With its first refresh since debuting in 2022, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz gets a little more rugged. Along with some styling updates inside and out, the XRT trim level gets more attention and is more off-road capable than ever.
Two engines are available on the 2025 Santa Cruz: the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are available, depending on the trim.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz gets a facelift with a new grille, eight large daytime running lights, and a more aggressive front and rear fascia. Most of the changes, however, appear on the rugged XRT trim. Along with XRT-specific front and rear fascias and grille, the truck will have front tow hooks, 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and a higher approach angle, making it more adept at off-roading.
Additionally, there are two new color choices: Rockwood Green and Canyon Red.
Inside the Santa Cruz, a large panoramic digital display blends increased functionality with a crisp, high-tech screen. This new display dramatically alters the dashboard's layout, similar to the also-refreshed-for-2025 Hyundai Tucson. The new display houses an optional 12.3-inch digital driver information cluster and an available 12.3-inch infotainment system.
New air vents, along with audio, video, navigation, and heating/cooling controls, reside in the center stack between the display and the center console. There’s also a new steering wheel and a rear-seat center armrest with two cupholders.
Powertrains carry over from the 2024 Santa Cruz. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates a robust 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. It works with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Towing capacity with this powertrain increases to 5,000 pounds.
The refreshed Santa Cruz offers a wide range of tech and safety features. For the 2025 model year, Hyundai adds a standard driver monitoring system, which helps prevent drowsy or otherwise distracted driving.
Regarding infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, viewed on the 12.3-inch panoramic display. New for 2025, over-the-air updates ensure you have the latest vehicle software.
Every 2025 Santa Cruz comes with complimentary Bluelink+ connected services, allowing you to start the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors, adjust climate settings, and activate seat heating and cooling, all via your smartphone.
Paying for parking is a breeze with the automaker’s Hyundai Pay in-car payment system. When you park at a Hyundai-affiliated parking lot, you can automatically pay for parking with your stored credit card.
Additionally, Hyundai equips the 2025 Santa Cruz with a fingerprint scanner, allowing the driver to start the car using biometric data without an intelligent key present.
The 2025 Santa Cruz offers updated styling inside and out, class-above safety and tech features, and a strong 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. As a small pickup, its main competition is the Ford Maverick, though some consumers may also cross-shop certain midsize trucks.
Hyundai is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of March 27, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Zac Johnson is a lifelong car enthusiast pursuing his dream of becoming an automotive journalist. He is a social media manager, contributor to JDPower.com, and founder of Best Daily Drivers.
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