The Hyundai Santa Cruz, launched in 2021 for the 2022 mannequin yr, is a small crew-cab pickup with a novel persona. It handles like a automobile however retains pickup flexibility with out the same old bulk.
The Santa Cruz presents two engine decisions and is on the market in SE, SEL, XRT and Restricted trims. SE and SEL fashions have a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower, an eight-speed transmission, and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 choice.
XRT and Restricted trims function a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower, an eight-speed dual-clutch automated and normal all-wheel drive. The Santa Cruz tows 3,500 kilos with the bottom engine or 5,000 kilos with all-wheel drive.
Because the Santa Cruz enters its fourth yr, Hyundai has refreshed the automobile inside and outside. The outside now seems extra rugged, that includes a grille and entrance bumper echoing the 2025 Hyundai Tucson SUV. The XRT trim provides daring entrance tow hooks, 18-inch wheels and trendy daytime working lights.
Higher trims now function a single-panel design with two 12.3-inch screens and an upgraded interface providing wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This method additionally supplies over-the-air updates and consists of USB-C ports. In distinction, decrease trims have one 12.3-inch show with analog gauges. Further updates comprise a redesigned dashboard, middle console, steering wheel, and a brand new climate-control button panel.
The Santa Cruz comes completely as a four-door crew cab with a normal four-foot mattress. It extends to six ft 2 inches with the tailgate lowered. A lockable tonneau cowl is included.
Additional supporting its versatile cargo choices, the compact truck consists of an in-bed trunk; much like what’s discovered within the Honda Ridgeline. Though the mattress is smaller than that of a normal pickup, it nonetheless presents invaluable cargo capability. This presents a key determination: prioritize a smaller pickup that’s nimble and simple to park, or go for a conventional measurement with every day drivability compromises?
Inside, the Santa Cruz has a triple attraction: consolation, a eager design and good visibility. It has a totally digital gauge cluster and a basic shifter. Black leather-based seats give it a car-like really feel, and the excessive seating place provides to the enjoyable driving expertise. Second-row seating is touted as seating for 3. Two passengers trip comfortably; three’s a crowd.
Security and know-how are Hyundai’s strengths. The Santa Cruz presents normal driver-attention warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are additionally normal. Adaptive cruise management is non-compulsory.
One main disappointment: The Santa Cruz XRT with all-wheel drive is EPA-rated at solely 18 miles per gallon in metropolis driving, 26 mpg on the freeway.
The Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick lead the compact pickup market. Each provide a car-like driving expertise and have distinct strengths and weaknesses, however every supplies a authorized pleasure trip total.
With a $500 cost for its too vivid canyon purple exterior paint, a $225 cost for carpeted ground mats and a $1,45o addition for freight and dealing with, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, in its XRT trim, is priced at $42,425. It’s price it for the enjoyable of it.
