Hyundai’s Santa Cruz has always been a unique blend of SUV comfort and pickup utility, but the 2025 model takes it to a new level with a host of updates that enhance its rugged appeal and technological prowess. Let’s explore the standout features and why this compact pickup might be your next favorite vehicle.
Bold New Look
For 2025, the Santa Cruz gets a stylish makeover that’s hard to miss. The front end has been redesigned to look more assertive, featuring a new grille and bumper that borrow cues from the Tucson SUV. The updated design isn’t just about aesthetics; it signals the Santa Cruz’s capability and readiness for adventure. The XRT trim in particular stands out with its unique front-end treatment, complete with tow hooks, exclusive 18-inch wheels, and beefier tires, giving it a distinctly rugged look that’s ready for off-road escapades.
Advanced Interior Tech
Step inside the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2025, and you’re greeted with a tech-savvy environment that’s both functional and futuristic. The most notable change is the dual-screen infotainment system on higher trims. This system merges two 12.3-inch screens into a single sleek panel that serves as both the digital gauge cluster and the central infotainment hub. The updated software now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making connectivity effortless. Additionally, the system can receive over-the-air updates, ensuring your tech stays current without a trip to the dealership. Lower trims aren’t left out, featuring a single 12.3-inch screen paired with analog gauges.
Fingerprint Scanner and Hyundai Pay
Security and convenience are further enhanced with the introduction of a fingerprint scanner, allowing you to start the vehicle and access personalized settings with a touch. Hyundai Pay, the company’s in-vehicle payment system, is another new feature, making it easy to handle transactions directly from your car.
Redesigned Comfort
The interior doesn’t just impress with technology; it’s also been reimagined for comfort and usability. The dashboard, center console, and steering wheel have all received updates. The climate control buttons are now more intuitive and easier to reach, contributing to an overall user-friendly experience.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Price and Which One to Buy
The 2025 Santa Cruz comes in several trims, each offering a distinct set of features to cater to different needs and budgets. Here’s a quick rundown of the expected pricing:
- SE: $29,000 (est)
- SEL: $32,000 (est)
- Night: $40,000 (est)
- XRT: $42,000 (est)
- Limited: $43,000 (est)
While the base SE and SEL models offer great value, the XRT trim is the sweet spot for those who crave a bit more power and off-road capability. This model comes with a turbocharged engine that significantly boosts performance, lifting the tow rating to 5000 pounds. Additionally, it includes all-wheel drive as a standard feature, which is an optional add-on for the SEL trim. The rugged aesthetic enhancements, such as dark chrome trim, further justify the price bump.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance: Power and Precision
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two distinct powertrains that cater to different driving needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at what each engine option brings to the table and how they perform in various driving conditions.
Powertrains Overview
- SE and SEL Trims: These trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While this setup provides adequate power for everyday driving, it might feel a bit sluggish during rapid acceleration or when fully loaded. Our testing of a similar engine in the Hyundai Tucson SUV revealed that it’s best suited for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and a smooth ride over quick acceleration.
- Night, XRT, and Limited Trims: For those seeking more power, these trims come equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a robust 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, offering quicker and smoother shifts. The turbo engine is significantly more responsive and well-suited for urban driving, providing the extra punch needed for quick merges and spirited driving.
All-Wheel Drive Availability
All trims except for the SE offer an all-wheel-drive option, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or light off-road scenarios. The Santa Cruz’s compact size compared to mid-size trucks makes it exceptionally maneuverable around town, a significant advantage for urban dwellers.
Performance and Handling
During our test drive of the top-tier Limited model, we were impressed by the Santa Cruz’s refined ride and agile handling. The lower and shorter stature compared to larger trucks makes it feel more car-like in its driving dynamics, ensuring a comfortable and engaging ride. The suspension setup does a great job of absorbing road imperfections, while the steering is responsive, making it easy to navigate through tight city streets or winding country roads.
0–60 MPH Times
While we haven’t had the chance to test a Santa Cruz equipped with the base engine, our experience with the similar Tucson SUV suggests that acceleration may be on the slower side. On the other hand, the turbocharged engine shines with impressive performance. In our tests, the Santa Cruz with the turbo four-cylinder engine achieved a 0–60 mph time of 6.0 seconds, only 0.1 second slower than the last turbocharged Ford Maverick we tested. This rapid acceleration makes the turbocharged Santa Cruz a compelling option for those who enjoy a bit more excitement behind the wheel.
Towing and Payload Capacity: Small But Mighty
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz may be compact, but it’s no slouch when it comes to towing and payload capabilities. If you opt for the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This capacity is sufficient for light-duty tasks, such as towing small trailers or boats.
For those needing a bit more muscle, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine raises the towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. This puts the Santa Cruz on par with its unibody rivals, the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick, both of which share the same towing limit. Whether you’re hauling camping gear or transporting equipment, the turbocharged Santa Cruz provides the power and capability needed for most weekend warrior activities.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG: Efficiency Meets Performance
Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for many buyers, and the 2025 Santa Cruz delivers respectable figures. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Base Engine (FWD): 22 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- Base Engine (AWD): 21 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- Turbocharged Engine: 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Interestingly, in real-world conditions, the turbocharged Santa Cruz performed even better than expected. During our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, it achieved 30 mpg, showcasing that it’s not just about power, but also about efficiency. These figures make the Santa Cruz a practical choice for both daily commuting and long road trips.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior, Comfort, and Cargo: A Class Above
Hyundai’s knack for creating upscale interiors is evident in the Santa Cruz. Stepping inside, you’ll notice a cabin that feels more luxurious than its price tag would suggest. The use of high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements make it one of the best interiors in both the compact and mid-size pickup segments.
Digital Gauge Cluster and User-Friendly Controls
One of the standout features is the fully digital gauge cluster, a first in its class. This modern touch enhances the overall driving experience, providing clear and customizable displays. Additionally, Hyundai has wisely opted for a traditional shifter on the center console, avoiding the trend of rotary knobs or pushbuttons that can sometimes feel less intuitive.
Spacious Crew Cab
The Santa Cruz is available exclusively as a four-door crew cab, ensuring ample space for passengers both front and rear. The seating is comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The passenger space is competitive, offering good legroom and headroom, which is often a critical factor for those considering a compact truck.
Versatile Cargo Bed
While the cargo bed is shorter than that of a typical mid-size truck, it remains highly functional. At around four feet long, it offers plenty of space for most needs. The inclusion of a lockable tonneau cover adds security for your belongings, while the in-bed trunk—similar to what you’d find in the Honda Ridgeline—provides additional storage and versatility. This feature is especially handy for stowing away smaller items or keeping your gear organized.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Cutting-Edge Convenience
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t just impress with its exterior and performance—it also stands out with a robust suite of infotainment and connectivity features designed to keep you entertained and connected on the go.
Standard and Advanced Displays
Starting with the base SE and SEL trims, you get a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. This screen provides a clear and intuitive interface for navigating through your apps, music, and settings. However, if you opt for the higher trims, you’ll be treated to a more sophisticated setup. These trims feature dual 12.3-inch displays mounted together in a single, sleek, curved panel. One display serves as a digital gauge cluster, providing essential driving information right in your line of sight, while the other functions as the main infotainment touchscreen.
Wireless Connectivity and Blue Link Services
In today’s digital age, seamless connectivity is a must, and the Santa Cruz delivers. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless, allowing you to connect your smartphone without the hassle of cords. Wireless device charging ensures your gadgets stay powered up on the move.
Hyundai’s Blue Link services are included free for three years, offering a range of remote functions that enhance convenience and security. With Blue Link, you can lock and unlock your Santa Cruz, start the engine, and even locate your vehicle using an app, the Internet, or Amazon Alexa. This suite of features makes managing your vehicle from afar easier than ever.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features: Peace of Mind on Every Drive
Safety is a paramount concern for any vehicle, and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t disappoint. It comes loaded with a comprehensive array of driver-assistance technologies to help keep you and your passengers safe.
Standard Safety Features
- Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: These systems alert you to potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
- Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: These features help prevent unintentional lane departures by providing alerts and gentle steering corrections.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: These assistive technologies enhance your awareness of vehicles in your blind spots and approaching from the sides when reversing.
Optional Advanced Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Available as an option, this system adjusts your cruising speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, adding an extra layer of convenience during long drives.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage: Industry-Leading Assurance
Hyundai continues to set the bar high with some of the best warranty and maintenance coverage in the industry. When you purchase a 2025 Santa Cruz, you’re not just getting a vehicle; you’re gaining peace of mind through comprehensive support.
Warranty Details
- Limited Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles
This coverage outshines many competitors, providing long-term protection and ensuring your Santa Cruz remains in top condition without additional costs for scheduled maintenance.
