Trims and Powertrain

The ‘25 Santa Cruz lineup consists of five trim packages and two powertrain choices. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity have a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drivetrain (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. This base powertrain has an output of 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, with EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway with FWD and 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with AWD.

The XRT and Limited come only as AWD. They move up to a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. Although both trims will generate up to 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque, their fuel economy numbers vary, with the XRT returning 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway while the Limited achieves 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. When the 2025 Santa Cruz is outfitted with trailer brakes, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and as much as 5,000 pounds with AWD.

Standard Amenities

The list of features for the base SE includes a multi-functional tailgate with remote release, roof rails, lockable under-bed storage, sidewall bed storage compartments, remote start, proximity key entry with push-button ignition, LED exterior lights (headlights/daytime running lights/taillights), stain and odor-resistant cloth upholstery, four USB ports (two front/two rear), a 4.2-inch gauge cluster, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The SEL upgrades to heated front seats, simulated leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, dual automatic temperature control, Multi-Air Mode HVAC with capacitive-touch controls and second-row A/C vents, and heated side-view mirrors with built-in LED turn indicators.

The SEL Activity goes to a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and adds wireless device charging, an integrated tonneau cover with T-slot utility tracks, LED bed lights, an adjustable utility track rail and cleat system, a rear sliding glass window, and a 115-volt power outlet in the sidewall storage. The tough-as-nails XRT has the off-road attributes mentioned above (all-terrain tires, front tow hooks, and higher approach angle), plus a trim-specific grille design, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior accents, and fender flares. The Limited expands to 20-inch alloy wheels and adds a power sunroof, ventilated front seats, real leather upholstery, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting with 64 color settings, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.

Advanced Safety Systems

The Hyundai SmartSense suite is at the safety forefront of each ‘25 Santa Cruz, with all trims getting high beam assist, driver attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The XRT adds a blind-spot view monitor, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2 with Stop & Go, highway driving assist, intelligent speed limit assist, and the forward collision-avoidance feature gains cyclist and junction turning detection. The Limited is loaded with a surround view monitor that provides a 360-degree look around the vehicle.

Connectivity and Entertainment

Every ‘25 Santa Cruz has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth hands-free with audio streaming, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, SiriusXM (satellite radio, and access to Bluelink+ services. Hyundai Pay capability and dynamic voice recognition are added to the XRT and Limited. The Limited alone features a top-quality Bose sound system.