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The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to build on the foundation laid by its predecessors, blending the functionality of a pickup truck with the comfort and efficiency of an SUV. The latest model is expected to bring several updates and enhancements that cater to both urban drivers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Here’s a comprehensive look at everything we learned about the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz at the latest New York International Auto Show!
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Design and Exterior
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz maintains its distinctive unibody design, which differentiates it from traditional body-on-frame trucks. This design choice ensures a smoother ride and better handling. The exterior sees some refined touches, including a bolder front grille, sleek LED headlights, and new alloy wheel designs that enhance its sporty appearance.
Hyundai has introduced new color options for the 2025 model, allowing buyers to choose from a wider palette. The cargo bed remains versatile with an array of configurations to cater to various cargo needs, making it ideal for both everyday use and weekend getaways.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior and Comfort
Inside, the 2025 Santa Cruz offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. The interior materials have been upgraded, with higher trims featuring leather upholstery and premium finishes. The infotainment system has been updated with a larger touchscreen display, improved graphics, and faster response times. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims add wireless charging, a premium sound system, and advanced navigation options.
The rear seats continue to offer ample legroom, and the clever use of space ensures plenty of storage options throughout the cabin. Hyundai’s focus on ergonomics means that all controls are within easy reach, providing a driver-centric experience.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Performance and Engine Options
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with multiple engine options to cater to different driving preferences. The base model is expected to feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, delivering a balance of power and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more performance, a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine option is available, offering an impressive 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines come paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifts and optimal performance. Additionally, Hyundai continues to offer both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, with the latter providing enhanced traction and stability for off-road adventures.
Related: Looking for something smaller? Check out our overview of the 2025 Honda Civic!
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Technology and Safety
Hyundai has packed the 2025 Santa Cruz with the latest technology and safety features. The updated infotainment system includes a larger, high-resolution touchscreen, and connectivity options such as Bluetooth, multiple USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The digital instrument cluster provides customizable displays, allowing drivers to access crucial information at a glance.
On the safety front, the Santa Cruz comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver assistance features. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. New for 2025 is the addition of a 360-degree camera system, which provides a comprehensive view around the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier than ever.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pricing and Availability
The pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is expected to remain competitive within its segment. The base model starts around $25,000, with higher trims and additional options pushing the price upwards. Hyundai continues to offer various financing and lease options to make the Santa Cruz accessible to a wide range of buyers.
The 2025 Santa Cruz is expected to hit dealerships in late 2024, with preorders opening a few months prior. Given the popularity of the previous model, Hyundai has been working around the clock to ensure there’s enough Santa Cruz models to meet demand.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is poised to strengthen its position in the market by offering a unique blend of truck utility and SUV comfort. With its updated design, enhanced interior features, powerful engine options, and advanced technology, the new Santa Cruz appeals to a broad audience ranging from city dwellers to outdoor enthusiasts. Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction is evident in the thoughtful enhancements made to the 2025 Santa Cruz, making it a compelling choice for those in the market for both a versatile and stylish vehicle.
