Looking for the practicality of a pickup without the bulkiness? Meet the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This compact pickup, built on the foundation of the Tucson crossover, offers a four-foot truck bed perfect for hauling bulky items like mountain bikes or landscaping supplies.
With a standard 191-horsepower four-cylinder engine, available in front- or all-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz ensures versatility in performance.
Need more power? opt for the optional 281-horsepower turbo four for increased towing capacity up to 5000 pounds.
Beyond its truck duties, the Santa Cruz offers a refined ride, spacious cabin, and an array of tech features akin to the Tucson SUV, making it an easy choice for everyday living.
Table of contents
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Horsepower | Towing Capacity | Drive Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Four-Cylinder | 191 hp | Up to 3500 lbs | Front-wheel drive, All-wheel drive |
| Optional Turbocharged | 281 hp | Up to 5000 lbs | All-wheel drive |
Alright, let’s start with what makes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz tick under the hood.
So, this truck comes with two engine options. First up is the standard four-cylinder engine. It packs a respectable 191 horsepower, which is pretty solid for your everyday driving needs.
Plus, you’ve got the choice between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your preferences and driving conditions.
But if you’re looking for a bit more oomph, there’s an optional turbocharged engine available. This bad boy cranks out 281 horsepower, giving you some serious acceleration when you need it.
And not only does it make the Santa Cruz feel zippier, but it also boosts the towing capacity up to 5000 pounds, so you can haul heavier loads with ease.
Now, whether you stick with the standard engine or upgrade to the turbocharged one, the Santa Cruz delivers a smooth and efficient performance.
It’s got enough power to tackle city streets or highway cruising without a hitch. Plus, Hyundai’s made sure to keep fuel efficiency in mind, so you won’t be spending a fortune at the gas pump.
And when it comes to driving dynamics, the Santa Cruz doesn’t disappoint. It’s nimble and easy to maneuver, making it a breeze to navigate through tight spaces. Plus, the suspension system keeps things comfortable, soaking up bumps in the road for a smooth ride.
Read – Hyundai Santa fe vs Mazda CX 5, Price, Specs, Cargo Space & Reliability
Trim Levels & Pricing
| Trim Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| SE | $29,000 |
| SEL | $32,000 |
| Night | $40,000 |
| XRT | $42,000 |
| Limited | $43,000 |
When it comes to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, customization is key. With a range of trim levels to choose from, each offering unique features and amenities, finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget has never been easier.
- SE: Starting at an estimated $29,000, the SE trim sets the foundation for the Santa Cruz lineup. Despite being the entry-level option, it still comes generously equipped with essential features and represents excellent value for money.
- SEL: Stepping up to the SEL trim, priced at around $32,000, adds a touch of sophistication and convenience to the Santa Cruz experience. With additional comfort and tech upgrades, the SEL trim caters to those seeking a bit more luxury in their compact pickup.
- Night: For those looking to make a statement on the road, the Night trim, starting at approximately $40,000, delivers with its bold styling cues and enhanced performance features. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want to stand out from the crowd.
- XRT: Priced at an estimated $42,000, the XRT trim offers the ultimate in performance and capability. With its powerful turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and rugged exterior enhancements, the XRT is built to tackle any adventure with confidence.
- Limited: At the top of the lineup sits the Limited trim, starting at around $43,000. Combining luxury with practicality, this trim level boasts a host of premium features and amenities, making it the ideal choice for drivers who refuse to compromise on comfort and style.
Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly option or craving top-of-the-line luxury, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a trim level to suit every taste and requirement.
Read – 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Specs, Price, Interior & Release Date
How much is fuel efficiency? MPG?
| Engine Option | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine (Front-wheel Drive) | 22 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Base Engine (All-wheel Drive) | 21 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Turbocharged Engine | 19 mpg | 27 mpg |
The 2025 Santa Cruz offers two engine options, each with its own fuel efficiency profile. Firstly, the base engine, available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, delivers an estimated EPA rating of 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive models achieve slightly lower figures at 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
On the other hand, the turbocharged engine, known for its increased power output, maintains respectable fuel efficiency ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Read – Hyundai Tucson vs Mazda CX 5 Specs, Size, Engine, Trims & Price Comparison
Connectivity & Interior Features
- Infotainment Display:
- Base SE and SEL: 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Higher Trims (Night, XRT, Limited): Dual 12.3-inch displays mounted together in a single, curved panel
- Connectivity Features:
- Wireless device charging
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Hyundai Blue Link services provided free for three years
- Remote door locking and unlocking
- Remote engine start
- Vehicle tracking via smartphone app or voice commands with Amazon Alexa
- User Experience:
- Intuitive interface with user-friendly controls
- Seamless access to entertainment, navigation, and vehicle information features
- Minimal distraction for enhanced safety and convenience
- Future-Proof Technology:
- Advanced connectivity features ensure relevance in an increasingly connected world
- Embracing wireless technology for convenience and ease of use
- Commitment to providing cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity solutions
Read – 2024 Mazda CX-90 Configurations
Expected safety features
- Forward-Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead and can apply the brakes if necessary.
- Automated Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies the brakes if a frontal collision is detected, helping to mitigate or avoid accidents.
- Lane-Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling.
- Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Provides corrective steering assistance to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM): Alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spots with visual or audible warnings.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces or driveways.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed while automatically adjusting the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Monitors driver behavior and alerts the driver if signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected.
- High-Beam Assist (HBA): Automatically switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic and ambient lighting conditions to optimize visibility without blinding other drivers.
- Multi-View Camera System: Provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle to assist with parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts the driver if any of the tires are significantly underinflated, helping to prevent tire blowouts and improve fuel efficiency.
Refreshed color options
Hyundai has rolled out two fresh exterior color choices: Rockwood Green and Canyon Red. These vibrant hues will undoubtedly make a statement on the road, adding flair and individuality to the Santa Cruz lineup.
Not stopping there, Hyundai is also offering a chic seating option: Medium Gray seating surfaces. This sophisticated interior selection perfectly complements the Santa Cruz’s contemporary design, ensuring a comfortable and stylish cabin environment for all occupants.
Read – Crew Cab vs Extended Cab: Choosing the Right Pickup Truck for Your Needs
Advanced Transmission Technology
Both powertrains feature advanced transmission technology aimed at optimizing performance and efficiency.
The eight-speed automatic transmission accompanying the standard 2.5-liter engine ensures swift and precise gear changes, enhancing driving dynamics.
Additionally, a multi-disc and individually controlled hydraulic channel torque converter improves responsiveness, while a downsized oil pump and double ball bearings minimize frictional losses, contributing to overall efficiency.
How much is Towing capacity of 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Let’s talk about how much the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow and carry.
With the standard four-cylinder engine, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 pounds. That’s enough for smaller trailers or boats.
But if you need to tow heavier stuff, like what other trucks in its class can handle, you can go for the optional turbocharged engine. With it, the Santa Cruz matches the towing capacity of other similar trucks, like the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick, at 5,000 pounds.
So, whether you’re hauling a trailer for a weekend getaway or moving heavier loads, the Santa Cruz has you covered with its towing and payload capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2025 Santa Cruz boasts a more aggressive front design, creating a powerful and wider stance. It features redesigned exterior surfaces with a bold new grille and redesigned headlamps, giving it a more robust appearance. The XRT model receives exclusive enhancements for a rugged and capable look.
The interior of the 2025 Santa Cruz has been revamped to offer a high-tech experience with increased functionality. It introduces a panoramic curved display that seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch driver information cluster and an available 12.3-inch audio-video navigation system. The dashboard has been redesigned for a more ergonomic layout, with additional physical switchgear for frequently used functions. Furthermore, there’s added storage including a new shelf above the glovebox.
The 2025 Santa Cruz incorporates new advanced safety technologies, including Forward Attention Warning (FAW), to enhance driver awareness and safety on the road.
The towing capacity of the 2025 Santa Cruz varies depending on the configuration. The 2.5L four-cylinder model is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs., while the 2.5L Turbo AWD model boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is set to arrive at Hyundai dealerships in the summer of this year, offering customers the opportunity to experience its upgraded features and capabilities firsthand.
