2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Levels Explained near Rosemead, CA
The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ brings a refreshing blend of compact pickup versatility, SUV-like comfort, and smart everyday technology to drivers who want capability without moving into a full-size truck. As a carry-over model, it sharpens its lineup to three focused trims: SE, SEL Activity, and XRT. Every trim benefits from the practical open bed layout, a Sheet Molded Composite bed, lockable under-bed storage, sidewall bed storage compartments, heavy duty cargo D-rings, and a multi-functional tailgate with assisted open and close. The lineup also makes H-Tex® seating surfaces standard, adding an easy-care cabin feel across the range. Shoppers researching a 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ near Rosemead, CA will find a vehicle built for commutes, errands, weekend projects, and light towing, all in a size that remains manageable around the San Gabriel Valley. At CardinaleWay Hyundai of El Monte, we see the SANTA CRUZ as a smart fit for drivers who want comfort, utility, technology, and distinctive design in one well-balanced package.
| Trim Level | Focus | Powertrain | Bed | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Essential everyday utility | 2.5L, FWD or AWD | Core storage features | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| SEL Activity | Comfort and cargo upgrades | 2.5L, FWD or AWD | Tonneau and utility rails | Digital cluster, wireless charging |
| XRT | Turbo AWD adventure trim | 2.5T, HTRAC AWD | Utility bed plus outlet | Navigation, Bose®, HDA |
2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim Options
SE
2.5L GDI + MPI engine · 8-speed automatic transmission · H-Tex® seating surfaces · lockable under-bed storageThe 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SE establishes the lineup with a confident mix of useful capability and daily comfort. Its Smartstream 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. Front-wheel drive is standard, while HTRAC AWD is available for drivers who want extra traction on freeway ramps, steep driveways, or uneven streets. The SE also includes a Drive Mode center-console control, Downhill Brake Control, Hillstart Assist Control, Brake Assist, and an Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold. Inside, standard H-Tex® seating surfaces give the cabin an upscale, durable feel, and the rear 60/40 split tip-up lower seat cushions make it easy to adapt passenger and cargo space. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluelink+, front and second-row Type-C USB ports, and rearview camera make the SE feel modern from the start. Its open bed is not basic, either, with a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall storage, heavy duty cargo D-rings, integrated rear bumper side steps, and a multi-functional tailgate.
SEL Activity
Integrated tonneau cover · LED bed lighting · 12.3-inch digital cluster · 15W wireless chargingThe 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ SEL Activity builds on the SE with the kind of upgrades many online shoppers immediately notice because each one improves day-to-day use. The integrated tonneau cover with two built-in T-slot accessory tracks adds covered cargo flexibility, while the dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system gives the bed more ways to secure gear. LED bed lighting and a 115V power outlet in the sidewall storage compartment also make the open bed more functional for hobbies, small business tasks, and home projects. Comfort rises inside with an 8-way power driver’s seat, power driver’s lumbar support, heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control with Auto Defogger, rear A/C vents, and front auto down and up windows. Technology takes a meaningful step forward with a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and 15W Wireless Device Quick Charging. The SEL Activity also adds heated outside mirrors, side mirror turn signal indicators, a rear sliding glass window with defroster, roof side rails, and a conventional power sunroof. For many drivers, this trim is the value-rich middle ground because it keeps the efficient 2.5L powertrain while adding the bed equipment and comfort features that make the SANTA CRUZ feel more complete.
XRT
2.5T turbo engine · HTRAC AWD · Bose® Premium Audio · Highway Driving Assist 1The 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ XRT is the most capable and most feature-packed trim in the simplified lineup. It switches to the Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder engine, raising output to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. HTRAC AWD is standard, and the XRT is the only trim with Terrain Mode Select, giving drivers added confidence when pavement turns rough or when a route includes gravel, dirt, or uneven access roads. Maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes rises to 5,000 pounds, making the XRT the clear choice for shoppers who expect to tow more often. This trim also receives the most advanced cabin and safety technology in the lineup, including a 12.3-inch Audio-Video-Navigation color touchscreen with onboard Navigation, Bose® Premium Audio System, 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, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection. Added comfort features include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, rear armrest with cup holders, and black-only H-Tex® seating surfaces.
Which 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Trim is Best for Rosemead Drivers?
The best 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ trim depends on how much power, bed utility, and technology you want in your daily routine. Around Rosemead, compact sizing matters because local driving often blends neighborhood streets, busy shopping centers, I-10 access, and quick errands through nearby communities. The SE makes sense if you want core SANTA CRUZ utility with modern connectivity and a useful bed layout. The SEL Activity is a strong upgrade for drivers who plan to use the bed frequently and appreciate added comfort, digital displays, and convenient charging. The XRT is the most complete choice for shoppers who want turbocharged performance, standard HTRAC AWD, expanded driver assistance, onboard Navigation, and premium audio. If you are comparing a 2027 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ near Rosemead, CA, our team at CardinaleWay Hyundai of El Monte can help match your driving needs with the right trim, from everyday commuting to weekend cargo flexibility.
*Not actual model shown in images
- Choose SE if your priorities are essential pickup-style utility, a comfortable five-passenger cabin, standard H-Tex® seating surfaces, wireless smartphone compatibility, and a smart open bed that can handle errands, home improvement supplies, and daily gear without the size of a larger truck.
- Choose SE with available HTRAC AWD if your commute includes steep residential streets, frequent freeway merging, or added confidence for changing road surfaces, while still keeping the approachable feel and efficient character of the standard 2.5L engine.
- Choose SEL Activity if you want the most balanced setup for Rosemead-area daily life, especially with the integrated tonneau cover, adjustable utility track rail system, LED bed lighting, 115V bed outlet, heated front seats, and dual automatic temperature control.
- Choose SEL Activity if cabin convenience matters as much as cargo space, because the 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, 15W Wireless Device Quick Charging, power driver’s seat, rear A/C vents, power sunroof, and rear sliding glass window make routine driving feel more polished.
- Choose XRT if you want the strongest performance in the lineup, thanks to the 2.5T turbo engine, standard HTRAC AWD, Terrain Mode Select, higher towing capability with trailer brakes, and a more confident feel for weekend recreation beyond the San Gabriel Valley.
- Choose XRT if advanced visibility, highway assistance, and premium cabin technology are high priorities, since it adds Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist 1, onboard Navigation, Bose® Premium Audio, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, and a heated steering wheel.