2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Performance

The 2025 Santa Cruz has two different engines available: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that puts out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The standard 2.5-liter is offered on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trim levels and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.5-liter turbo engine is standard on XRT and Limited and has an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims are available in front- or all-wheel drive and achieve an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, respectively, in FWD, and just 1 less mpg in each driving cycle when equipped with AWD. The XRT and Limited models come standard with all-wheel drive, with the Limited getting 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, and the off-road-ready trim getting just 1 less mpg in each cycle.

With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for XRT and Limited models and 3,500 pounds for SE, SEL, and SEL Activity, the Santa Cruz is ready to tackle any lifestyle. XRT and Limited models add a Tow driving mode. All models also feature a max payload capacity of 1,753 pounds.

When opening the truck bed, you can also access a trunk area under the bed that is equipped with drain plugs, which makes having a tailgate party very easy. The hidden storage has many uses. For example, if you go surfing, you can put your wet suit in there to dry off as you drive.

Exterior

From tip to tail, the Santa Cruz is made with edgy, aggressive lines and confident style. Stealthy LED daytime running lights integrated into the cascading grille and automatic headlights with High Beam Assist (HBA) make sure you can see and can be seen. Body-color side mirrors with available integrated LED turn signals keep the eye moving all the way to LED taillights. An acoustic-laminated windscreen with solar glass helps ensure that outside noises don’t impact your peace and comfort inside.

Adaptability in meeting your needs for sporting or storage is the goal for Santa Cruz. In this realm, Santa Cruz gives a nod to its compact pickup truck cousins. For those who travel with toys, a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system is available to secure all of your favorite things. The sheet-molded composite bed has side and sealed lockable underfloor bins, power outlets, security capabilities, and a drain so that no matter what you are doing with your Santa Cruz, you are ready.

Heavy duty cargo D-rings are strategically placed so you can secure whatever you need for the trip. A roof-mounted cargo light and optional LED bed lights make loading in the dark possible if you happen to stay a little longer. As a bonus, you can easily access the bed thanks to a multi-functional tailgate with assisted open and close, or even use your key to remotely open it so the Santa Cruz is ready to load. On SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited models there is a bed light switch to be able to see what you are reaching for at night.

Need extra security for things that you plan to carry? A factory installed integrated tonneau cover is available in the Activity Package and can help you keep them safe. Tailgating? The underfloor storage in the bed has a drain and can be converted to a cooler to save space for the other items you may need. To top it off, integrated rear bumper steps make climbing in and out of the rear easier.

All models except for Limited feature 18-inch wheels, with the XRT having its own specific style of wheel. The standard size tires are 245/60R18 on all but Limited, where 245/50R20 tires are standard with 20-inch wheels.

New exterior colors for 2025 include Rockwood Green for SEL, SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited trims, and Canyon Red, which is only available on the XRT trim.

Interior

One of the big changes Hyundai brings to the 2025 Santa Cruz is a redesigned steering wheel that is three spokes instead of four, but features all the same controls and buttons as before. The heated steering wheel had only two modes (on and off), but now features high, low, and off settings. H-Tex trimmed seats were formerly offered on Night and XRT trims, but now they are standard on SEL, SEL Activity, and XRT. The XRT’s front seats now feature XRT embossment on the front upper seatbacks.

The two-row, crew-cab style Santa Cruz cabin is spacious, comfortable, and accommodating. Where the exterior gives more of a truck feel, the interior gives you the sophistication and convenience of an SUV. The dual cockpit design allows for a comfortable center console with extra storage. The Limited trim now offers passengers a power six-way adjustable seat. A rear seat center armrest with two cupholders is now standard on all trim levels, as is a new air vent design.

Technology

Santa Cruz and keep you connected and charged, wherever the road may take you. Optional Dynamic Voice Control allows you to control the wide array of tech—including something as simple as adjusting the cabin temperature—by using just your voice. The Santa Cruz’s bright, clear displays make sure you stay focused on the road and informed so you can stay safer.

All trim levels now include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and Over the Air (OTA) software and firmware update support has been added. There are now USB-C ports replacing USB-A ports for charging and data, with charging power up to 27 watts.

SE, SEL, and SEL Activity now feature a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard instead of the former 8.0-inch and 10.25-inch standard and optional screens. XRT and Limited add navigation. SEL Activity and above trim levels now feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster compared to the 10.25-inch cluster before.

Bluelink Connected Car Service and SiriusXM satellite radio are now standard on all trim levels as well. Bluelink allows for remote starting, locking and unlocking the doors, and control of the climate system and the heated and ventilated seats. Hyundai offers Bluelink free for three years. A new Digital Key 2 Touch is now standard on XRT and Limited trims.

Safety

Hyundai SmartSense helps you keep what matters most to you safe while you enjoy the thrills of your ride. This is a collection of available safety features that help make Hyundai one of the safest brands in the industry. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) warns the driver and provides slight steering correction in the case of unintended lane departure at higher speeds. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) uses camera sensors to alert the driver and automatically activate the brakes if a potential collision is detected directly ahead, even if the object isn’t another vehicle. Santa Cruz detects drowsy or other kinds of inattentive driving behavior through Driver Attention Warning, which gives audio and visual cues to help the driver become more alert. When it detects a vehicle in your blind spot area, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist will notify you with a visual alert initially and an audible alarm if you try to change lanes with a vehicle beside you. High Beam Assist (HBA) detects oncoming vehicles and toggles between high and low beams so you can keep your hands on the steering wheel. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) detects and warns of a vehicle approaching from the left or right while you are in reverse. Lane Following Assist (LFA) uses a front-view camera on the windshield to help keep the vehicle centered between the lane markers. Safe Exit Warning (SEW) makes sure you exit the vehicle safely after you have finished your journey. Almost all of these safety features come standard on your Santa Cruz.

The XRT and Limited trims now offer Smart Cruise Control 2 and Forward Attention Warning (FAW). A five-passenger seatbelt reminder is standard on all models.