At the 2024 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai made waves by unveiling the 2025 iteration of its popular lifestyle pickup truck, the Santa Cruz. This updated version arrives on the scene with a host of enhancements, aimed at maintaining its strong sales performance and solidifying its position in the market.
Under the hood, Hyundai has opted to retain the existing powertrain options for the 2025 Santa Cruz. This means that the base model will still be powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, churning out 191 horsepower. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, drivers can choose between front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, catering to diverse preferences and driving needs.
For those seeking a bit more muscle, Hyundai offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine option, delivering a robust 281 horsepower and an impressive 311 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, enhancing both fuel efficiency and performance. Notably, Hyundai has introduced a towing mode with this setup, allowing the Santa Cruz to haul loads of up to 5,000 pounds—an essential feature for those with active lifestyles or work-related needs.
Turning our attention to the exterior, the 2025 Santa Cruz receives subtle yet impactful styling updates. The front grille has been enlarged and made more prominent, accompanied by sleek LED running lights and headlights. The XRT trim, in particular, stands out with its distinctive tow hooks and striking Canyon Red exterior color option. Despite these enhancements, the vehicle’s dimensions remain unchanged, offering a compact footprint that is both maneuverable and versatile.
Stepping inside the cabin, drivers will find a refreshed interior that reflects Hyundai’s commitment to modernity and comfort. Drawing inspiration from the 2025 Tucson, the Santa Cruz boasts improved materials and a redesigned steering wheel, adorned with intuitive controls and a sleek design. The infotainment system has undergone a significant upgrade, now featuring Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with dual-zone climate control and ample storage solutions.
Practicality is a hallmark of the Santa Cruz, and the 2025 model is no exception. The crew cab configuration provides ample seating for passengers, while the composite bed offers a maximum payload capacity of 1,400 pounds—a commendable feat for a vehicle of its size. Additionally, the truck bed is equipped with a convenient tonneau cover and underfloor storage, enhancing usability and versatility for everyday adventures.
In terms of sales performance, Hyundai has enjoyed significant success with the Santa Cruz, with over 36,600 units sold in the United States last year alone. This underscores the vehicle’s appeal in the burgeoning lifestyle truck segment, where it competes with the likes of the Ford Maverick. With availability slated for later this summer, pricing details for the 2025 Santa Cruz are yet to be announced, but it is expected to remain competitive, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz represents a compelling option for buyers seeking a versatile and capable lifestyle pickup truck. With its blend of practicality, modern amenities, and distinctive styling, the Santa Cruz continues to carve out a niche for itself in the automotive landscape, offering an enticing proposition for consumers looking to embrace the spirit of adventure and exploration.
