The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unibody compact pickup truck produced by Hyundai Motor Company. It entered production in 2021 and has been sold in North America as a 2022 model year vehicle through the current 2026 model year. This guide covers towing capacity by model year and configuration, including maximum trailer weight, payload limits, and hitch requirements.
Towing capacity varies depending on engine selection, drivetrain type, and trim equipment. Following manufacturer-rated limits helps protect the engine, transmission, and braking systems from premature wear or failure.
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2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L I-4 (191 hp / 181 lb-ft); 2.5L Turbo I-4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (base); HTRAC AWD (available or standard by trim) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — AWD Turbo trims |
| Conventional Towing Capacity (Non-Turbo FWD/AWD) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A (unibody construction) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Up to 1,700+ lbs (771+ kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | Up to 5,732 lbs (2,600 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 750 lbs (340 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (4-pin or 7-pin pre-wiring standard on upper trims) |
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries the same maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) found in the XRT and Limited trims equipped with the turbocharged 2.5L engine and HTRAC AWD. The SE and SEL trims with the standard 2.5L non-turbo engine remain rated at 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) in either FWD or AWD configuration. Staying within the rated tongue weight and trailer weight limits maintains braking control and prevents excessive powertrain stress.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L I-4 (191 hp / 181 lb-ft); 2.5L Turbo I-4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SE, SEL, SEL Activity base); HTRAC AWD (available or standard) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — AWD Turbo trims |
| Conventional Towing Capacity (Non-Turbo) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,411 lbs (640 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | Up to 5,732 lbs (2,600 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 750 lbs (340 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III |
| Factory Tow Package | Standard 4-pin (SE/SEL); Standard 4-pin or 7-pin (SEL Activity, XRT, Limited) |
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when equipped with the turbocharged 2.5L engine and HTRAC AWD, available on the XRT and Limited trims. The SEL Activity trim introduced for 2025 offers 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) of towing with FWD and up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with available AWD. Payload capacity is rated at 1,411 lbs (640 kg) across all 2025 trim levels.
2025 Towing Capacity by Trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| SEL | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| SEL Activity | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs FWD / 5,000 lbs AWD |
| XRT | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Limited | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L I-4 (191 hp / 181 lb-ft); 2.5L Turbo I-4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (base); HTRAC AWD (available or standard) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — AWD Turbo trims |
| Conventional Towing Capacity (Non-Turbo) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,411 lbs (640 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | Up to 5,732 lbs (2,600 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 750 lbs (340 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional / Standard 7-pin on upper trims |
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz retains the same towing capacity structure as prior model years, with 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) for non-turbo configurations and 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) for turbo AWD configurations. Models equipped with the Night, XRT, and Limited trims use the turbocharged 2.5L engine paired with HTRAC AWD, enabling the full 5,000 lb trailer weight rating. Payload capacity is consistent at 1,411 lbs (640 kg) across all 2024 trim levels.
2024 Towing Capacity by Trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| SEL | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Night | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| XRT | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Limited | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L I-4 (191 hp / 181 lb-ft); 2.5L Turbo I-4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (base); HTRAC AWD (available or standard) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — AWD Turbo trims |
| Conventional Towing Capacity (Non-Turbo FWD) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Towing Without Trailer Brakes | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity (SE) | 1,753 lbs (795 kg) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity (SEL) | 1,532 lbs (695 kg) |
| Maximum Vehicle Load Limit | 1,411 lbs (640 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 5,456 lbs (FWD) — 5,732 lbs (AWD) (2,474-2,600 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 750 lbs (340 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III |
| Factory Tow Package | Standard 4-pin (SE/SEL); 4-pin or 7-pin (Night/Limited) |
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz holds a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when the AWD turbo configuration is selected on the Night or Limited trims. Non-turbo trims with FWD or AWD are rated at 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with functioning trailer brakes, and at 1,650 lbs (748 kg) without trailer brakes. The GVWR ranges from 5,456 lbs (2,474 kg) for FWD variants to 5,732 lbs (2,600 kg) for AWD variants.
2023 Towing Capacity by Trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| SEL | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Night | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
| Limited FWD | 2.5L I-4 | FWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Limited AWD | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) |
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L I-4 (191 hp / 181 lb-ft); 2.5L Turbo I-4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (base); HTRAC AWD (available or standard) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — AWD turbo trims |
| Conventional Towing Capacity (Non-Turbo) | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) |
| Towing Without Trailer Brakes | 1,650 lbs (748 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity (SE FWD/AWD) | 1,753 lbs (795 kg) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity (SEL FWD/AWD) | 1,731 / 1,732 lbs (785 / 786 kg) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity (Premium FWD/AWD) | 1,609 / 1,631 lbs (730 / 740 kg) |
| Maximum Payload Capacity (Limited FWD/AWD) | 1,521 / 1,609 lbs (690 / 730 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 5,456 lbs (FWD) — 5,732 lbs (AWD) (2,474-2,600 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 750 lbs (340 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class III |
| Factory Tow Package | Available (4-pin or 7-pin pre-wiring depending on trim) |
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was the first model year for the vehicle in North America, offering towing capacity from 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain. The 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) rating applies specifically to the AWD variants of the Premium and Limited trims and to the Night trim equipped with the turbocharged 2.5L engine. Payload capacity in the base SE configuration reaches 1,753 lbs (795 kg), which is the highest payload rating across the Santa Cruz lineup’s full production history.
2022 Towing Capacity by Trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 1,753 lbs (795 kg) |
| SEL | 2.5L I-4 | FWD / AWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 1,731-1,732 lbs (785-786 kg) |
| Premium FWD | 2.5L I-4 | FWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 1,609 lbs (730 kg) |
| Premium AWD | 2.5L I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 1,631 lbs (740 kg) |
| Night | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | Varies |
| Limited FWD | 2.5L I-4 | FWD | 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) | 1,521 lbs (690 kg) |
| Limited AWD | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | AWD | 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) | 1,609 lbs (730 kg) |
Towing Equipment and Setup
Proper towing equipment is required to reach the Santa Cruz’s rated trailer weight limits safely. The following components affect both safety and the legality of towing operations.
Tow Package and Pre-Wiring
The factory tow package on the Santa Cruz includes trailer pre-wiring in either 4-pin or 7-pin configuration depending on the trim level. The 7-pin connector supports trailers with electric brakes, which is required to reach the full 3,500 lb or 5,000 lb towing capacity. Without trailer brakes, the Santa Cruz’s rated towing drops to 1,650 lbs (748 kg).
Trailer Brake Controller
A trailer brake controller is necessary when towing trailers equipped with electric brakes. Proportional brake controllers detect braking inputs from the tow vehicle and apply trailer brakes at a matching intensity, producing smoother and shorter stopping distances than time-delayed units. The Santa Cruz supports aftermarket brake controller installation through factory pre-wiring on properly equipped trims.
Normal Towing vs. Heavy Towing Setup
| Equipment | Normal Towing (under 2,000 lbs) | Heavy Towing (2,000-5,000 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Class | Class II or III | Class III |
| Trailer Pre-Wiring | 4-pin | 7-pin |
| Trailer Brakes | Not required | Required |
| Brake Controller | Not required | Required |
| Weight-Distributing Hitch | Not required | Recommended above 3,500 lbs |
| Trailer Sway Control | Optional | Strongly recommended |
| Transmission Cooler | Standard (factory) | Verify factory cooler capacity |
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch redistributes tongue weight across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. This reduces front axle lift and improves steering response when towing heavier loads near the rated trailer weight limit. For the Santa Cruz towing above 3,500 lbs, a weight-distributing setup is advisable if the trailer’s tongue weight approaches or exceeds 500 lbs.
Tire Load Ratings
Tires must be rated to handle the combined load of the vehicle, cargo, and tongue weight transferred to the hitch. Overloading tires beyond their rated capacity raises the risk of tire failure, especially during extended highway towing at elevated temperatures. Always verify that installed tires meet or exceed the load index required for the towing configuration in use.
Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway control is either a factory-integrated feature through the vehicle’s stability management system or an aftermarket device mounted at the hitch. The Santa Cruz includes Vehicle Stability Management as a standard feature, which provides a base level of sway mitigation. For heavy or wide trailers approaching 5,000 lbs, a dedicated friction or electronic sway control bar provides additional stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The maximum towing capacity of the Hyundai Santa Cruz is 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). This rating applies to the XRT and Limited trims equipped with the 2.5L turbocharged engine and HTRAC AWD, from the 2022 model year onward. Trailer brakes are required to achieve this rated maximum.
How much can a Hyundai Santa Cruz tow with a tow package?
With the factory tow package and a 7-pin trailer connection, a properly equipped Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) on turbo AWD trims or 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) on non-turbo trims. Without trailer brakes, the towing limit drops to 1,650 lbs (748 kg) regardless of trim level.
Does AWD affect Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity?
Yes. AWD directly affects towing capacity on certain trims. On the SEL Activity and the older Premium and Limited trims with the non-turbo engine, upgrading from FWD to AWD raises the towing capacity from 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). On the turbo XRT and Limited trims, AWD is standard and the 5,000 lb rating applies regardless.
What trailer weight is safe for a Hyundai Santa Cruz?
A safe trailer weight is any weight at or below the manufacturer’s rated maximum for the specific model year and configuration in use. For non-turbo trims, this limit is 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). For turbo AWD trims, it is 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). Operating at or near the maximum tow rating requires properly functioning trailer brakes and verified tongue weight within the 750 lb (340 kg) limit.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Hyundai Santa Cruz?
A weight-distributing hitch is not always required but is recommended for loads where tongue weight exceeds 500 lbs (227 kg). For trailers in the 3,500-5,000 lb range, a weight-distributing hitch improves front axle load distribution and reduces trailer sway risk. Verify tongue weight before towing and ensure the hitch is rated to the appropriate Class III standard.
What hitch class does the Hyundai Santa Cruz use?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz uses a Class III hitch receiver with a 2-inch square receiver tube opening. Class III hitches are rated to accommodate the Santa Cruz’s maximum 5,000 lb gross trailer weight (GTW) and up to 750 lbs of tongue weight. Aftermarket Class III hitches such as the Draw-Tite 76555 are verified fits for the Santa Cruz platform.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity ranges from 1,650 lbs (748 kg) without trailer brakes to a maximum of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when properly equipped with the turbocharged 2.5L engine, HTRAC AWD, and functioning trailer brakes on the XRT or Limited trim. The configuration chosen — engine type, drivetrain, and tow package — has a direct and significant impact on the rated trailer weight limit. Non-turbo trims with either FWD or AWD are capped at 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg), while all turbo AWD trims reach the 5,000 lb maximum across every model year from 2022 through 2026. Payload capacity has ranged from a peak of 1,753 lbs (795 kg) on the 2022 SE to the current standardized limit of 1,411 lbs (640 kg) across most recent model years.
Engine selection and tow package equipment are the two primary factors that determine how much a Santa Cruz can safely tow. Always verify specifications using the owner’s manual before towing heavy loads.
