2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

From day one, the Hyundai truck has been a show-off. The look is athletic yet refined. That’s part of why it earned Motor Trend Truck of the Year in its first model year.

Now Hyundai has decided to update it, emphasizing its wide stance with a more aggressive front end. Compared to the 2024 model, shoppers will notice more vertical lines by day or night. An impressive light signature is formed by ten rectangles of varying sizes. With five lights on either side, these flank the grille with its own rectangular openings.

The result is a bolder look in keeping with this ride’s sporty attitude. It may be used for a daily commute, but it’s clear there’s adventure to come.

Since pickup enthusiasts love to personalize their ride, Hyundai has added two new exterior choices. Canyon Red seems made for our Arizona landscape. Rockwood Green won’t look out of place in the desert either, since the color is subtle and earthy.

Curb appeal is important, but it must carry over into the cabin. To ensure that, Hyundai made many updates. Some are practical, such as the new USB-C ports and rear seat center armrest. Others are new style choices such as the redesigned air vents and the new steering wheel.

If compared to the 2024 models, the 2025 Santa Cruz dashboard incorporates vertical shapes. This echoes the new front end and brings the style together in a cohesive fashion.

Ergonomics and versatility have been emphasized throughout the cabin. Switchgear is easy to use and easy to reach. There’s more storage in the cabin. This includes a shelf placed above the glovebox. It’s perfect for the front seat passenger to utilize.

The available power chairs and power mirrors can now be upgraded with a memory system. This can automatically adjust the chairs and mirrors to match the driver’s preference. It can help with exiting and entering the vehicle as well as providing the best position.

If you want the latest, greatest changes in automotives, you’ll want this truck’s fingerprint scanner. This biometric device is all about security and convenience.

Improved for 2025, the Digital Key is more useful than ever. Hyundai Pay is on the menu, allowing owners to enjoy the convenience of an in-car payment system.

For Tech Geeks, the cabin now offers a panoramic dual display. This includes the available 12.3-inch digital display and the advanced 12.3-inch navigation system. To maintain contemporary standards, systems can be upgraded by over the air updates.

Even if you don’t choose the upgrade, the 8-inch touchscreen offers advanced features. For instance, wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are new standards for every Santa Cruz trim level. To learn about the Santa Cruz driver assistance, you may want to check out this 2024 review.

With a 191-horsepower engine, the Santa Cruz is easy to drive. Refined handling, quick acceleration, and a good ride quality ensure that this truck feels more like an SUV. The top tow rating is 3,500 lbs.

The 8-speed automatic transmission can be upgraded to a special wet dual-clutch system. This automatic is paired with a 2.5L turbo. It cranks out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. With all-wheel drive, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

A standard two-wheel drivetrain is especially fuel efficient. However, many pickup enthusiasts will choose HTRAC AWD. This special Hyundai drivetrain utilizes a variable torque-split clutch. Torque can actively move to the front or rear depending on road conditions.

Even better, torque distribution varies with speed and angle. It can deliver expert cornering or the best straight-line acceleration. If you put the truck in Sport mode, HTRAC will favor the rear wheels. This gives you the rear-wheel bias that makes certain sports cars so much fun.

Our Phoenix Hyundai dealership offers competitive financing. Get pre-approved for a loan or a lease.

Already the most adventure-minded trim level, the XRT has increased curb appeal, added new tech toys, and become an even better off-roader. Its new look is anchored by its exclusive grille set above a new front bumper fascia. Front tow hooks hint at this truck’s strength.

Along the side, the Wrench-inspired wheels are an exciting new upgrade to this trim level’s sporty attitude. Of course, those wheels cover all-terrain tires to assist with trail rides. Hyundai engineers worked to find the best balance between on-road and off-road handling. Its reflexes were further enhanced by increasing its approach angles.

In the cabin, the front seats boast XRT logos. On the dash, there’s a surround view monitor. It makes parking a breeze. Also, it can be used on the trail to enhance your fun and your safety.

Hyundai adds a blind-spot view monitor. This provides live feed to the screen, helping drivers stay out of harm’s way.

Why not schedule a test drive? We guarantee there’s fun ahead when you get behind the wheel of this remarkable midsize truck at our Phoenix Hyundai dealership.