Latest Update: 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is expected to launched sometime in 2025 with the cost of $29,500.
For an astounding 47 consecutive years, Ford’s F-Series has maintained its stronghold as America’s beloved nameplate and the top-selling truck. Following closely are Chevrolet’s Silverado and Ram’s trucks, while the GMC Sierra, Toyota Tacoma, and Tundra also enjoy substantial popularity. An intriguing twist in the narrative is Ford’s dual dominance, not only in the realm of full-size pickup trucks but also in the reinvigorated compact pickup truck sector. Ford’s unibody Maverick is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone, nearing the delivery of 100,000 units.
This revelation prompts reflection on two key insights: firstly, the automotive industry may have erred in underestimating the potential of the compact pickup truck segment a few years ago, and secondly, Hyundai’s Santa Cruz, the only other contender in the unibody compact pickup truck category in the American market, faces a challenging road. Last year, Hyundai’s Santa Cruz recorded a modest sale of nearly 37,000 units compared to Ford’s impressive 94,000 deliveries. The situation could further worsen for Hyundai if swift action is not taken.
However, Hyundai is not idly standing by. Recent sightings by our spy photographers reveal the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz undergoing testing alongside its 2024 model-year counterpart. Clear indications suggest that the South Korean automaker is gearing up to commence production of a facelifted Santa Cruz later this year at HMMA in Montgomery, Alabama.
Sharing the Hyundai-Kia N3 platform with the 2024 Hyundai Tucson (NX4), the unibody compact pickup truck may have struggled due to its proximity in design to the crossover-like Tucson. In contrast, Ford’s rugged Maverick aligns more closely with the styling of the Ranger and F-150, distancing itself from the Escape and Bronco Sport, which share the Ford C2 architecture.
Considering the success of Ford’s hybrid offering, the Santa Cruz may benefit from exploring a hybrid option for its 2026 model, complementing the anticipated exterior and interior updates. As details are set to emerge soon, the automotive world eagerly awaits the unveiling, expecting a blend of innovation and enhancements.
While enthusiasts await official information, digital car content creators are already delving into the realm of imagination. Platforms like the Halo oto channel on YouTube are blending fresh automotive insights with virtual designs, providing CGI interpretations of the upcoming 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz based on recent spy shots. The anticipation builds as the automotive community eagerly awaits the next chapter in the evolution of compact pickup trucks.
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