2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Our VerdictThe 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a uniquely versatile compact pickup that blends the comfort and drivability of an SUV with the utility of a small truck bed. It’s easy to maneuver, packed with features, and delivers a fun driving experience. The one drawback: there’s no hybrid option, so fuel economy remains only average.
Outdoor Hobbyists, Urban Adventurers
Heavy-Duty Tasks, Rugged Off-Roading
The Case For
- SUV-like comfort with open-bed utility
- Lockable in-bed trunk and an available rolling tonneau cover
- AWD is available on all trims for all-weather traction
Considerations
- Short 4-foot bed limits hauling of very large items
- Base 191‑hp engine is only adequate
- No hybrid version available
Who It's For
The Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s innovative “Sport Adventure Vehicle,” essentially a crossover SUV with a pickup bed. It’s built for drivers who want the practicality of an open cargo bed for bikes, camping gear or DIY project supplies, but don’t need a huge truck. Unlike traditional body-on-frame pickups, the Santa Cruz is based on a unibody SUV platform, so it drives more like a car: easy to maneuver in cities and comfortable on commutes. It stands out with its bold design (shared DNA with the Hyundai Tucson up front) and a cabin loaded with modern tech. For 2025, the Santa Cruz’s interior is even more futuristic, featuring a new curved infotainment display that gives it a high-tech vibe.
Choose Your Specification
SE
~$29.9KEntry-Level Essentials
The SE is the most affordable Santa Cruz, but it’s far from bare-bones. This base model comes well-equipped with everyday necessities. The SE is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who need a practical small truck for light duty, without a lot of frills. (AWD is optional for ~$1,500 extra.)
SEL
~$31.6KMost Popular Trim
The SEL hits the sweet spot for many Santa Cruz shoppers. Building on the SE, it adds a nice jump in comfort and convenience for a modest price bump. It offers the best value for most, delivering everyday luxuries (like heated seats and better interior trim) while keeping the price in the low $30Ks.
SEL Activity
~$34.6KAdventure Package
New for 2025 as a standalone trim, the SEL Activity is essentially an SEL with an added bundle of adventure-ready features and style. It’s perfect for those who plan to make full use of the Santa Cruz’s utility. SEL Activity is a terrific choice for weekend adventurers: think surfers, mountain bikers, or DIY enthusiasts.
XRT
~$41.4KOff-Road Inspired
The XRT is the Santa Cruz’s rugged persona. New for 2025, the XRT not only looks the part of an off-road adventure truck, but it also comes standard with the big guns: a 281-hp turbocharged engine, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and H-Trac all-wheel drive are all included. It’s great for campers, boat-towers, or anyone who just loves the look of a blacked-out, trail-ready truck.
Limited
~$43.9KFully Loaded Luxury
The Limited is the top-of-the-line Santa Cruz and comes absolutely loaded with premium features. It takes all the performance bits of the XRT (turbo engine, AWD, advanced safety tech) but swaps the off-road aesthetic for a more upscale, city-smart style. It’s priced in the mid-$40Ks, making it the priciest Santa Cruz, but it undercuts many traditional midsize trucks when similarly equipped.
- You get the handy bed upgrades (factory tonneau cover, LED bed lights, outlet and rails)
- You’re essentially getting a “loaded” Santa Cruz for around $35K
- Get comfort goodies like the sunroof, digital gauge cluster, and wireless charging
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | SE | SEL | SEL Activity | XRT | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (gas) | 2.5L Turbo 4-cyl (gas) |
| Horsepower (feel) | 191 hp (adequate daily power) | 191 hp (adequate daily power) | 191 hp (adequate daily power) | 281 hp (turbo punch, quick) | 281 hp (turbo punch, quick) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 22/26 (FWD); 21/25 (AWD) | 22/26 (FWD); 21/25 (AWD) | 22/26 (FWD); 21/25 (AWD) | 19/27 (AWD only) | 19/27 (AWD only) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
| Cargo Capacity | 4.3‑ft bed + lockable trunk | 4.3‑ft bed + lockable trunk | 4.3‑ft bed + lockable trunk | 4.3‑ft bed + lockable trunk | 4.3‑ft bed + lockable trunk |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch auto | 8-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Starting MSRP | ~$29,900 | ~$31,600 | ~$34,600 | ~$41,400 | ~$43,900 |
| Car Type | Compact Pickup | Compact Pickup | Compact Pickup | Compact Pickup | Compact Pickup |
The Cost of Ownership
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's annual ownership costs:
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4Modern Urban Adventurer
The Santa Cruz’s design turns heads, it’s not your average pickup. Hyundai gave it a sleek, youthful look that blends SUV and truck cues. It loses one point mainly because that short bed, while stylishly integrated, does limit some utility (you can’t hide its crossover roots).
Interior
4High-Tech Cabin, Cozy in Back
Slide into the Santa Cruz and you might think you’re in a modern SUV, not a pickup. Materials are nice for the class: there are soft-touch surfaces in the right places and available leather trim, especially in the Limited. If you frequently carry four adults, you might wish for a bit more room.
Safety
5High Marks with Loads of Driver Aids
Hyundai has equipped the Santa Cruz with an extensive suite of standard safety features. Visibility is generally good; large side mirrors and a standard rearview camera help maneuvering. Even the base SE comes with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, plus Blind-Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance.
Fuel Economy
3Decent Efficiency, But No Hybrid
For a pickup truck, the Santa Cruz’s fuel economy is respectable, though not groundbreaking. With the standard 2.5L engine, you’re looking at around 22 mpg city / 26 mpg highway (FWD), or slightly less with AWD (around 21/25 mpg). If you prioritize MPG, the base engine FWD Santa Cruz is the configuration to choose.
Tech & Infotainment
5Big Screens & Smart Connectivity
Tech is one of the Santa Cruz’s strongest suits. Hyundai basically transplanted the Tucson’s high-tech setup into this truck. It basically has all the gadgets you’d find in a $50K SUV, but in a more affordable package. For tech-savvy drivers, the Santa Cruz is a standout choice, hence the perfect score here.
Performance & Handling
3Smooth Ride, Sufficient Go
Driving the Santa Cruz feels refreshingly car-like. With its crossover DNA, it delivers a smoother ride and nimbler handling than any body-on-frame pickup. The Santa Cruz is an easy, enjoyable daily driver; just don’t expect it to be a drag racer unless you pony up for the turbo.
New This Year
- Tweaked front and rear design
- All models had a cabin refresh
- A SEL Activity trim joins the lineup
- Hyundai has expanded the Santa Cruz’s safety and convenience tech
Cars Similar to 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Let’s see how the 2025 Santa Cruz stacks up against two close competitors in the small truck segment: the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Honda Ridgeline.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2025 Ford Maverick
2025 Honda Ridgeline| Aspect | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2025 Ford Maverick | 2025 Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 191‑hp 2.5L 4-cyl base engine | Standard hybrid (191-hp combined 2.5L 4-cyl + electric) | 280‑hp 3.5L V6 (standard) |
| Tech & Interior | High-tech cabin with available dual 12.3” screens (digital gauges + infotainment) | Simpler, utilitarian interior. Base models have an 8” touchscreen (easy to use), and top trims now offer a larger 13” display | Spacious, SUV-like interior (wide cabin and most rear legroom of these three); 8” touchscreen with traditional Honda interface |
| Practicality | 4.3-ft bed with underfloor trunk (drainable, can serve as cooler) | 4.5-ft bed (slightly longer); DIY-friendly with Ford’s FLEX bed system | 5.3-ft bed (the largest here); also has a lockable in-bed trunk (like Santa Cruz) for secure storage |
| Comfort & Space | Front seats are supportive and cushioned; ride height is lower than a typical truck | Surprisingly comfortable ride for a small, affordable truck (based on Ford Escape chassis) | Excellent ride comfort, often noted as the smoothest riding pickup (unibody construction like Santa Cruz) |
| Who’s It For | Drivers who want a little bit of everything in a small truck | Budget-conscious buyers and DIYers who need a useful truck | Those who want a more traditional truck capability but with a crossover’s comfort |
| Best Choice For | Drivers wanting a small truck feel with SUV manners Those who value tech and modern design in a pickup Buyers with light-to-moderate hauling needs | Value seekers (one of the most affordable trucks to buy and run) Those looking for a hybrid version People who need a compact utility vehicle primarily for errands | Those who want a plush ride and roomy cabin Those who occasionally tow mid-size trailers Buyers who prioritize reliability and refinement |
Asked & Answered
How much can the Santa Cruz tow?
When properly equipped, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How big is the bed, and can I fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the Santa Cruz?
The Santa Cruz’s bed is about 4.3 feet long with the tailgate closed (approximately 52 inches). This is shorter than a typical midsize truck bed. The width between the wheel wells is around 42 inches, but the bed is wider at the top, so a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood will not lie flat on the floor with the tailgate closed. However, Hyundai designed the tailgate with an adjustable position – you can latch it halfway open, level with the wheel well tops, which allows you to carry full 4x8 sheets flat, supported by the wheel wells and tailgate.
What warranty and maintenance coverage do I get with the Santa Cruz?
The Santa Cruz comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty covering the engine, transmission, and AWD system.