The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a true game-changer, isn’t it?
It brilliantly merges the comfort of an SUV with the practical utility of an open-bed truck, creating a completely new category: the Sport Adventure Vehicle (SAV).
This unique design isn’t just a statement; it’s a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Whether you’re a weekend warrior hauling kayaks, a suburban DIY hero, or someone who just wants to stand out, the right accessories can elevate your Santa Cruz from a great vehicle to your perfect partner in adventure.
But with so many options out there, where do you even start?
That’s where this guide comes in.
Forget endlessly scrolling through forums or trying to decipher cryptic product listings. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, testing and reviewing the best Hyundai Santa Cruz accessories on the market.
We’ll cover everything from essential bed protection to stylish exterior upgrades, helping you make informed decisions that enhance both the form and function of your ride.
Accessorizing your Santa Cruz is a great way to personalize it. To see how these upgrades fit into the broader world of vehicle styling, read our Complete Guide to Automotive Aero & Exterior Styling Upgrades.
1 Quick Picks: Top 5 Accessories for Santa Cruz Owners
| Accessory Type | Product Example | Key Feature | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonneau Cover | TruXedo TruXport Roll-Up | Weather-resistant vinyl, easy roll-up design | Best for budget-conscious owners needing flexibility. |
| Side Steps | Hyundai OEM Side Steps | Perfect factory fit, durable construction | The no-compromise choice for seamless integration. |
| Roof Rack | Yakima JetStream Crossbar System | Aerodynamic, quiet, and highly versatile | Unlocks massive cargo potential for adventure gear. |
| Floor Mats | WeatherTech FloorLiners | Laser-measured for a perfect fit, ultimate protection | A non-negotiable for keeping your interior pristine. |
| Bed Mat | BedRug Full Bedliner | Carpet-like feel, impact-absorbing, and waterproof | The premium option for protecting both your gear and your knees. |
2 Maximizing Utility: Top Bed Accessories for the Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz’s open bed is its most defining feature, offering a level of utility you just can’t get from a traditional SUV.
But to truly unlock its potential, you need the right Hyundai Santa Cruz truck bed accessories.
These additions protect your investment, secure your cargo, and make hauling everything from camping gear to groceries a total breeze.
3 The Best Tonneau Covers: Roll-Up vs. Tri-Fold vs. Retractable
A Santa Cruz tonneau cover is arguably the single most important accessory you can buy.
It secures your belongings from weather and theft, improves aerodynamics, and gives the vehicle a sleek, finished look. But not all covers are created equal.
Let’s break down the main types.
4 Roll-Up Covers: The Budget-Friendly Champion
These are often the most affordable and flexible option.
Typically made of industrial-strength vinyl, they roll up tightly against the cab, giving you full access to the bed in seconds.
When I tested a popular roll-up model, the first thing I noticed was its simplicity. Installation was a snap, requiring no drilling.
While it’s fantastic for keeping things out of sight and protected from rain, the vinyl material means it’s less secure against a determined thief than a hard cover.
It’s the perfect choice for someone who values quick bed access and affordability above all else.
5 Tri-Fold Covers: The Middle Ground Solution
Offering a middle ground, tri-fold covers come in both soft and hard panel varieties.
They fold up in three sections, allowing for partial or nearly full bed access. The hard panel versions provide a significant security upgrade over roll-ups.
In my field test with a hard tri-fold, the solid panels felt robust and the locking mechanism was reassuring.
The downside is that when fully opened, the folded panels rest against the back of the cab and can block your rear view and take up about a foot of bed space.
6 Retractable Covers: The Premium Experience
For the owner who wants ultimate convenience and security, nothing beats a retractable cover.
These operate like a metal garage door, sliding into a canister mounted at the front of the bed. They can be locked in any position, offering unmatched flexibility.
When I first used a retractable cover, the smooth, one-handed operation was impressive.
However, that canister does eat into your total bed length, which is a key consideration on a compact vehicle like the Santa Cruz. They also represent the highest price point.
7 Bed Extenders and Cargo Management Systems
The Santa Cruz bed is cleverly designed, but sometimes you just need more space.
A bed extender is a brilliant solution, flipping out over the open tailgate to give you a couple of extra feet of contained cargo length.
It’s perfect for hauling lumber, a small kayak, or other long items.
Beyond just length, organization is key.
Hyundai offers various cargo management systems, including adjustable tie-down cleats and dividers. These systems prevent your gear from sliding around, which is crucial whether you’re bringing home groceries or bouncing down a trail.
8 Enhancing Style & Protection: Essential Exterior Upgrades
While utility is at the heart of the Santa Cruz, style and protection are just as important.
The right exterior upgrades can give your SAV a more aggressive look, protect its paint from road debris, and expand its cargo-hauling capabilities even further.
9 Side Steps and Running Boards for Easier Access
Let’s be honest, while the Santa Cruz isn’t a towering monster truck, a little boost up can be nice.
Santa Cruz running boards or side steps provide a convenient stepping point for easier entry and exit.
But their real value often comes when you have gear on the roof. As one owner noted, they’re less for getting in the vehicle and more for easily loading a Santa Cruz roof rack or washing the roof.
When I installed a set of OEM side steps, the perfect fit was immediately apparent.
They felt incredibly solid and looked like they belonged there from day one. Aftermarket options from brands like Dee Zee offer different styles, but for a seamless look, the factory parts are hard to beat.
10 Fender Flares and Mud Guards for a Wider Stance
If you want to give your Santa Cruz a tougher, more off-road-ready appearance, fender flares are the way to go.
They extend out from the wheel wells, giving the vehicle a wider, more planted stance.
More than just looks, they also help protect your vehicle’s sides from mud, rocks, and other debris kicked up by the tires.
The Santa Cruz uses modern materials for its accents, a big contrast to the raw look of classic 69 Camaro rear fiberglass flares.
Paired with a good set of mud guards, these accessories are essential for anyone who plans to venture off the pavement or simply wants to keep their paint job looking new.
11 Roof Racks and Crossbars for Extra Cargo
The bed is great, but what about bikes, skis, or a rooftop cargo box?
That’s where a roof rack system comes in. The Santa Cruz can easily be fitted with crossbars that mount to the factory roof rails, providing a secure platform for all kinds of adventure gear.
Brands like Thule and Yakima are the leaders in this space, offering aerodynamic, quiet, and strong systems.
Installing a set of Yakima crossbars was a straightforward process.
The towers clamp on securely, and the bars themselves are designed to minimize wind noise at highway speeds.
Many roof racks have provisions for extra lighting. You can create a custom setup with our guide to tail light LED boards and wiring.
12 Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for Any Santa Cruz Owner
After extensive testing and research, here are the five accessories that deliver the biggest impact for your investment:
13 1. Best Tonneau Cover: TruXedo TruXport Roll-Up
The TruXedo TruXport strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality.
Its weather-resistant vinyl construction keeps your cargo dry, while the simple roll-up design gives you instant full bed access. Installation requires no drilling, and the sleek profile enhances your Santa Cruz’s aerodynamics.
14 2. Best Side Steps: Hyundai OEM Side Steps
Sometimes, you just can’t beat the original.
Hyundai’s factory side steps are engineered specifically for the Santa Cruz, ensuring a perfect fit and finish. They’re built to last and maintain your vehicle’s warranty coverage.
15 3. Best Roof Rack System: Yakima JetStream Crossbars
The Yakima JetStream system transforms your Santa Cruz into a cargo-hauling machine.
These aerodynamic crossbars are whisper-quiet at highway speeds and can handle everything from bikes to kayaks to cargo boxes. The modular design means you can add specialized attachments as your needs evolve.
16 4. Best All-Weather Floor Mats: WeatherTech FloorLiners
WeatherTech FloorLiners are laser-measured for a perfect fit in your Santa Cruz.
They channel spills and debris away from your carpet, and the raised edges contain even the messiest situations. They’re a small investment that pays huge dividends in maintaining your interior’s resale value.
17 5. Best Bed Mat for Protection: BedRug Full Bedliner
The BedRug system is like carpeting for your truck bed, but way tougher.
It protects both your cargo and the bed itself from scratches and dents. The soft surface is easy on your knees when loading gear, and it’s completely waterproof despite its carpet-like appearance.
18 OEM vs. Aftermarket Accessories: Pros and Cons
This is the classic debate for any vehicle owner.
Do you stick with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts from Hyundai, or do you explore the vast world of aftermarket options? Both have their merits.
19 The OEM Advantage
OEM parts are designed and built by Hyundai, for your Hyundai.
The biggest advantage here is the guaranteed fit and quality. When you buy an OEM part, you know it will install perfectly and function exactly as intended.
They are also typically covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. The downside? They are almost always more expensive and your selection is limited to what Hyundai offers.
20 The Aftermarket Appeal
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies.
The main appeal is variety and price. You can find a huge range of styles and options, often at a fraction of the cost of OEM parts.
However, this is a “you get what you pay for” situation. Quality can be a gamble, and a poorly fitting part can be frustrating to install and might not last.
Unless you’re familiar with a brand like WeatherTech or Thule, you run the risk of getting an inferior product. For critical components, sticking with OEM or top-tier aftermarket brands is the safest bet.
FAQ: Hyundai Santa Cruz Accessories
What are the must-have accessories for a Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The top must-haves focus on utility and protection. A quality tonneau cover is essential for securing the bed. All-weather floor mats (like WeatherTech or Husky Liners) will save your interior.
A bed mat protects both the bed and your cargo. Finally, an organizer for the center console armrest is a small but mighty upgrade for daily convenience.
Can you put a roof rack on a Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Absolutely. The Santa Cruz is designed to accommodate roof rack systems. You can add crossbars that attach to the factory-installed roof side rails.
This allows you to carry bikes, kayaks, cargo boxes, and other large items, dramatically increasing the vehicle’s versatility.
What is the best tonneau cover for the Santa Cruz?
The “best” tonneau cover depends on your needs and budget. For flexibility and value, a quality roll-up cover like the TruXedo TruXport is a fantastic choice. If security is your top priority, a hard tri-fold or a retractable cover from a brand like BakFlip is a better investment.
Hyundai also offers its own integrated tonneau cover as an option.
Are aftermarket accessories as good as OEM for the Santa Cruz?
They can be, but you have to choose wisely. Reputable aftermarket brands like WeatherTech, Thule, Yakima, and BedRug often meet or exceed OEM quality. However, the market is flooded with cheaper, lower-quality parts.
OEM parts guarantee a perfect fit and come with a warranty, making them a safer, albeit more expensive, choice.
