The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a bit of a unique vehicle in the auto industry: it’s generally seen as a compact truck and compared to other models like the Ford Maverick, but its design isn’t entirely that of a pickup. It’s a bit of a blend between the looks of an SUV plus the capability and functionality of a truck to create something pretty distinct. The Santa Cruz has only been around for a few years now, but Hyundai has given it a facelift and big updates for the 2025 model to make it better than ever. Whether you’re about to head to a Hyundai dealer in search of this pickup or you’re just curious about what it has to offer, I’m here to take you through some of its most impressive new features and the five trim levels available for it.
An Updated and Refreshed Exterior
There’s a lot I like about the 2025 Santa Cruz, but the standout feature is probably the refreshed exterior and bold new looks for this model. That’s not to say there aren’t other impressive features, but the new looks on this truck have certainly been designed to catch the eye. Up front, a new grille and new front fascia are the first things I noticed when I saw the Santa Cruz because they are distinct, and I’m a fan of the direction Hyundai’s designers have gone with it. It’s easy for these things to be blown out of proportion and for the front end to go overboard, but that’s not what’s happened here.
Instead, we have a grille and front end that looks strong and aggressive while still feeling appropriate for a compact pickup. The way the headlamps integrate into the design and pattern of the grille, in particular, has a slick, bold look to it that I like. This goes along with the new daytime running lights that work well and make it easy to keep the road properly illuminated at all times of day and in all kinds of weather. The XRT model, in particular, has excellent new looks, but I’ll get to more details about that rugged and capable trim level in a moment. Overall, its look and feel reminds me a bit of the old Chevy Avalanche for some reason—it makes me hope we’ll see a compact truck from GM sometime soon, but I digress.
Impressive New Infotainment Display
The interior of the 2025 Santa Cruz has also received a makeover and some big updates, though what you’ll find depends on which trim level you’re looking at. Up front, you can’t miss the impressive new Infotainment system: last year’s eight-inch standard display and 10.25-inch available screen have been replaced by a new, standard 12.3-inch display that looks fantastic. Along with a new instrument panel, new buttons and controls, and new air vents, this creates a revised and refreshed front dashboard that perfectly complements the enhanced exterior. There’s also a newly redesigned steering wheel to go along with it, providing drivers with functionality and controls that are markedly superior to what we saw before. And by improved functionality, I mean things like additional USB ports, support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every model, and more.
Trim Levels: Santa Cruz SE
To get a better sense of the 2025 Santa Cruz and everything it brings to the road, we need to dig into what each trim level offers. The SE is the starting model and provides the standard features everything else builds upon or improves. This includes a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive—HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. Towing capacity with this model tops out at 3,500 lbs, and we’ll see that other trims can do better. Along with the new 12.3-inch Infotainment screen, the SE comes with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display and basic audio. Cloth seating is standard in the SE with a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, LED interior lighting, and remote start with a proximity key system.
Trim Levels: Santa Cruz SEL
The SEL trim level builds on the standard features and adds a number of improvements, such as heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators integrated into them. Inside, the SEL has a number of subtle enhancements like power windows with auto-down/up for the driver and front passenger, plus illuminated sun-visors. You’ll find dual automatic temperature controls in the SEL, which the SE lacks, along with additional A/C vents, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and leatherette seating. Overall, the upgrades for this trim level are nice, but I think the SEL Activity represents a better set of improvements.
Trim Levels: Santa Cruz SEL Activity
Speaking of which, the SEL Activity has a lot in common with the SEL, but there are a few notable differences. For one thing, you can get enhanced towing with this model, letting it haul up to 5,000 lbs behind it with AWD and the right equipment. This model also comes with LED bed lights that make it easier to find stuff in your truck’s bed at night, plus an integrated tonneau cover that further blends the functionality of a truck and SUV in this vehicle. Inside, numerous upgrades truly set this one apart, including a wireless charging pad for compatible devices and a second 12.3-inch display for the driver’s gauge cluster rather than the standard 4.2-inch screen.
Trim Levels: Santa Cruz XRT
What makes the XRT one of the best options for the 2025 Santa Cruz is its engine: this model comes with a 2.5L turbocharged engine that provides 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s a massive boost over the standard powertrain, and I think that makes this the best choice for drivers looking to get the best experience from a small truck. The XRT is designed with an adventurous focus, so it comes with HTRAC AWD standard along with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, giving you greater control while driving in all kinds of conditions, plus all-terrain tires. This one has unique exterior features, including an XRT grille and fender flares, plus dark chrome details for added style. Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Black leatherette seating make this a tough one to beat.
Trim Levels: Santa Cruz Limited
Finally, the Limited trim represents the ultimate form of this truck, and it’s pretty easy to argue that this is the best version of the Santa Cruz. It has the turbocharged engine and performance features of the XRT, along with 20-inch wheels, a dark chrome accent grille, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Inside, the Limited model features a number of unique upgrades, such as a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and 64-color ambient interior lighting that you can customize. You get leather-trimmed seating with this model, including ventilated front seats, plus a Bose Premium sound system for a fantastic overall driving experience.
What Does the Future Hold for the Santa Cruz?
It’s clear that Hyundai is going all-in with the Santa Cruz, updating it for the 2025 model year to be better than ever. I’d say they expect great things from this small truck in the years ahead. Right now, it has very little competition—primarily the Ford Maverick—but as these compact pickups do well, there’s no doubt that they won’t own the market for long. I wouldn’t be surprised to see GM deliver a compact truck to compete with the Santa Cruz, while both Toyota and Ram seem like they could be eager to get in on this, too. Before that happens, however, Hyundai has time to cement its position with this truck as a leader that others need to try to catch up with. The updates and impressive features we see on this 2025 model make it clear that they’re working hard to do just that.
