Individuals who visit a Hyundai dealership will notice the upgrades to the 2025 Santa Cruz. The manufacturer opted to make changes to the cabin design and technology. People quickly fall in love with the new look and want to take this model for a test drive. When they do, they might discover they want to take it home.
An Updated Dashboard
Hyundai wanted the Santa Cruz to share some features with other vehicles in its lineup, so it opted to redesign the Santa Cruz dashboard for the 2025 model year. The focal point is now a 12.3-inch infotainment screen on all trim levels. Drivers will find it easy to use this screen for everything they do behind the wheel. The curved housing nicely holds this screen, and designers made the central controls ergonomic for driver comfort. Individuals shopping for a car can see these features at Waco Hyundai.
In addition, the company added more storage for passengers. They have a storage cubby that will hold their items on short and long trips so that clutter won’t overtake the cabin. People greatly appreciate this upgrade as nobody wants to feel stuffed in a vehicle without room to move because their stuff is everywhere. Their items will be at their fingertips whenever they need them. In addition, the steering wheel now features three spokes rather than two, as Hyundai paid attention to the smallest details during the redesign process.
Cabin Upgrades
Hyundai didn’t stop at the infotainment screen and storage. It added biometric scanning for a personalized ride and USC-C-C ports for drivers to connect their devices. Designers restyled the air vents and equipped the rear-center armrest with dual cupholders. Thanks to this feature, passengers will always have somewhere to place their drinks.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on this model, which also comes with Forward Assist Warning, a driver assist feature that helps prevent distracted driving. Its camera monitors the driver’s face and sends an alert when the driver is not paying attention to the road.
Drivers appreciate being able to complete over-the-air updates and love that they can use Hyundai Pay, similar to Apple Wallet. Hyundai has already partnered with Parkopedia to allow parking payments in-truck. Bluelink+ is offered on the Santa Cruz, and drivers enjoy having Digital Key 2 Touch.
Exterior Upgrades
Hyundai opted to give this truck a bold, new look for 2025. The front end is similar to that seen on the 2025 Tucson SUV. The company also offers new wheel designs and two new exterior colors- Rockwood Green and Canyon Red. Buyers may also choose medium gray interior seats, and the vehicle got a new front fascia and daytime running lights.
Purchase the XRT trim, and you’ll see more upgrades. This model sports an off-road look with distinct front and rear bumpers. The grille is clearly differentiated, and it rides on 18-inch wheels with 245/60 all-terrain tires. This vehicle can go where others cannot, so Hyundai outfitted it with a surround-view monitor and blind-spot-view camera. Other features unique to the XRT include a blacked-out grille and side cladding that reaches the doors. This subtle look is something many drivers will appreciate.
Powertrain
One area where Hyundai opted not to make upgrades is the powertrain. The 2024 and 2025 models are powered by a 2.5-liter engine capable of producing 191 horsepower. Drivers may upgrade to the turbo engine that produces 281 horsepower. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission regardless of what they select. This vehicle comes with independent MacPherson struts for a smoother ride, and turbo owners benefit from a wet dual-clutch. Both models get 23 combined miles per gallon and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Quick acceleration is one thing Santa Cruz is known for. Drivers also love the engaging driving experience. The transmission is dynamic, and owners can switch to sport mode when they want the car to feel sporty.
Drivers may also upgrade to all-wheel drive, which many find beneficial. Purchase the XRT or Limited model and get a tow-centric drive mode. With many options, every driver should find a model that fits their lifestyle and budget.
Pricing
Drivers can expect to pay slightly more for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz than they would for a 2024 model. This vehicle’s price tag is $1,600 above the price for the previous model year, so drivers need to consider this when determining which model year to purchase.
Why Were These Updates Needed?
While drivers love compact trucks, they had some complaints about the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. They loved the competitive starting price and trunk within the bed but felt the infotainment options were limited. Hyundai has rectified that for the 2025 model year. Furthermore, the interior styling was dated and needed a refresh. This is another area Hyundai addressed when redesigning the Santa Cruz for 2025. However, the company kept some aspects of the 2024 model.
Drivers love the comfort and ease of use seen with this truck, which is reminiscent of crossovers. They also enjoy the funky styling. Hyundai wanted to keep what worked and improve on what didn’t, and it appears the company has succeeded.
The Verdict
Drivers often find that the 2025 Santa Cruz better meets their needs. This well-rounded vehicle is ideal for city driving. It offers a pleasant driving experience and is easy to park, which drivers appreciate. Nobody wants to spend their time trying to find a parking space they can easily fit into. This vehicle can tow and haul reasonably sized loads, so it’s good for anyone today.
When visiting a dealership, drivers must decide between the 2024 and 2025 Santa Cruz models. While there are some similarities, the 2025 has features not found in its predecessor. These features are enough to draw many buyers in. The approach angle has been improved, and this vehicle now comes with two front tow hooks, which may be helpful in countless situations. Exclusive wheels are found on the XRT and are paired with all-terrain tires. Who wouldn’t love to own this truck? It has everything a driver could want and so much more.
