That turned out to be exactly the kind of week we spent with the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD, finished in a Sage Gray — using it for daily drives to and from work, running errands around town and heading north for a pre-Christmas weekend trip to see the holiday lights in downtown Salt Lake City.

By the end of the week, the Santa Cruz had proven itself not as a novelty but as a genuinely useful and comfortable part of our everyday routine.

First impressions — A look that balances tough and refined

Our first thoughts about the Santa Cruz were that it exuded a confidence that’s hard to ignore in the small truck segment. In Sage Gray, with its matte-like finish and subtle contrast against black trim accents, it struck a unique balance between rugged utility and refined style. The XRT’s raised suspension, beefy all-terrain tires and pronounced fender flares give it a purposeful, go-anywhere stance without feeling overbuilt for everyday life.

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From the front fascia’s bold grille to the smooth, coupe-like roofline that subtly tucks toward the rear, the Santa Cruz presented a design that’s both modern and muscular — a look that drew comments everywhere we went during our week of driving.

Daily driving around Utah County — comfortable, confident and capable

Our week with the Santa Cruz began with the familiar rhythms of Utah County life — morning commutes, errands, grandkid runs and weaving through traffic from Springville to Provo and Orem.

Behind the wheel, the Santa Cruz impressed immediately with a surprisingly car-like feel. Hyundai’s well-tuned suspension smoothed out the typical bumps and rough spots on local roads, and the cabin remained composed and quiet even over harsher surfaces. Compared to a traditional pickup truck, the ride is refined and poised — ideal for daily routines that involve both city streets and highway stretches.

The upgraded all-wheel-drive system on the XRT inspired confidence, particularly as winter set in during our week of testing. Utah County temperatures dipped, and frost lingered on shady stretches of pavement — but the Santa Cruz tracked securely, with steady traction through accelerating and cornering. On rainy or slick morning drives, that extra grip was reassuring.

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Interior space was generous for the front row passengers, but being a smaller truck, the rear seat had limited leg room. Visibility was excellent, too; the higher seating position afforded a confident view over hood and traffic ahead.

Tech and amenities were very intuitive and well-laid-out. The central touchscreen was responsive, easy to read in both bright sunshine and dusk, and integrated seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless charging, multiple USB ports and a hearty Bose audio system added a welcome level of convenience and entertainment for daily use.

Storage solutions were abundant. The center console proved spacious and cleverly arranged; door pockets and cubbies hold coffee cups, phones and chargers with ease. And that cargo bed — more on that in a moment — proves surprisingly versatile for both weekend gear and everyday items.

Cargo bed utility — A new twist on practicality

One of the Santa Cruz’s defining features was its open truck bed — a nod to traditional pickups — but perfectly scaled for urban active lifestyles. Though compact compared to a full-size truck, the bed is deep and functional. On a Saturday errand run, it carried everything from boxes to holiday décor with sturdy confidence.

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We hauled athletic bags, school projects and grocery bags. And on the weekend trip to Salt Lake City, we even tossed in some extra blankets and folding chairs for the evening’s festivities.

The standard bed liner proved durable and easy to clean, and the available tonneau cover (not on every trim but an accessory worth considering) helps keep things protected from snow or rain. Tailgate operation was smooth and stable, and tie-down hooks made securing loads effortless.

Pre-Christmas weekend — Salt Lake City lights and holiday cheer

Midway through our week with the Santa Cruz, we embarked on a highlight of our season — the annual pre-Christmas trip to see downtown Salt Lake City’s holiday lights. Traffic out of Utah County on a Friday evening can be challenging, but the Santa Cruz handled the journey with effortless grace.

Cruising up I-15, the turbocharged engine delivered smooth power for passing and merging, with just the right amount of responsiveness. Cabin noise remained low, even as highway speeds climbed, making conversation and playlist enjoyment easy.

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Downtown, we navigated crowded streets, found a parking space within a reasonable walking distance of the lights and wandered through the festive displays.

Back in the Santa Cruz, we warmed up quickly thanks to strong cabin heating and seat warmers — a welcomed touch after standing in the chilly December air.

Performance and efficiency — Striking a balance

The Santa Cruz XRT’s powertrain struck a solid compromise between capability and everyday efficiency. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered respectable acceleration without downforce urgency, perfect for both city and highway driving. Fuel economy for our week — a mix of commuting and our longer weekend trip — was right at 22 miles per gallon.

We found the steering to be direct and communicative, with predictable handling that doesn’t overpromise sportiness but never feels uninspired. On winding country roads near Sundance and Alpine, the Santa Cruz responded with composure, the chassis well-controlled and brakes reassuringly steady.

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Comfort and interior quality — A pleasing retreat

Inside, the Santa Cruz felt like a thoughtfully crafted space where comfort met utility. Seating was supportive without being firm, and long drives — like our Friday trek to Salt Lake — felt relaxed and fatigue-free. Soft-touch surfaces are prevalent, and build quality feels solid throughout.

Climate control worked efficiently, quickly warming or cooling the cabin as needed. The driver’s seat offers ample adjustment range, and visibility remains excellent in all directions.

Our only minor quibble during the week — and it’s a small one — is that some interior plastics around lower dash and door areas feel a bit hard when compared to luxury segment vehicles. But considering the Santa Cruz’s price point and overall package, it’s a trade-off we were happy to make.

At the end of the week

Hyundai has carved a niche with the Santa Cruz that’s uniquely appealing: a vehicle that respects the demands of everyday life while still inviting exploration and enjoyment.

After a week behind the wheel — from Provo to Orem, Springville to Salt Lake City — this Santa Cruz came home with a favorable place in our driveway and our memories. It’s not just a means to get from point A to point B — it’s a reminder that the journey can be just as enriching as the destination.

Base price: $41,100

Destination charge: $1,495

Price as driven: $43,335