With its Square Grille and More Stylish Design, New Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 2025
- last month
Although the updated Santa Cruz looks familiar, the closer you get to it, the more differences you notice. For example, the general shape of the grille remains the same, but the slats inside are larger and thicker, contributing to its meatier appearance. Lighting elements are now stacked more vertically, contributing to the linear design of the turntable.
Hyundai also added a cladding piece that resembles underbody protection. It's unclear whether it will actually protect the Santa Cruz from anything, but the pickup will be more capable off-road, at least in the XRT trim.
The model features custom front and rear bumpers, an XRT-specific blacked-out grille that houses tow hooks, and wrenches-inspired 18-inch wheels. Wrapped in 245/60R 18 all-terrain tires and better approach angles, all this contributes to the truck being more comfortable in the dirt.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is Sportier on the Outside, Cowier on the Inside
The interior of the XRT model features surround-view and blind-spot monitors, along with logos embossed on the upper backs of the front seats. However, updates to the interior design of the truck are coming throughout the series. If Santa Cruz is more of an athletic athlete on the outside, he's become more of an A/V club nerd on the inside.
Santa Cruz now benefits from Hyundai's (optional) curved panoramic screen. It consists of a 12.3-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard. Since this is a turntable, the automaker hasn't given up on buttons, and there's physical switchgear for frequently used audio and HVAC controls.
Matching the very large infotainment screen, the front panel is also slim and wide; vents appear to extend from door to door. The new steering wheel provides better control, and for rear-seat passengers, Hyundai added a center armrest with two cupholders.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is Sportier on the Outside, Cowier on the Inside
The truck comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and supports over-the-air updates. It's also equipped with Digital Key 2, a fingerprint scanner, Hyundai's in-car payment system, and Bluelink+ connected car technology.
While the interior and exterior were renewed, there was no change under the hood. Santa Cruz still comes with two engine options; 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbo producing 281 hp. (210 kW / 285 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque. Both are connected to a lightly tuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The multi-disc hydraulic torque converter increases responsiveness and the downsized oil pump minimizes friction losses.
The naturally aspirated engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg), while the 2.5-liter turbo can tow 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Hyundai also added a cladding piece that resembles underbody protection. It's unclear whether it will actually protect the Santa Cruz from anything, but the pickup will be more capable off-road, at least in the XRT trim.
The model features custom front and rear bumpers, an XRT-specific blacked-out grille that houses tow hooks, and wrenches-inspired 18-inch wheels. Wrapped in 245/60R 18 all-terrain tires and better approach angles, all this contributes to the truck being more comfortable in the dirt.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is Sportier on the Outside, Cowier on the Inside
The interior of the XRT model features surround-view and blind-spot monitors, along with logos embossed on the upper backs of the front seats. However, updates to the interior design of the truck are coming throughout the series. If Santa Cruz is more of an athletic athlete on the outside, he's become more of an A/V club nerd on the inside.
Santa Cruz now benefits from Hyundai's (optional) curved panoramic screen. It consists of a 12.3-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard. Since this is a turntable, the automaker hasn't given up on buttons, and there's physical switchgear for frequently used audio and HVAC controls.
Matching the very large infotainment screen, the front panel is also slim and wide; vents appear to extend from door to door. The new steering wheel provides better control, and for rear-seat passengers, Hyundai added a center armrest with two cupholders.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is Sportier on the Outside, Cowier on the Inside
The truck comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and supports over-the-air updates. It's also equipped with Digital Key 2, a fingerprint scanner, Hyundai's in-car payment system, and Bluelink+ connected car technology.
While the interior and exterior were renewed, there was no change under the hood. Santa Cruz still comes with two engine options; 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp (142 kW / 194 PS) and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbo producing 281 hp. (210 kW / 285 PS) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque. Both are connected to a lightly tuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The multi-disc hydraulic torque converter increases responsiveness and the downsized oil pump minimizes friction losses.
The naturally aspirated engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg), while the 2.5-liter turbo can tow 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) and comes standard with all-wheel drive.