2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz debuts with a refreshed design, improved capabilities, and enhanced technology, positioning itself as a leading option in the sport adventure vehicle category. Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, this updated Santa Cruz brings bold styling and advanced features to drivers looking for a versatile vehicle capable of both urban commuting and off-road excursions. Hyundai's new XRT trim expands the lineup’s rugged appeal, offering improved off-road capability alongside updated safety, technology, and convenience features.
What’s new on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Exterior
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz adopts a more aggressive and modern exterior design, featuring a new front fascia and an updated grille that give the vehicle a more commanding presence on the road. The redesign incorporates vertical lines and larger grille chambers, providing the Santa Cruz with a stronger, more planted stance. New daytime running lights flank the grille, adding to the bold look while ensuring improved visibility. Additional wheel design options further enhance the truck’s overall style, including new, more rugged all-terrain tires available on select trims.
For those seeking even more off-road prowess, the XRT trim takes the exterior design to the next level with exclusive front and rear bumper fascias, wrench-inspired 18-inch alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance for improved approach angles. XRT-specific features like front tow hooks and unique black exterior accents give the Santa Cruz a more adventurous look, while functional updates make it more capable of handling rougher terrain.
Interior
Inside, the 2025 Santa Cruz boasts a redesigned dashboard with a high-tech, modern appearance. The new panoramic curved display seamlessly integrates a 12.3-inch digital driver information cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, providing an all-encompassing digital interface for both the driver and passengers. Hyundai has introduced physical switches for frequently used controls such as audio and HVAC, offering a more ergonomic and user-friendly experience. The new interior design also emphasizes functionality, with additional storage options like a shelf above the glovebox, making it easier to store smaller items during daily drives or longer trips.
Comfort and convenience are at the forefront of the Santa Cruz's interior upgrades. A new rear seat centre armrest with two cupholders adds passenger comfort, while updated air vents and a reworked steering wheel contribute to the vehicle's overall sense of refinement. For those who prefer a more premium feel, the Santa Cruz now offers a Gray + Green two-tone interior with leather seating surfaces, creating a more luxurious atmosphere. This new interior design not only complements the ruggedness of the exterior but also adds modernity and sophistication to the cabin.
Features
Powertrain
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers an impressive 2.5L turbocharged engine that delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), the Santa Cruz provides smooth and responsive performance, whether on highways or rough terrain. The addition of paddle shifters offers drivers the ability to manually shift gears for a more engaging driving experience. A new towing drive mode has been introduced, further enhancing the vehicle’s 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it ideal for hauling boats, trailers, or other recreational gear.
The HTRAC® all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard on all trims, ensuring the Santa Cruz is ready for any road conditions. The AWD system is equipped with variable torque control, which distributes power between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions. In its Sport mode, the system directs more torque to the rear wheels, giving the Santa Cruz a more agile and dynamic driving experience, particularly useful for spirited driving or tackling tricky terrain.
Technology and Features
The 2025 Santa Cruz is equipped with an impressive array of technology designed to improve both convenience and safety. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are now available across all trim levels, making it easier than ever to stay connected on the go. The new infotainment system also supports Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, ensuring that your vehicle's software remains up-to-date without needing a visit to the dealership. USB-Type-C ports have been added to enhance charging speeds, and Hyundai’s Bluelink system remains a staple, offering a range of connected services
On higher trims, features like the Integrated Memory System and Hyundai Digital Key allow for greater convenience, enabling drivers to unlock and start the vehicle using their smartphone. The Ultimate trim includes a fingerprint scanner for added security and ease of use. Safety technologies have also been expanded, with the introduction of Forward Attention Warning and additional parking assistance features like Surround View Monitor and Blind View Monitor, particularly useful for the XRT trim when navigating challenging off-road or urban environments.
New Versions
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz introduces the rugged XRT trim, designed for off-road enthusiasts seeking adventure. This new variant builds on the Santa Cruz’s capable foundation by adding all-terrain tires, front tow hooks, a revised suspension with a better approach angle, and unique exterior design elements. The XRT model also offers exclusive interior upgrades such as debossed XRT logos on the seatbacks and enhanced safety features like a Surround View Monitor and Blind View Monitor, making it the ideal choice for those who want a sport adventure vehicle that can handle rougher conditions with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is expected to arrive at dealerships in fall 2024. The new XRT trim will also be available at this time, offering more options for customers who prioritize off-road capability and rugged styling.
Official pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has not yet been released, but it is expected to be announced closer to the vehicle's arrival in dealerships.
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