2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Compact Pickup Doesn't Act Like a Truck

At first glance, the Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn't look like it belongs in the truck aisle ... and that's exactly the point. It's part SUV, part truck, and part lifestyle statement, with the 2025 model leaning even further into that identity. Blending rugged utility with sleek urban style and smarter tech, this Sport Adventure Vehicle is designed for people who never thought they'd own a pickup but crave the versatility to tackle a variety of tasks when it comes to serious work and serious play.

Refined Muscle with a Smarter Face

It's obvious that the Santa Cruz is continuing to develop and grow into its own identity. The new front fascia and grille stretch wide with purpose, complemented by redesigned wheels and signature daytime running lights that elevate its presence from purely utilitarian to a more upscale demeanor. It still keeps that unique crossover-meets-pickup vibe that initially turned heads and made it stand out in the first place, but now it feels confident and mature like it's no longer an experiment but rather a vehicle that has grown into its own identity.

XRT Gets Down to Business

If dirt trails are your weekend playground, the 2025 XRT comes ready with beefed-up front and rear bumpers, a more aggressive grille, and tough 18-inch wheels that look like they've been borrowed from a toolbox. Wrapped in all-terrain tires and sporting front tow hooks, the XRT boasts a steeper approach angle and highly visible recovery points that promise readiness for challenging terrain. Inside, details like embossed seatbacks and surround-view camera monitors make it clear this isn't just a look; it's a purpose-built truck whether you're hitting the trails or just handling daily challenges.

Customers are going to appreciate all the new design details and enhancements inside and out. Santa Cruz is a true sport adventure vehicle. The development goal for freshening Santa Cruz was to give it an even bolder, stronger design. We also wanted Santa Cruz to be more capable, and the available XRT trim delivers with all-terrain tires, front tow hooks and improved off-road capability.

José Muñoz, president and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America

Technology Speaks the Language

The cabin feels more like a tech-forward lounge than a pure work truck, as the visually impressive panoramic curved display seamlessly combines a 12.3-inch driver screen and matching infotainment panel. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard, wireless and hassle-free, with USB-C ports scattered where you need them. Features like Hyundai Pay, Bluelink+, and a fingerprint scanner add smart touches that make everyday life easier. The Digital Key 2 system, which allows drivers to unlock and start the vehicle with their phone, adds a futuristic flair, blending everyday practicality with a secret handshake for tech-savvy adventurers.

Performance Rises to the Occasion

Under the hood, the Santa Cruz offers two compelling engine choices. The base 2.5L direct-injected in-line four-cylinder engine puts out a respectable 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque which is plenty for your daily drives. But if you want a little more punch though, the turbocharged 2.5-liter kicks it up to 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, plus a new Tow Mode that's ideal for hauling trailers or gear. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and Hyundai's smart HTRAC all-wheel drive, this setup handles everything from tight city corners to muddy backroads with confidence. And yes, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds; so it's perfect for camper trailers or weekend getaways.

More vertical lines and redesigned headlamps bookend a menacing new grille incorporating larger chambers. These changes give the 2025 Santa Cruz a more planted, robust stance. On the Santa Cruz XRT, we've augmented the model's off-road capability by increasing the approach angle, adding all-terrain tires and unique wrench-inspired alloy wheels.

Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy for Hyundai Motor North America

Details Make the Difference

It's the little things that turn the Santa Cruz from just another truck into a seriously practical partner. The composite bed features handy underfloor storage compartments, integrated built-in tie-downs, and an available 115V power inverter to keep your gear or campsite essentials powered up. Inside, the controls are thoughtfully laid out with easy-to-reach air vents, cupholders, and a glovebox shelf that improve ergonomic comfort. The rear seat folds down with a center armrest and cupholders, so passengers or cargo get a secure spot. All these details add up to a truck that's ready for the everyday grind as well as more adventurous weekend plans.

In a world that often separates work from play, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz flips the script by making the case that you don't have to choose. With enhanced tech, refined styling, and a new sense of rugged assurance, it's more than a niche experiment. It's a fully realized answer to the question no one thought to ask: What if a truck could actually fit your life, instead of asking you to fit into its mold? It's a pickup that doesn't act like one, and that's exactly why it's carving out a niche all its own.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Hyundai Santa Cruz

About Hyundai

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.