Reasons to pick Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 1you prefer the compact pickup with the clearer 3-trim staircase instead of restarting your research elsewhere.
Compare
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Your comparison
Santa CruzvsKona
- Price−$15,250
- Efficiency2.8 L/100 km
- Cargo+647 L
- Rows won0–6
Kona starts $15,250 lower. Kona wins efficiency by 2.8 L/100 km. Kona gives you 647 L more cargo room. Kona reaches 7 core tracked features at the top trim. The highlighted cells below show the winner, and the edge column tells you by how much.
Interactive trim explorer
Each row is a feature. Tap to see the unlock detail.
Hyundai Santa CruzHyundai Kona
Full spec sheet
Every row scored head-to-head. The winner cell is highlighted.
Entry price$15,250 lower
Santa Cruz
$41,999
Preferred AWD
Kona
$26,749
Essential FWD
Average trim price$14,367 lower
Santa Cruz
$46,666
3 tracked trims
Kona
$32,299
7 tracked trims
| Metric | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai Kona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry priceLower wins | $41,999 Preferred AWD | $26,749 Essential FWD | $15,250 lower |
Average trim priceLower wins | $46,666 3 tracked trims | $32,299 7 tracked trims | $14,367 lower |
Best efficiencyLower wins | 10.4 L/100 km XRT | 7.6 L/100 km Essential FWD | 2.8 L/100 km lower |
Cargo roomHigher wins | 764 L Best published cargo figure | 1,411 L Best published cargo figure | 647 L more |
Tow ratingHigher wins | 2,268 kg Highest rated trim in ladder | — Not published | Only Hyundai reports |
Mid-trim valueHigher wins | 4 features XRT at $47,499 | 5 features Preferred AWD at $31,249 | +1 feature |
Premium ceilingHigher wins | 5 features Ultimate AWD at $50,499 | 7 features N Line AWD with Ultimate Package at $39,699 | +2 features |
Safety and warranty still deserve a final check: IIHS n/a · NHTSA n/a and 5 yr / 100,000 km for Hyundai Santa Cruz, versus Top Safety Pick+ · NHTSA 5 and 5 yr / 100,000 km for Hyundai Kona.
Equipment differences
Extra equipment beyond the core table. Each row shows the earliest trim on either side that gets you there.
Expanded rows5beyond the core table
Model reach4 vs 4Santa Cruz vs Kona
Pair overlap3 shared2 one-sided
Driver Assist
High-use visibility and lane-support hardware that often moves buyers up the ladder.
1
Driver Assist
High-use visibility and lane-support hardware that often moves buyers up the ladder.
Adaptive cruise controlRight only
Santa Cruz
—
Doesn’t reach it
Kona
$29,249
Preferred FWD
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection; 18" alloy wheels; Heated steering wheel; Adaptive Cruise Control w/ traffic stop & go; Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with multilink rear suspension; 2.0L MPI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Leather-wrapped steering & shift knob; Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Heated steering wheel
Comfort & Cabin
Roof, audio, and interior-upgrade cues that tell you where the premium story really starts.
4
Comfort & Cabin
Roof, audio, and interior-upgrade cues that tell you where the premium story really starts.
Premium upholsteryRight sooner
Santa Cruz
$41,999
Preferred AWD
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 18" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; LED headlights Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob
Kona
$29,249
Preferred FWD
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection; 18" alloy wheels; Heated steering wheel; Adaptive Cruise Control w/ traffic stop & go; Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with multilink rear suspension; 2.0L MPI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Leather-wrapped steering & shift knob; Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Heated steering wheel
Moonroof / sunroofRight sooner
Santa Cruz
$47,499
XRT
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 18" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; 12.3" full digital display instrument cluster Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob; Leatherette seating surfaces; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind View Monitor (BVM); Power Sunroof; Leatherette Seats
Kona
$33,699
Preferred AWD with Trend Package
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection; 18" alloy wheels; Heated steering wheel; Adaptive Cruise Control w/ traffic stop & go; Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with multilink rear suspension; 2.0L MPI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Wide-type sunroof, power tilt-and-slide; Leather-wrapped steering & shift knob; Leatherette seating surfaces; Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Heated steering wheel
Premium audioRight sooner
Santa Cruz
$50,499
Ultimate AWD
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 20" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; 12.3" full digital display instrument cluster Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera, ventilatedFrontSeats Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob; Bose® AM/FM/HD Radio/MP3/XM premium audio system with 8 speakers; Driver's Integrated Memory System (IMS); Ventilated front seat; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Ventilated front seats; Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind View Monitor (BVM); Power Sunroof; Leather seating surfaces; Bose premium audio system with 8-speakers
Kona
$39,699
N Line AWD with Ultimate Package
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: 1.6L Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) Engine; Wide-type power sunroof; N Line-exclusive front bumper fascia & grille; 19” alloy wheels; 12.3" full digital instrument cluster; Smartstream 1.6L Turbo-GDI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera, ventilatedFrontSeats, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Wide-type sunroof, power tilt-and-slide; Ventilated front seats; Heated steering wheel; Leather/Suede Combi Seats, N Line; Bose premium audio (8 speakers); Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Wide-type power sunroof
Seat memoryLeft only
Santa Cruz
$50,499
Ultimate AWD
Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 20" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; 12.3" full digital display instrument cluster Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera, ventilatedFrontSeats Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob; Bose® AM/FM/HD Radio/MP3/XM premium audio system with 8 speakers; Driver's Integrated Memory System (IMS); Ventilated front seat; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Ventilated front seats; Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind View Monitor (BVM); Power Sunroof; Leather seating surfaces; Bose premium audio system with 8-speakers
Kona
—
Doesn’t reach it
Driver Assist
High-use visibility and lane-support hardware that often moves buyers up the ladder.
| Equipment | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai Kona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Adaptive cruise controlExpanded Only Kona reaches adaptive cruise control. | — Doesn’t reach it | $29,249 Preferred FWD Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection; 18" alloy wheels; Heated steering wheel; Adaptive Cruise Control w/ traffic stop & go; Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with multilink rear suspension; 2.0L MPI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Leather-wrapped steering & shift knob; Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Heated steering wheel | Right only |
Comfort & Cabin
Roof, audio, and interior-upgrade cues that tell you where the premium story really starts.
| Equipment | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai Kona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Premium upholsteryExpanded Kona unlocks it $12,750 sooner. | $41,999 Preferred AWD Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 18" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; LED headlights Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob | $29,249 Preferred FWD Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection; 18" alloy wheels; Heated steering wheel; Adaptive Cruise Control w/ traffic stop & go; Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with multilink rear suspension; 2.0L MPI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Leather-wrapped steering & shift knob; Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Heated steering wheel | Right sooner |
Moonroof / sunroofExpanded Kona unlocks it $13,800 sooner. | $47,499 XRT Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 18" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; 12.3" full digital display instrument cluster Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob; Leatherette seating surfaces; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind View Monitor (BVM); Power Sunroof; Leatherette Seats | $33,699 Preferred AWD with Trend Package Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection; 18" alloy wheels; Heated steering wheel; Adaptive Cruise Control w/ traffic stop & go; Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with multilink rear suspension; 2.0L MPI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Wide-type sunroof, power tilt-and-slide; Leather-wrapped steering & shift knob; Leatherette seating surfaces; Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Heated steering wheel | Right sooner |
Premium audioExpanded Kona unlocks it $10,800 sooner. | $50,499 Ultimate AWD Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 20" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; 12.3" full digital display instrument cluster Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera, ventilatedFrontSeats Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob; Bose® AM/FM/HD Radio/MP3/XM premium audio system with 8 speakers; Driver's Integrated Memory System (IMS); Ventilated front seat; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Ventilated front seats; Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind View Monitor (BVM); Power Sunroof; Leather seating surfaces; Bose premium audio system with 8-speakers | $39,699 N Line AWD with Ultimate Package Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: 1.6L Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) Engine; Wide-type power sunroof; N Line-exclusive front bumper fascia & grille; 19” alloy wheels; 12.3" full digital instrument cluster; Smartstream 1.6L Turbo-GDI DOHC 4-cylinder engine Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera, ventilatedFrontSeats, wirelessAndroidAuto, wirelessCarPlay Fit feature evidence: Wide-type sunroof, power tilt-and-slide; Ventilated front seats; Heated steering wheel; Leather/Suede Combi Seats, N Line; Bose premium audio (8 speakers); Wireless Android Auto TM and Apple CarPlay TM; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Wide-type power sunroof | Right sooner |
Seat memoryExpanded Only Santa Cruz reaches seat memory. | $50,499 Ultimate AWD Imported from the production trim catalog. Null values remain unverified and cannot satisfy a hard fit answer. Hyundai features: Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged GDI engine with 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission; 20" alloy wheels; 12.3" touchscreen display audio; Integrated tonneau cover; BlueLink® Connected Car Services; 12.3" full digital display instrument cluster Normalized fit features: awd, heatedFrontSeats, heatedSteeringWheel, surroundCamera, ventilatedFrontSeats Fit feature evidence: Heated steering wheel; Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob; Bose® AM/FM/HD Radio/MP3/XM premium audio system with 8 speakers; Driver's Integrated Memory System (IMS); Ventilated front seat; Surround View Monitor (SVM); Ventilated front seats; Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind View Monitor (BVM); Power Sunroof; Leather seating surfaces; Bose premium audio system with 8-speakers | — Doesn’t reach it | Left only |
Trim Shortcuts
Switch between the entry, efficiency, and premium picks to see how both ladders compare on the same shelf.
The cheapest acceptable version on each side.
Hyundai Santa Cruz$41,999
Preferred AWD
10.7 L/100 km efficiency3 features
Hyundai Kona$26,749
Essential FWD
7.6 L/100 km efficiency4 features
| Side | Trim | MSRP | Efficiency | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | Preferred AWD | $41,999 | 10.7 L/100 km | 3 |
| Hyundai Kona | Essential FWD | $26,749 | 7.6 L/100 km | 4 |