2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

Pickup enthusiasts will like the truck’s bolder look. Shoppers will find a new front fascia, grille and running lights as well as new wheel designs.

XRT models have a more menacing look that emphasizes its wide stance. Sure to please off-road adventurers, the new XRT bumper designs and other upgrades help achieve better approach angles on the trail.

Taking care of the Tech Geek in all of us, the Santa Cruz offers its most advanced touchscreen and digital instrument panel ever. This immersive digital cockpit includes better graphics, faster functionality, and an excellent user experience.

New colors will appeal to Phoenix AZ drivers. The newest exterior hues are Canyon Red and Rockwood Green. There’s also a new medium gray upholstery offered for 2025 models.

For the 2025 model year, there are numerous changes to the interior that will make it more comfortable, functional, and attractive. Exterior design motifs move inside to provide strong horizontal and vertical shapes. There’s a new instrument panel, ergonomic center stack controls, and a new steering wheel in the cockpit.

The front seat passenger will like the addition of a shelf above the glove compartment. New air vents add another layer of change to the look.

For the first time, all models have wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. Hyundai expands what the system can do with over-the-air update capability and Bluelink+ Connected Car tech. New tools include the available Digital Key 2 Touch app and a fingerprint scanner for security.

The most obvious high tech feature is the panoramic curved display with dual 12.3-inch screens. This available system provides a digitized driver information cluster as well as a new audi-video navigation system. To make sure the system is easy to use, Hyundai retains switches and buttons for HVAC and other important uses.

A two-row cabin is joined to a 4-foot bed with built-in steps. A tonneau cover allows you to claim 27 cubes of covered space in the bed. Plus there’s an in-bed trunk to provide waterproof, drainable space for your belongings. Furthermore, there’s 104 cubic feet of passenger wiggle room in the cabin.

Versatility is an important hallmark of this pickup truck. Hyundai makes it possible to lay 4 x 8 plywood flat for transport. The smart tailgate can lay flat in the normal position or at a higher position that coincides with the widest part of the truckbed.

Furthermore, Hyundai provides cubbies and a tie-down system to provide organization and greater safety overall. Keeping things creative, special notches allow users to create their own organizational system.

Composite material helps protect the bed from damage. Likewise, composite is used to create molded steps that can handle an adult’s weight.

Ready to trade up to the Santa Cruz pickup? You can learn about competitive loans and leases from our helpful financing staff.

Hyundai trucks offer a choice of powertrains in 2025. The first is a 191-horsepower engine that utilizes front-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission to provide ample acceleration. However, the Santa Cruz turbo is the faster truck in this lineup.

With the turbo’s 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, turbo drivers enjoy the use of paddle shifters. A turbo-charged engine produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

Either truck engine can be paired with HTRAC all-wheel drivetrains. This system moves torque to the front or rear as needed. Adding to the fun of driving this truck, the HTRAC Sport mode sends more torque to the rear wheels. This imitates the rear wheel drivetrains so popular on European sports cars.

The best way to answer that question is to look at the tow ratings and payload numbers. Shoppers can aim for a 1,753-lb payload rating or a maximum tow capacity of 5,000 pounds. Here’s what you should know.

The Santa Cruz standard engine can pull 1,650 lbs and handle 1,532 or 1,753 pounds of payload. However, it is possible to increase the towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

As for the Santa Cruz turbo, it can pull up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive. Payload numbers are 1,521 or 1,609 pounds.

For 2025, the Santa Cruz Limited and XRT models gain a special towing drive mode. This helps ensure the best outcome when pulling a load.

The SE starts you off smart with a laminated windshield, split-fold rear seats, and a modern cockpit with an 8-inch touchscreen. The Santa Fe SEL is known for its driver power chair and heated front seats. Leather, Bose audio and other fine features are hallmarks of the Santa Cruz Limited.

If you want to go another direction, the 2025 Santa Fe XRT Trim is ready to serve. The fun exterior includes wrench-inspired 18-inch wheels and excellent all-terrain tires. The interior adds a surround view monitor to help you see everything when you are on slow maneuvers on the trail. Utlizing rear cameras, there’s also a blind spot view monitor.

Now that you know more, why not schedule a test drive? Our Phoenix Hyundai staff is committed to providing the best customer service in a positive, no-hassle atmosphere.