feature-rich cabin.