The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is back with a fresh design, upgraded tech, and the same winning formula that blends SUV comfort with pickup truck utility. For those who want the flexibility of a truck without sacrificing daily drivability, the Santa Cruz stands out as one of the smartest compact pickups on the market.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview
Hyundai has given the Santa Cruz a bold refresh for 2025. The front fascia now looks tougher with a larger grille, reshaped headlights, and new bumper styling. Inside, it adopts Hyundai’s latest dual-screen setup, more physical controls for ease of use, and updated connectivity features.
The Santa Cruz continues to be built on a unibody platform shared with the Tucson SUV, which means it offers a car-like ride quality while retaining the practicality of a small truck bed — perfect for adventure lovers, families, and weekend warriors alike.
Hyundai Santa Cruz 2025 Specifications & Performance
Buyers get two engine choices:
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a punchy 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, available only with all-wheel drive.
The base engine is smooth and efficient for daily use, while the turbo variant offers strong acceleration and impressive towing power.
Key Specs:
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD (standard) / AWD (optional or standard on turbo)
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs (turbo)
- Fuel Economy: Up to 26 MPG highway (non-turbo)
With confident steering and a well-tuned suspension, the 2025 Santa Cruz drives more like an SUV than a traditional truck. It’s agile in the city and stable on highways, making it ideal for both work and play.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Price & Trims
The 2025 Santa Cruz is offered in several trims to fit different needs and budgets:
| Trim | Estimated Starting Price (USD) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| SE | $28,700 | Standard safety tech, FWD, 8-inch touchscreen |
| SEL | $31,000 | Heated seats, proximity key, AWD available |
| SEL Activity | $34,000 | Roof rails, bed utility upgrades, sunroof |
| XRT | $39,500 | Turbo engine, AWD, off-road styling |
| Limited | $42,500 | Leather seats, 12.3-inch dual displays, Bose sound system |
Even the base SE trim is well-equipped, but the XRT and Limited trims