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The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz transforms weekend chaos into organized fun for Kansas City adventurers. Turbo AWD models tow 5,000 lbs—enough for fishing boats to Table Rock Lake, small campers for Ozark National Forest, or ATVs for Knob Noster trails. 1,700+ lbs payload swallows lumber from Home Depot, Royals tailgate grills, or Chiefs stadium chairs while SUV refinement smooths I-435 commutes.
Base 2.5L 4-cyl (191 hp, 181 lb-ft): FWD standard, AWD optional
3,500 lbs towing capacity
22 city/30 hwy mpg (perfect for daily KC driving)
SE/SEL/SEL Activity trims
Turbo 2.5L (281 hp, 311 lb-ft): AWD standard
5,000 lbs towing capacity
20 city/27 hwy mpg
XRT/Limited trims with self-leveling shocks
8-speed automatic prevents lugging on hills. Trailer sway control standard across the lineup.
Bed Specs beat midsize trucks for daily use:
XRT/Limited tonneau cover locks the gear securely. Remote tailgate drops with key fob. Bed lighting illuminates late-night Arrowhead loading. Roof rails add 220 lbs of dynamic load for kayaks.
Hyundai SmartSense prevents common adventure mishaps:
Trailer Stability Assist: Automatically reduces sway at highway speeds
Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance: Detects trailers in blind spots
Surround View Monitor: 360° view with trailer guidance lines
Forward Collision Avoidance: Auto-brakes for sudden stops with the camper
Highway Driving Assist: Hands-free towing on mapped I-70 stretches
Rear cross-traffic braking stops when backing a trailer into tight campground spots.
HTRAC AWD handles lake-effect snow:
Snow/Mud/Sand modes optimize traction
Torque vectoring corners icy ramps
8.6" ground clearance navigates drifts
Approach 16.9°/Departure 23.2°
XRT's all-terrain tires grip unplowed lake roads better than FWD trucks.
Trim | Engine | Towing | Payload | Key Features |
SE | 2.5L (191 hp) | 3,500 lbs | 1,711 lbs | Bed lighting |
SEL | 2.5L (191 hp) | 3,500 lbs | 1,711 lbs | Remote tailgate |
SEL Activity | 2.5L (191 hp) | 3,500/5,000 AWD | 1,711 lbs | Roof rails |
XRT | Turbo (281 hp) | 5,000 lbs | 1,410 lbs | Tonneau cover, A/T tires |
Limited | Turbo (281 hp) | 5,000 lbs | 1,410 lbs | Self-leveling shocks |
Q: Realistically, tow 5,000 lbs?
A: Yes—properly equipped XRT/Limited AWD handles boats/campers confidently.
Q: Bed bigger than Ford Maverick?
A: Longer (52.1"), same width, deeper—holds full plywood sheets.
Q: Winter AWD reliable?
A: Proven HTRAC system; excellent KC snow departure per owners.
Q: Payload includes passengers?
A: No—1,711 lbs cargo only; 5 passengers add ~750 lbs GVWR.
Q: Roof rack weight limit?
A: 220 lbs dynamic (kayaks); 660 lbs static
Written for https://vehiclesforsalenearkansascity.com/
By the USA TODAY Network Automotive Insights Team, in collaboration with Victory Hyundai and the Vehicles For Sale Near USA Today Kansas City Edition.
