The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to redefine what a modern compact pickup truck can be. Designed for drivers who want the versatility of a truck without sacrificing comfort, technology, or fuel efficiency, the Santa Cruz stands out as a lifestyle-oriented vehicle rather than a traditional workhorse. For 2025, Hyundai introduces refreshed styling, upgraded interior technology, improved capability, and a stronger overall value proposition.
Unlike full-size or even mid-size pickups, the Santa Cruz is built for urban drivers, weekend adventurers, and families who need occasional hauling power combined with daily drivability. With its unique design and SUV-based platform, the 2025 Santa Cruz sits in a class of its own.
Exterior Design: Bold, Modern, and Functional
For 2025, Hyundai has refined the Santa Cruz’s exterior to look more rugged and confident. The front fascia now features a more aggressive grille design, revised bumper styling, and sharper LED lighting signatures that give the truck a stronger road presence.
The body retains its compact proportions, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and tight parking spaces, while the short pickup bed remains practical for everyday hauling. New wheel designs and updated color options help buyers personalize the truck to match their lifestyle.
The XRT trim stands out with off-road-inspired styling elements, including:
-
Unique front grille design
-
Tow hooks
-
All-terrain tires
-
Exclusive dark-finish wheels
These upgrades give the Santa Cruz a tougher, adventure-ready look without compromising its refined appearance.
Interior & Cabin Experience: Smart, Comfortable, and Premium
One of the biggest strengths of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is its interior. Unlike traditional trucks that prioritize ruggedness over comfort, the Santa Cruz offers an SUV-like cabin that feels modern and upscale.
Technology Highlights
-
Up to 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
-
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
-
Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
-
Multiple USB-C charging ports
-
Available wireless charging pad
The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, combining physical buttons with touchscreen controls for ease of use. Hyundai has clearly focused on driver convenience, keeping important functions easily accessible.
Comfort & Materials
Higher trims offer leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a premium Bose sound system. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long drives comfortable for both driver and passengers.
Despite its compact size, the Santa Cruz offers generous rear-seat legroom, making it practical for small families or group travel.
Performance & Engine Options
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two capable engine options designed to balance power and efficiency.
Standard 2.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated Engine
-
Approx. 191 horsepower
-
181 lb-ft of torque
-
8-speed automatic transmission
-
Available front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
This engine is ideal for daily commuting and light hauling, offering smooth acceleration and respectable fuel economy.
Turbocharged 2.5-Liter Engine
-
Approx. 281 horsepower
-
311 lb-ft of torque
-
8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission
-
Standard all-wheel drive
The turbo engine transforms the Santa Cruz into a genuinely quick and capable truck, delivering strong acceleration and confident highway performance. It’s the preferred choice for drivers who plan to tow or frequently carry heavier loads.
Towing, Cargo, and Utility
While the Santa Cruz is not designed to replace full-size trucks, it offers impressive capability for its class.
Towing Capacity of Santa Cruz
-
Up to 3,500 lbs with the base engine
-
Up to 5,000 lbs with the turbocharged engine
This makes it suitable for towing small trailers, jet skis, motorcycles, or camping gear.
Cargo Bed Features
-
Approximately 4.3-foot bed (6.2 feet with tailgate down)
-
Lockable under-bed storage compartment
-
Available integrated tonneau cover
-
Bed rails and LED bed lighting
-
115-volt power outlet in the bed (select trims)
The bed is perfect for bikes, tools, luggage, or outdoor equipment, while the hidden storage compartment adds extra security and versatility.
Fuel Efficiency of Santa cruz
Fuel economy remains one of the Santa Cruz’s key advantages:
-
Base engine (FWD): approx. 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
-
Base engine (AWD): approx. 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
-
Turbo AWD: approx. 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
These figures are excellent for a vehicle that offers real towing and hauling capability, making the Santa Cruz economical for daily use.
Safety & Driver Assistance Features
Hyundai equips the 2025 Santa Cruz with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies.
Standard Safety Features
-
Forward collision avoidance assist
-
Automatic emergency braking
-
Lane-keeping assist
-
Lane-following assist
-
Driver attention warning
-
Rear cross-traffic alert
-
Blind-spot monitoring
Available Advanced Features
-
Adaptive cruise control
-
Highway driving assist
-
Surround-view camera system
-
Parking collision avoidance assist
These systems help make the Santa Cruz one of the safest vehicles in the compact pickup segment.
Trim Levels & Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is offered in multiple trims to suit different needs:
-
SE – Entry-level with strong standard features
-
SEL – Adds comfort and convenience upgrades
-
SEL Activity – Focuses on bed utility and cargo features
-
XRT – Rugged styling and turbo performance
-
Limited – Fully loaded with premium technology and luxury features
Pricing typically starts around $28,000 USD and can exceed $42,000 USD for the fully loaded Limited trim, depending on options and market.
How the Santa Cruz Compares
Compared to rivals like the Ford Maverick, the Santa Cruz offers:
-
More premium interior quality
-
Stronger turbo engine option
-
Advanced technology and safety features
While hybrid competitors may offer better fuel economy, the Santa Cruz excels in refinement, design, and driving comfort.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a standout choice for buyers who want truck capability without truck compromises. Its stylish design, comfortable interior, advanced technology, and impressive towing ability make it one of the most well-rounded compact pickups on the market.
For urban drivers, weekend adventurers, and anyone seeking a versatile vehicle that feels just as good on city streets as it does on outdoor trips, the 2025 Santa Cruz delivers a unique and compelling package.