Hyundai Santa Cruz Price: MSRP, Trims & Real-World Cost

The Santa Cruz is Hyundai's compact pickup, sold in SE, SEL Activity, and XRT trims with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Two price bases appear on this page. Hyundai's starting price is before freight, which is another word for destination. MotorTrend's trim prices include it. The tables are separated so you can compare like with like.

On MotorTrend's basis, which includes destination, the SE FWD is $31,950 and the SE AWD is $33,450. The SEL Activity FWD is $36,350, and the SEL Activity AWD is $37,850. The XRT AWD is $44,425.

Compare the SE FWD with the SE AWD to see what all-wheel drive adds, and do the same for the SEL Activity pair. Both pairs show a clear step for the AWD option on the same trim.

The XRT is the most expensive version listed, and the gap from the SEL Activity AWD to the XRT AWD is the largest jump in the lineup.

Hyundai's starting MSRP is $30,300 before freight. The SE FWD is listed at $31,950 including destination. These two numbers describe nearly the same entry-level truck on different bases, so the difference between them reflects the freight fee and how each source reports prices. It is not a price increase.

MotorTrend lists the 2026 SE FWD at $31,350 including destination, and the 2026 Limited AWD at $45,300 including destination. The 2026 SE FWD is lower than the 2027 SE FWD at $31,950, so the entry price moved up for the new model year.

The 2026 Limited AWD is a trim that does not appear in the 2027 table above, so there is no direct 2027 match for it in this data. Check Hyundai's site for the current top trims.

• Trim and drivetrain. AWD costs more on the same trim, as the table shows.
• Packages and accessories. Hyundai sells options whose cost varies by trim. Use its build tool to see the options for the version you want.
• Freight. Hyundai adds freight to every new Santa Cruz. The MotorTrend figures include it, and the starting price does not.
• Taxes and registration. Both depend on your state.
• Dealer fees. Documentation fees vary by dealer and location.

Some dealers sell at sticker and some add charges above MSRP. This depends on supply and your area. Ask for an itemized written quote and compare more than one dealer. Check that freight is not counted twice if one dealer quotes an including-destination price.

• The SE is the lowest-cost way into a new Santa Cruz. Choose FWD if you want the lowest price.
• The SEL Activity costs more and is the middle of the lineup. Compare its standard equipment with the SE.
• The XRT AWD is the highest-priced version listed and is the right choice only if you want what it adds. Check Hyundai's site for the details.

A higher trim often replaces a paid option on a lower one, so compare the full price with equipment included.

• Insurance. Rates depend on your location, driving record, and trim.
• Fuel. Costs depend on drivetrain and how you drive. Check fueleconomy.gov for official EPA ratings.
• Maintenance. Ask your dealer about service intervals and warranty coverage.
• Registration and tires. Both vary by state and by the wheel size on your trim.

Payments depend on your credit, down payment, and term. Hyundai and its dealers sometimes advertise finance and lease offers on specific trims. Compare them with a quote from your bank or credit union. For personal financial advice, consult a licensed professional.