Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Wins Car of the Year Award

The Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is a special truck. It’s the ideal pickup for those who don’t need a full-size or even a mid-size truck. Instead, the Santa Cruz is perfect for those who want a truck that feels and drives more like a car while featuring a usable bed and the ability to tow a camper, boat, jet skis, and more. For the 2025 model year, the Santa Cruz XRT has been named pickup of the year for Puros Autos’ Latin Flavor: Cars of the Year 2025 Awards.  

A Word from Puros Autos 

“The Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT redefines the pickup segment, perfectly blending style, performance, and practicality,” said Enrique Kogan, publisher and editor of Puros Autos. “It is an ideal choice for Hispanic consumers who value versatility, fuel efficiency, and Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty.” 

What Makes the XRT so Special? 

The XRT is a specific off-road-themed trim level for the Santa Cruz that provides more rugged features, including standard HTRAC all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, an XRT-only front grille, special front and rear bumpers, red front recovery hooks, an increased approach angle, standard Surround View Monitor with Blind-Spot View Monitor, daytime running lights, unique wheels, and XRT logos debossed on the front seatbacks. The XRT comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four that delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque that is paired with a fast-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Thanks to the amount of power, the Santa Cruz XRT easily tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The XRT is priced from $41,600.  

A Word from Hyundai 

“We are honored that the Santa Cruz XRT has been recognized by the Latin Flavor awards for its innovative design and exceptional capability,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “This award underscores Hyundai’s commitment to delivering vehicles that cater to the diverse needs of modern drivers, with a focus on versatility, technology, and safety.” 

Brilliant Standard Safety 

Hyundai SmartSense gives the Santa Cruz XRT premium standard safety features that includes Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped), Blind-Sport Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist (HBA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Smart Cruise Control 2, Forward Attention Warning (FAW), and five-passenger seatbelt reminder.  

Why Choose Dick Smith Hyundai of Greenville?

At Dick Smith Hyundai of Greenville, we value our customers and take great pride in providing some of the best prices and services around. With hundreds of new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.