These days, pickup-trucks and SUVs, especially crossovers, are hot. In 2022, South Korean automaker Hyundai merged the two by releasing the Santa Cruz – a vehicle that combines the comfort and ease of a crossover but throws in a truck bed for increased utility. Now after four years, Hyundai has given the Santa Cruz a minor styling refresh to make it look a little more rugged.
The Santa Cruz shares its basic platform and unibody construction with the Hyundai Tucson crossover SUV and is available only as a four-door crew cab with a cargo bed. Its bed is shorter than a mid-size trucks, but at about four feet long it’s still handy and versatile, with a lockable tonneau cover and a useful in-bed trunk that’s similar to what is found in the Honda Ridgeline.
For 2025, the Santa Cruz benefits from a new grille, front fascia, daytime running lights and fresh wheel designs. The XRT trim level gets some upgrades of its own, like a unique grille, bumpers, and distinct 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The XRT (as well as the Limited) also gets a new towing drive mode.
The Santa Cruz is available in five different trim levels and two different engines. The base SE and SEL use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is good for 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. For better performance, opt for the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that bumps up power to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be found in the Night trim level, which features dark front and rear fascias as well as other blacked out accents, the XRT, which is the all-terrain version of the Santa Cruz, and the Limited – which is the top-of-the-line trim level.
Inside, the Santa Cruz has a very nice interior with the use of attractive materials and plenty of modern features that would be found in more expensive vehicles. The fully digital gauge cluster works great, and the large touchscreen is easy to use. There is a new layout for the HVAC and radio controls that now use knobs rather than buttons, making using them so much easier. Also simple to use is the traditional shifter that can be found on the center console – no dial to turn or buttons to press, just a good ole fashion gear shifter.
When it comes to comfort, front seat driver and passenger have plenty of room and get the luxury of heated and vented seats on the upper trim levels. The backseat, however, is set upright and isn’t nearly as comfortable. On the plus side, it does fold down in a 60/40 split to reveal extra storage bins. Cupholders are plenty as are USB ports, including two in the backseat.
With the turbocharged engine, the Santa Cruz has plenty of punch, although there is a hint of turbo lag upon initial acceleration. The turbo engine uses an eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, so it shifts quickly and smoothly. The base engine uses a traditional automatic transmission. Maneuverability around town is very car-like, and likewise, the Santa Cruz is simple to park. Spirited drivers will appreciate that the Santa Cruz is quite agile and remains relatively flat through the corners.
For those that need to tow small boats or trailers, the Santa Cruz with the turbo engine and AWD has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Pricing for the Santa Cruz starts at a very reasonable $29,895. The Santa Cruz that Hyundai has me in this week is the XRT trim level with all-wheel drive. With its bright red tow hooks and more pronounced body cladding, it gives the Santa Cruz that off-road aggressive look. It carries a price tag of $41,605.
It is easy to like the Santa Cruz – it has the looks and style and it’s a good driver. The new curved display used for the gauges and infotainment center is impressive and the surround view camera is one of the best I have seen. I do wish it had the side opening tailgate like the one found on the Honda Ridgeline. Lacking this feature isn’t a show-stopper, as it still has some cool storage under the cargo bed, but it’s a stretch to reach that cargo as you have to lean over the lowered tailgate. Not only that, the tonneau cover, which is very handy, is yet another far reach to get when wanting to pull it closed.
The Santa Cruz’s main rival is the Ford Maverick, which offers outstanding value and an available hybrid powertrain. But the Maverick isn’t quite as upscale as the Santa Cruz, so the playing field becomes a bit more level.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great alternative for those that want a little more utility than your typical SUV can offer, but don’t need something as big as a Ford F-150 or Chevy Colorado – yet want something with more features than the Ford Maverick. Hyundai’s first attempt in the truck market, while interesting, is also quite good.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD
Base Price: $40,000.00
Price as Tested: $41,605.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: 8 – speed dual-clutch automatic
Horsepower: 281 hp
Torque: 311 ft-lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
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