The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz represents a significant mid-cycle refresh for the compact pickup truck, bringing enhanced styling, improved technology, and new features to this unique “Sport Adventure Vehicle.” Building on the success of its initial launch, the updated Santa Cruz aims to solidify its position in the growing compact truck segment.

Exterior Updates

The 2025 Santa Cruz receives a bolder, more rugged appearance:

• Redesigned front fascia with a larger, more aggressive grille
• New LED daytime running light signature
• Updated wheel designs across all trim levels
• Exclusive styling elements for the off-road-oriented XRT trim, including:
  • Unique front and rear bumper designs
  • Front tow hooks
  • All-terrain tires on XRT-specific 18-inch wheels

Interior and Technology

The most significant changes for 2025 occur inside the Santa Cruz:

• New horizontally oriented dashboard design
• Available dual 12.3-inch displays (driver information and infotainment)
• Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims
• Updated center stack with improved ergonomics and additional physical controls
• New shelf above the glovebox for added storage
• Rear seat center armrest with cupholders (new for 2025)

Powertrain Options

The 2025 Santa Cruz retains its two engine choices:

1. Standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder:
   • 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque
   • Eight-speed automatic transmission
2. Optional 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder:
   • 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque
   • Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
   • New towing drive mode added for 2025 (Limited and XRT trims)

Both engines are available with front-wheel drive or HTRAC all-wheel drive.

Trim Levels and Features

The 2025 Santa Cruz is offered in five trim levels:

1. SE
2. SEL
3. SEL Activity
4. XRT (new for 2025)
5. Limited

Notable features include:

• Available surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor
• New Forward Attention Warning system
• Over-the-air (OTA) software update capability
• Bluelink+ connected car technology
• Available Digital Key 2 Touch and fingerprint scanner

Towing and Payload

• Maximum towing capacity (2.5T engine): 5,000 lbs
• Payload capacity: Up to 1,748 lbs (varies by configuration)

Pricing and Availability

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is expected to start at around $28,500 for the base SE trim, with the top-spec Limited model reaching approximately $42,500. The new Santa Cruz should arrive at Hyundai dealerships in the summer of 2024.