Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: $28,750Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup truck bridges the gap between a crossover SUV and a traditional, larger work truck. It rides on the same platform as the Tucson, seats five, and is powered by either a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged variant, with all-wheel drive standard on the two upper trims. A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard on all trims, and top trims combine it with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster in one big, curved pane, replacing the split-screen setup from the previous generation. The Santa Cruz is well-matched to buyers who want a small open bed for weekend hauling without giving up everyday comfort and fuel economy.What's New for 2025?The 2025 Santa Cruz receives exterior revisions to its grille and headlights, giving the front end a sharper, more defined appearance over the outgoing model. The panoramic curved display is the most significant interior change and is now standard on every trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto replace the wired connections from before, again standardized across the lineup, and over-the-air updates are now possible. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe XRT gains revised composite bumpers, exposed tow hooks, and standard all-terrain tires on new wrench-pattern wheels that reinforce its trail-ready outlook. Physical HVAC controls return to the center stack, and USB-C ports replace the previous USB-A outputs throughout.ExteriorThe Santa Cruz wears a crossover look with a short, composite cargo bed that measures 4.4 feet on all trims. Updated LED headlights flank a reshaped grille that looks more aggressive than before, and the body lines carry a more angular character through the rear haunches. Lower trims ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, with the Limited stepping up to 20-inch units. The XRT distinguishes itself through exposed red tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and unique body cladding that widens its stance visually.HyundaiView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorThe panoramic curved display dominates the dashboard and gives the Santa Cruz interior a premium feel that punches above its price tag. It runs Hyundai's latest infotainment software with wireless smartphone integration, and MY2025 marks the return of physical climate controls. The SE sports cloth upholstery, while the SEL adds H-Tex leatherette seating and heated front seats, and the XRT has H-Tex seats alongside a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited is the only trim with leather seating. While the Santa Cruz is not a spacious rear-seat vehicle, it covers four-adult duties adequately.View the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimThe 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz price range spans a spread that's driven largely by the powertrain difference between the lower and upper trims. The XRT is the best value in the lineup, as it is the entry point for the turbocharged engine, standard AWD, a surround-view camera, and Highway Driving Assist.Trim LevelTrim NameMSRPBase trimSE$28,750Best valueXRT$40,250Top trimLimited$42,750Key SpecsPowertrainModelEngineHPTorqueTransmissionDrivetrainSE / SEL2.5L NA I4191 hp181 lb-ft8-speed automaticFWD / AWDXRT / Limited2.5L Turbo I4281 hp311 lb-ft8-speed dual-clutch automaticAWDFuel Economy (MPG)ConfigurationCityHighwayCombinedFuel Type2.5L FWD223025Regular Gasoline2.5L AWD212924Regular Gasoline2.5T AWD (XRT)182621Regular Gasoline2.5T AWD (Limited)192722Regular GasolineWarrantyHyundai's coverage of the 2025 Santa Cruz leads the compact pickup segment.CoverageDurationBasic Warranty5 years / 60,000 milesPowertrain Warranty10 years / 100,000 milesComplimentary Maintenance3 years / 36,000 milesRoadside Assistance5 years / unlimited milesPros and ConsProsAdvertisementAdvertisement281-hp 2.5T turbo AWD raises tow capacity to 5,000 pounds on XRT and Limited trims.Panoramic curved display with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard.The powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance leads the segment.The XRT delivers Highway Driving Assist, all-terrain tires, and a surround-view camera.ConsShorter cargo bed may limit hauling practicality.Adaptive cruise control is only standard on XRT and Limited.191 horsepower base engine may feel strained when loaded.Wet-clutch automatic on turbo models can feel abrupt in stop-and-go conditions.VerdictThe 2025 Santa Cruz makes its clearest argument in the XRT trim, where the 281-horsepower turbocharged engine, 5,000-pound tow rating, and standard AWD are combined with features that most buyers will use daily. Fuel economy on the base 2.5L engine is difficult to match in a truck body. But the cargo bed length remains the one fixed constraint against the competition, and buyers who carry bulkier loads regularly should measure it against their needs before committing.HyundaiCompetitorsFord MaverickHonda RidgelineChevrolet ColoradoToyota TacomaAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.