Introduction to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz, which debuted for the 2022 model year, is slated to receive its first face-lift for 2025. This updated model features a refreshed grille, front bumper, lighting, and new wheel designs. Notably, the XRT trim level now includes all-terrain tires, a distinctive grille and bumper, front tow hooks, and an improved approach angle. Hyundai has disclosed pricing details, with the pickup truck starting at $29,895, including a $1,395 destination charge.
Enhanced Interiors
The interior of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has also seen significant updates. The center stack has been redesigned to include physical knobs and rocker switches for audio and climate controls. Higher trim levels such as the SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that integrates seamlessly with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen under a single curved glass. Additionally, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, previously only standard on lower trims, are now uniformly available across all trims.
Performance and Engine Specifications
Mechanically, the 2025 Santa Cruz remains unchanged. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pounds-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is an option for an extra $1,500. The XRT and Limited trims feature a 281-hp turbocharged version of the same engine, producing 311 pounds-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD. Towing capacities range from 3,500 pounds with the base engine to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged variant.
Availability and Pricing
Set to go on sale this summer, the 2025 Santa Cruz offers varied pricing for its different trims. The full lineup pricing is as follows: SE: $29,895, SEL: $31,595, SEL Activity: $34,595, XRT: $41,395, and Limited: $43,895.
Safety Features and Trim Levels
Standard safety features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure steering assist, lane-centering steering, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, a rear-seat reminder, safe-exit assist, driver attention warning, and automatic high beams. Trim-specific features vary, with the XRT and Limited offering additional safety and convenience features such as enhanced forward collision warning, Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist, blind spot cameras, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera.
The Limited trim goes a step further by adding 20-inch wheels, a dark-chrome grille, and exterior trim, along with rain-sensing windshield wipers. The interior boasts leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a Bose premium audio system.
