2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
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The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that blends SUV-like comfort with versatile utility. Its car-like ride and handling make it a joy to drive, while its four-foot truck bed adds practicality for hauling, towing, and weekend adventures. With a range of trims and two engine options, including a robust turbocharged powertrain, the Santa Cruz caters to those seeking a city-friendly truck without compromising on capability.
What's New for 2025?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz receives a stylish refresh with a more rugged grille and front bumper, reminiscent of the redesigned Tucson SUV. The all-terrain XRT trim debuts with unique tow hooks, exclusive 18-inch wheels, and robust tires, adding off-road flair. Inside, Hyundai introduces an updated dual-screen infotainment system with two 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. A fingerprint scanner and Hyundai Pay enhance security and convenience, while lower trims offer a single 12.3-inch screen with analog gauges.
Sleek Exterior
Hyundai's refreshed design for the 2025 Santa Cruz makes a bold impression. Its compact size is paired with aggressive styling, featuring a newly sculpted grille, revised daytime running lights, and rugged design elements on the XRT trim. The short and maneuverable body makes it ideal for urban environments while maintaining the utility expected of a pickup.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Dimensions
With a wheelbase of 118.3 inches and a total length of 195.7 inches, the Santa Cruz is perfectly proportioned for tight city streets and parking spaces. It measures 75.0 inches in width and stands 66.7 inches tall, offering excellent visibility and a comfortable cabin. Despite its compact footprint, it boasts a passenger volume of 104 cubic feet and an easily accessible four-foot cargo bed.
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Feature-Rich Interior
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz features one of the most upscale interiors in its segment, blending practicality with style. Dual 12.3-inch screens in higher trims elevate the driving experience, while even the base models come with a generous infotainment display. Standard wireless charging, Hyundai Blue Link services, and a traditional gear shifter on the center console add to its convenience. Passenger space is ample, with supportive seating for five, making the Santa Cruz as comfortable as it is versatile.
Cargo and Passenger Space
While its truck bed is shorter than traditional mid-size pickups, the Santa Cruz maximizes utility with clever design elements. The four-foot bed includes a lockable tonneau cover and an in-bed trunk for additional storage, ideal for urban adventurers. Inside, generous legroom and well-cushioned seats ensure a pleasant ride for front and rear passengers alike.
Fuel Economy and MPG
Equipped with the base 2.5-liter engine, the Santa Cruz achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces efficiency slightly. The turbocharged engine offers 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, with a real-world tested highway figure of 30 mpg. These numbers make the Santa Cruz a practical choice for both daily commutes and long road trips.
Engine, Drivetrain, and Performance
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two distinct engine options to cater to a variety of driving needs. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While suitable for light-duty tasks, the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine shines with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for quick, smooth shifts. This turbo option boosts towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, making it ideal for heavier loads. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available for added traction and versatility.
Ride and Handling
Hyundai has designed the Santa Cruz to feel more like a crossover than a traditional pickup truck. Its compact dimensions and unibody construction make for agile handling, a smooth ride, and easy maneuverability in urban settings. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps comfortably, while the all-wheel-drive system provides confidence on rough terrain and in inclement weather. The turbocharged models deliver spirited performance, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available in four trims, each offering a unique blend of features and capabilities. From the value-oriented SE to the rugged XRT and luxurious Limited, there's a trim for every lifestyle. Pricing starts at $30,100, with the top-tier Limited reaching $44,100. The XRT trim stands out with off-road-inspired features, while higher trims include advanced technology and upscale interior finishes.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
Starting MSRP: $30,100
The SE trim sets the foundation for the 2025 Santa Cruz, offering a balanced mix of practicality and modern technology. Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, it comes with front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth and efficient operation. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is a standout feature at this price point, providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention monitoring, ensuring peace of mind on every journey. With its comfortable interior, competitive fuel efficiency, and advanced tech, the SE is ideal for first-time truck buyers or those seeking a capable, city-friendly pickup.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL
Starting MSRP: $31,800
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL enhances the SE with thoughtful upgrades designed for added convenience and comfort. Keyless entry allows easy access, while heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat provide customizable comfort for cold or long drives. The SEL also offers access to optional all-wheel drive for improved traction on slippery or uneven surfaces, adding versatility for varying driving conditions.
A rear privacy glass and optional tonneau cover further enhance functionality, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob contribute to the interior's premium feel. Ideal for drivers who value practicality with a touch of refinement, the SEL is a versatile step up from the base model.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity
Starting MSRP: $35,400
The SEL Activity trim adds adventure-ready features to the already capable SEL, making it perfect for those who love weekend getaways or outdoor pursuits. It introduces a power sunroof, allowing you to enjoy the open sky and dual-zone automatic climate control to keep all passengers comfortable.
A sliding rear window adds practicality and ventilation. At the same time, the inclusion of a lockable tonneau cover and an in-bed household-style power outlet enhances the truck's utility for outdoor tasks or road trips. Additional storage solutions in the bed and cabin make organizing gear and equipment a breeze. With these features, the SEL Activity trim is an excellent choice for buyers seeking both style and substance.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
Starting MSRP: $41,600
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is built for those who crave rugged adventures and off-road capability. Equipped with the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, it pairs power with practicality. Standard all-wheel drive ensures confident handling on challenging terrain, while exclusive 18-inch wheels with rugged tires provide improved traction.
The unique front-end design with integrated tow hooks and dark chrome trim adds a distinctive aesthetic, emphasizing its off-road readiness. Inside, the XRT features durable materials that are easy to clean, making it well-suited for active lifestyles. The XRT is ideal for adventurers who need a truck that can handle tough conditions while maintaining a stylish appearance.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited
Starting MSRP: $44,100
The Limited trim represents the pinnacle of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup, offering luxury, advanced technology, and peak performance. Its dual 12.3-inch displays create a sleek and modern cockpit, while wireless charging, Hyundai Pay, and over-the-air software updates ensure cutting-edge convenience. The interior is elevated with premium leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a Bose premium audio system for a luxurious experience.
Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear-seat air vents enhance comfort for all passengers. With standard all-wheel drive and a powerful turbocharged engine, the Limited balances refinement with capability. The Limited trim offers an unmatched driving experience for city commutes or cross-country trips.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Hyundai equips the 2025 Santa Cruz with a robust suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. Standard features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offer adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor, providing added peace of mind for urban and highway driving alike.
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Infotainment and Connectivity
The Santa Cruz's infotainment system is as modern as it gets, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen on the SE and SEL trims. Higher trims feature a dual-screen setup with integrated digital gauges and an updated interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai's Blue Link services are standard across the board. Added conveniences like wireless device charging, USB-C ports, and Hyundai Pay elevate the tech experience.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Right For You?
If you're looking for a compact pickup that blends car-like comfort with versatile utility, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a strong contender. Its refined interior, impressive tech features, and manageable size make it ideal for city dwellers and weekend adventurers alike. Whether you're hauling gear or cruising comfortably, the Santa Cruz has you covered.
Get Your Hyundai Santa Cruz at Central Hyundai
Ready to experience the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz for yourself? Visit Central Hyundai in Plainfield, CT, today to explore available trims and take a test drive. Our team is here to help you find the perfect Santa Cruz to match your needs and lifestyle.
