Hyundai has unveiled the 2025 Santa Cruz at the New York Auto Show, and it’s set to hit dealerships later this summer. With its arrival imminent, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What will it cost?” Well, like most 2025 models, the new Santa Cruz comes with a higher price tag than its predecessor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll be getting for your money.
The 2025 Santa Cruz boasts some noticeable exterior updates, including a new front grille, a refreshed front bumper, restyled daytime running lights, and new wheel designs. Inside the cabin, it shares similar updates with its SUV sibling, the Tucson. This includes Hyundai’s panoramic curved screen setup, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the latest Hyundai software. The touch haptic controls have been replaced with physical buttons and switches for easier use, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard. Hyundai has also made improvements to the steering wheel, air vents, instrument panel, and rear seat armrest.
In terms of technology, the 2025 Santa Cruz offers several new features. These include a fingerprint scanner for vehicle startup, Digital Key 2 technology for using your phone as a key, over-the-air updates for the infotainment system, more powerful USB-C ports, and a new driver attention monitoring system. These additions enhance convenience, security, and connectivity for drivers and passengers.
Hyundai has also enhanced the off-roading capabilities of the Santa Cruz with the XRT trim. Originally introduced as an appearance package, the XRT trim is now a more capable off-roader. It features an exclusive grille, red tow hooks, and an improved front bumper for better approach angles. Additionally, it comes with 245/60R all-terrain tires and 18-inch “wrench-inspired” wheels. Inside, the XRT trim features XRT logos, and the Surround View Monitor is standard to enhance visibility in off-road situations.
When it comes to powertrains, the Santa Cruz carries over the same options as the previous model year. There’s a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. For those seeking more power, there’s also a turbocharged variant of the same engine, which produces 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. The turbocharged version also includes a tow mode in its drive mode selection for the Limited and XRT trims.
Now, let’s talk about pricing. The 2025 Santa Cruz comes with a slight increase in price compared to the previous model. Here are the starting prices for each trim, including the destination charge:
– SE: $29,895 ($1,910 increase from 2024)
– SEL: $31,595 ($1,220 increase from 2024)
– SEL Activity: $34,595 (new trim)
– XRT: $41,395 ($210 increase from 2024)
– Limited: $43,895 ($1,490 increase from 2024)
It’s worth noting that Hyundai raised prices during the 2024 model year for many of its vehicles, and the Santa Cruz was no exception. It seems that automakers have been increasing prices for various reasons, including the ability to do so and to soften the blow when comparing prices to upcoming models. For example, the 2023 Santa Cruz SE started at $26,745, while the 2024 model started at $27,985. However, in June of this year, the SE’s base price rose to $28,295, making the $1,600 increase from the 2024 model year less significant.
In terms of competition, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at $41,545, while the Ford Maverick, which is still in high demand, starts at $27,890 for the 2025 model year. Comparing the Santa Cruz to its rivals, it offers a unique blend of features, design, and versatility.
Overall, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a range of updates and improvements over its predecessor. From its refreshed exterior and enhanced interior technology to its off-roading capabilities and revised trim options, it’s clear that Hyundai has listened to customer feedback and made strategic changes to meet their needs. With its competitive pricing and attractive features, the Santa Cruz is poised to make a strong impression in the compact truck market.
