2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Redefines the Compact Truck Segment with Style and Substance
The automotive world is witnessing a revolution in the compact truck segment. Hyundai Santa Cruz stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering a unique blend of SUV comfort and pickup utility that appeals to adventure seekers and urban dwellers alike. This "sport adventure vehicle" has carved out its own niche in a market dominated by traditional trucks, providing drivers with versatility without compromising on performance or features.
What Makes the Hyundai Santa Cruz Stand Out in 2025?
The 2025 model year brings significant updates to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, enhancing its already impressive package. With a redesigned grille and headlights, a modernized dashboard featuring a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the introduction of the off-road-focused XRT trim, Hyundai has addressed both aesthetic and functional aspects of this unique vehicle. Currently rated at 8.1 out of 10 by Edmunds experts and boasting a remarkable 4.6 out of 5 stars from owner reviews, the Santa Cruz continues to impress both critics and consumers.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Pricing and Value Proposition
Starting at an MSRP of $30,200 for the base SE trim, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is positioned as a premium option in the compact truck market. The national market price stands at approximately $27,106 (based on sales in North Dakota through May 5, 2025), representing potential savings for savvy shoppers. While this pricing places it above competitors like the Ford Maverick, the Santa Cruz justifies its higher price tag with premium features and a more upscale interior experience.
The trim lineup includes:
- SE - $30,200 MSRP
- SEL
- SEL Activity (Most Popular)
- XRT (Editors' Pick)
- Limited
Each trim level builds upon the previous one, adding features and capabilities that enhance the overall ownership experience. The XRT trim, in particular, deserves special attention as it combines the powerful turbocharged engine with enhanced off-road capabilities, making it an Edmunds Editors' Pick for 2025.
Performance Capabilities of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Engine Options and Driving Dynamics
The Hyundai Santa Cruz distinguishes itself from traditional pickups with its car-like unibody construction, resulting in superior driving dynamics compared to body-on-frame trucks. This design philosophy translates to impressive steering response and handling characteristics that make the Santa Cruz enjoyable on winding roads.
Two engine options are available:
- Standard 2.5L 4-cylinder (SE trim)
- Optional turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder (available on higher trims)
The turbocharged powerplant deserves particular attention, as it propels the Santa Cruz from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds—outpacing all midsize trucks and matching the acceleration of the Ford Maverick. The dual-clutch automatic transmission delivers quick, crisp shifts that further enhance the driving experience.
Off-Road Capability and Towing Prowess
With 8.6 inches of ground clearance—nearly matching the trail-favorite Subaru Outback—and available all-wheel drive, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is well-equipped for light off-road adventures. While not designed as a dedicated off-roader, it confidently handles graded dirt roads and slippery surfaces, making it ideal for weekend getaways to remote camping spots or beach destinations.
Towing capacity impresses at up to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive configuration. This capability outshines many competitors in the segment, allowing owners to tow small boats, campers, or trailers with ease. However, it's worth noting that the Santa Cruz lacks an integrated trailer brake controller, which would need to be added aftermarket for heavier towing applications.
The payload capacity tops out at approximately 1,400 pounds—sufficient for weekend adventures but not designed for heavy-duty hauling. This aligns with Hyundai's positioning of the vehicle as a "sport adventure vehicle" rather than a traditional work truck.
Interior Comfort and Technology in the Hyundai Santa Cruz
Cabin Design and Comfort Features
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz showcases a premium interior that distinguishes it from utilitarian trucks. The newly redesigned dashboard houses a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, giving the cabin a modern, tech-forward appearance. Front seats offer excellent comfort and support, with heating and ventilation available on upper trims—a rare feature in this vehicle segment.
Front-row occupants enjoy ample headroom and legroom, with highly adjustable seats that accommodate various body types. However, rear-seat passengers may find the upright seating position and limited legroom less accommodating for longer journeys, particularly for taller adults.
The cabin maintains Hyundai's reputation for quality materials and thoughtful design, though some elements—like the touch-sensitive shortcut buttons below the touchscreen—prioritize style over functionality. These can prove distracting to locate and use while driving, representing a minor ergonomic compromise in an otherwise well-executed interior.
Technology and Connectivity
Technology features stand out as a major strength of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, starting with the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. This high-resolution display remains readable even in direct sunlight and serves as the hub for the vehicle's infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come standard, allowing seamless integration of smartphone functions.
Upper trims benefit from:
- Bose premium audio system with exceptional sound quality
- Navigation system with advanced voice controls
- 360-degree parking camera with high-resolution display
- Digital instrument panel with customizable information displays
The comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies includes standard adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision warning. These systems function effectively, though some users may find the collision warning alerts overly sensitive during everyday driving.
Practical Utility of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Innovative Cargo Solutions
The Hyundai Santa Cruz compensates for its compact dimensions with clever storage solutions that maximize utility. The 4.3-foot bed extends to 6.2 feet with the tailgate down and includes several innovative features:
- In-bed trunk with drain plug (perfect for wet gear or as a cooler)
- Rail-track system for securing cargo
- Lockable storage compartments
- Integrated in-bed lighting
- Adjustable tailgate that can be positioned to support 4x8 building materials
These thoughtful additions transform the modest bed into a versatile space that accommodates various lifestyle needs, from weekend camping gear to DIY project materials.
Daily Livability Considerations
Beyond adventure capabilities, the Hyundai Santa Cruz excels as a daily driver with its comfortable ride quality and manageable dimensions. The vehicle strikes an excellent balance between utility and everyday usability, with a footprint similar to a compact SUV that enables easy parking in urban environments.
Interior storage follows conventions found in Hyundai's crossover lineup, with practical cupholders and a functional center console. While the back seat can accommodate child safety seats, larger rear-facing models may prove challenging to install due to spatial constraints.
Rear visibility represents one compromise, with the stylish design limiting the view through the rear window. However, Hyundai mitigates this with available driver assistance technologies and the excellent surround-view camera system on upper trims.
Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz with the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive earns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined. While this figure slightly trails the Ford Maverick's 25 mpg with its turbocharged engine, real-world testing has shown the Santa Cruz often outperforms its official ratings. During Edmunds' evaluation on their standardized test route, the vehicle returned an impressive 29 mpg—significantly exceeding expectations.
Operating costs benefit from Hyundai's industry-leading warranty coverage:
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 7-year/unlimited-mile rust coverage
- 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance
- 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance
This comprehensive protection package adds substantial value to the ownership experience, potentially offsetting the higher initial purchase price compared to some competitors.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz Driving Experience
Beyond specifications and features, the Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers an unexpectedly engaging driving experience. The vehicle's car-based platform contributes to responsive handling that defies its pickup truck classification. Steering precision and body control inspire confidence on winding roads, while the turbocharged engine provides ample power for highway merging and passing maneuvers.
The Santa Cruz successfully balances ride comfort with dynamic capability, absorbing road imperfections effectively while maintaining composure during spirited driving. Wind noise around the side mirrors becomes noticeable at highway speeds, as does some road noise from beneath the vehicle—minor compromises in an otherwise refined package.
Who Should Consider the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals to a specific buyer seeking the versatility of an open bed without the compromises of a traditional pickup truck. Ideal candidates include:
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need space for gear but prefer car-like driving dynamics
- Urban dwellers who occasionally need cargo capability beyond what an SUV offers
- Buyers seeking a premium experience in the compact truck segment
- Those who value distinctive styling and stand-out design
- Drivers who require moderate towing capability (up to 5,000 pounds)
Conversely, the Santa Cruz may not satisfy those needing maximum payload capacity, rear-seat passenger space, or dedicated off-road capability. Such buyers might be better served by midsize trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado or Ford Ranger.
Conclusion: The Hyundai Santa Cruz Makes a Compelling Case
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to refine its unique position in the automotive landscape, offering a compelling alternative for buyers seeking utility without traditional truck compromises. Its premium features, engaging driving dynamics, and thoughtful design touches justify its higher price point relative to some competitors.
Edmunds recommends the XRT trim as the sweet spot in the lineup, combining the more powerful turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive and desirable technology upgrades. This configuration maximizes the vehicle's capabilities without reaching the price point of the top-tier Limited trim.
With its distinctive styling, practical innovations, and impressive performance, the Hyundai Santa Cruz represents a forward-thinking approach to personal transportation that perfectly aligns with the evolving needs of today's adventure-minded consumers. Whether navigating city streets or exploring weekend getaways, this sport adventure vehicle delivers a balanced package that continues to win over both critics and owners alike.
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