2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review: Specs, Towing, and Price
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review: Specs, Towing, and Price
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to redefine what a compact pickup truck can be. With its unique blend of SUV comfort, truck utility, and modern tech, the Santa Cruz stands out in a market increasingly captivated by lifestyle-oriented vehicles. Whether you're an urban dweller needing a daily driver with cargo versatility or an outdoor enthusiast looking for a capable weekend adventure machine, the 2025 Santa Cruz deserves a serious look. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive into the latest specs, towing capabilities, pricing structure, and what makes this vehicle a compelling choice for 2025 buyers.
What’s New for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
For 2025, Hyundai has refined the Santa Cruz with subtle updates that enhance performance, comfort, and driver assistance features. While the overall design and platform remain consistent with the previous model year, several key improvements set the 2025 version apart:
- Enhanced Infotainment System: The 10.2-inch touchscreen now features faster processing, improved voice recognition, and expanded over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities.
- New Trim Level: Hyundai has introduced the Limited AWD Ultimate trim, offering premium materials, enhanced sound insulation, and exclusive exterior finishes.
- Improved Driver-Assistance Tech: Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) is now standard on SEL and above trims, enabling smoother lane changes and adaptive cruise control in more driving scenarios.
- Updated Suspension Tuning: The rear suspension has been retuned for better ride quality when towing or carrying heavy loads in the bed.
- Increased Towing Capacity (on Turbo AWD models): Up to 3,500 lbs with the available Trailer Tow Package, up from 3,500 lbs in 2024 but now with improved stability and braking integration.
These enhancements reflect Hyundai’s commitment to evolving the Santa Cruz into a more refined and capable vehicle without straying from its original design philosophy: a sporty, car-based pickup that’s as fun to drive as it is practical.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2025 Santa Cruz maintains its sleek, crossover-inspired profile. Measuring 196.8 inches in length with a 120.9-inch wheelbase, it’s slightly longer than a Honda Ridgeline but shorter than full-size trucks like the Ford F-150. This compact footprint makes it easy to maneuver in cities while still offering impressive cargo utility.
The front fascia features Hyundai’s signature cascading grille, flanked by slim LED headlights and dynamic daytime running lights. On SEL and higher trims, the Santa Cruz includes LED fog lights and a more aggressive lower bumper design. The roofline slopes gently toward the rear, giving it a sporty hatchback look, while the rear cargo bed—measuring 4 feet long—can accommodate a variety of gear, from ATVs to building materials.
Key exterior dimensions:
- Length: 196.8 inches
- Width: 74.4 inches (81.9 inches including mirrors)
- Height: 66.9 inches
- Ground Clearance: 7.6 inches (up to 8.3 inches with Selectable Terrain Mode on AWD models)
- Cargo Bed Dimensions: 57.4 inches long x 52.1 inches wide x 21.2 inches deep
Available in 10 exterior colors—including new for 2025: Interstellar Gray Matte and Sunset Red Metallic—the Santa Cruz offers personality to match its functionality. Unique features like the in-bed trunk, dual-level tailgate, and available bed extender further enhance its versatility.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside the 2025 Santa Cruz, and you’ll find a cabin that rivals many luxury SUVs in terms of material quality and tech integration. The dashboard features a dual-cockpit layout, with a driver-centric instrument cluster and a central touchscreen that flows seamlessly into the center console.
Standard features on the base SE trim include:
- 8-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Two USB-C ports in front, one in rear
- Manual climate control
- 60/40 split-fold rear seats
Higher trims like the SEL, XRT, and Limited add premium features such as:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Leather or leather-trimmed upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Bose premium audio system (12 speakers)
- Wireless charging pad
- Heated rear seats (Limited trim)
- Head-up Display (HUD)
The interior space is one of the Santa Cruz’s strongest suits. Front passengers enjoy 41.7 inches of legroom, while rear-seat occupants benefit from 37.1 inches—ample for adults on medium-length drives. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 26.7 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded down, that expands to 53.3 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2025 Santa Cruz’s infotainment system, powered by Hyundai’s latest Blue Link technology, offers seamless connectivity. The 10.2-inch touchscreen has a crisp, responsive interface with customizable home screens and quick-access menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across all trims, eliminating the need for cables.
Other tech highlights include:
- Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 (allows phone-as-key functionality and remote start via app)
- Bluelink Connected Care with remote door lock/unlock, vehicle status, and stolen vehicle recovery
- Over-the-air software updates for navigation, voice recognition, and system performance
- Available 10.2-inch digital cluster with configurable displays showing navigation, audio, and driving data
- Available 360-degree camera system with front and rear parking sensors
For audiophiles, the optional Bose premium audio system delivers rich, balanced sound with noise compensation based on road speed and cabin environment. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable wireless connections for calls and streaming.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with two engine choices, both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission:
2.5L Inline-4 Non-Turbo (Standard on SE and SEL FWD)
- Horsepower: 191 hp
- Torque: 181 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Fuel Economy (EPA est.): 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined
This naturally aspirated engine provides smooth, predictable performance ideal for city driving and light-duty hauling. It’s reliable, efficient, and well-suited for buyers who don’t need maximum power.
2.5L Turbo Inline-4 (Available on SEL AWD, Standard on XRT and Limited)
- Horsepower: 281 hp
- Torque: 311 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT)
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with HTRAC system
- Fuel Economy (EPA est.): 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
The turbocharged engine transforms the Santa Cruz into a genuinely responsive performer. It delivers strong acceleration (0-60 mph in ~6.5 seconds) and impressive passing power on highways. The dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, especially in Sport mode.
Both engines feature multiple drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart. AWD models add Snow, Sand, and Mud modes, which adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control for off-road conditions.
Towing and Cargo Capabilities
One of the standout features of the 2025 Santa Cruz is its impressive towing capacity—especially given its compact size and unibody construction.
Towing Capacity by Trim
- SE and SEL FWD (non-turbo): 1,500 lbs
- SEL AWD (turbo): 3,500 lbs (with Trailer Tow Package)
- XRT and Limited AWD (turbo): 3,500 lbs (standard with Trailer Tow Package)
The Trailer Tow Package, available on turbo AWD models, includes:
- Class III trailer hitch receiver
- Integrated trailer sway control
- Upgraded radiator and transmission cooler
- Enhanced frame bracing
- Wiring harness for trailer lights
This setup allows the Santa Cruz to confidently tow small campers, jet skis, motorcycles, and utility trailers. The available multi-view camera system includes a trailer backup guide, making hitching easier for novice users.
Cargo Bed Features
The Santa Cruz’s cargo bed is engineered for maximum utility:
- In-Bed Trunk: A lockable, drainable 3.5 cu-ft storage compartment under the bed floor—perfect for tools, coolers, or muddy gear.
- Dual-Level Tailgate: Can be lowered to standard height or removed and repositioned as a load stop or step.
- Built-In Tie-Downs: Four adjustable hooks and multiple anchor points.
- Built-In Power Outlet: 120V AC outlet (standard on Limited trim, optional on others) for running tools or appliances.
- Bicycle Carrier System: Optional bed-mounted rack for carrying up to two bikes.
While not designed for full-size construction loads, the Santa Cruz excels at lifestyle hauling—making it ideal for weekend warriors, campers, and active families.
Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality
The 2025 Santa Cruz rides on a unibody platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson, contributing to a car-like driving experience. Independent front and rear suspension systems provide a smooth, composed ride over bumps and uneven terrain.
Hyundai has tuned the steering to offer a good balance of responsiveness and comfort. On FWD models, the Santa Cruz feels agile and light—perfect for urban environments. AWD models add extra stability in rain, snow, or light off-road conditions.
The available HTRAC AWD system intelligently distributes torque between front and rear wheels. In normal conditions, it operates primarily in FWD mode for efficiency, but can send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when slip is detected. The selectable terrain modes further enhance off-road capability, particularly in Sand and Mud settings.
Ride comfort is excellent for a compact pickup. Noise insulation has been improved for 2025, especially on the Limited trim, reducing wind and road noise at highway speeds. The low step-in height and high seating position make it easy to enter and exit—ideal for older drivers or those with mobility concerns.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety is a top priority for Hyundai, and the 2025 Santa Cruz comes packed with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), many of which are standard or available across all trims.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go (