If you are interested in a compact pickup that offers the comfort of an SUV with the capability of a truck, you'll love the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz - particularly the XRT version. Below are the top five things that stand out about this small pickup.
1. Dual Powertrain Options from Family-Friendly to Full Throttle
The Santa Cruz is perhaps best known for its wide range of engine choices. You can select the dependable 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine which delivers 191-hp for dependable workday drive, or the turbocharged 2.5L with an eye watering 281-hp and equivalent 311-lb-ft—great for hauling and a quick getaway when needed. The turbo is standard for both the XRT and Limited trim levels and is paired to a slick dual-clutch eight-speed automatic for a combined class leading efficiency. But if you are interested in acceleration, the Santa Cruz turbo will go from 0–60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds—amazingly fast for a compact pickup truck!
2. XRT Trim Brings Real Off-Road Muscle
The new XRT trim is not merely cosmetic fluff—it adds rugged capabilities as well. The XRT has exclusive all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, front and rear, and a modified front bumper for improved amplitudes of a better approach, angle - and it feels more at home in the dirt than city streets. While the ride height stays fixed at 8.6-inches, the bumper design increases the approach from 16.9° to approximately 19.9°.. That gives you more confidence as you take on unpaved roads or the parking lot obstacle of a curb.
3. Refreshed Styling and Tech-Love Interior
For the 2025 model year, Hyundai has updated both the exterior and interior. Just for the exterior, the front fascias have sharper details with the new LED headlights. As for the interior, a new panoramic dual 12.3-inch digital display and new physical HVAC controls - that should make it easier for use. A key improvement...new knobs and buttons with ambient lighting make it feel more premium without being convoluted.
4. Practicality That Punches Above Its Weight
Don't be deceived by its small size—the Santa Cruz has plenty of utility in its 27-cubic-foot bed, with under-bed storage and a sturdy tonneau cover. It has twin side-storrage bins, D-ring tie-downs, and even a drain plug just like a cooler. And while it is not a towing machine, the turbo AWD XRT can tow up to 5,000 pounds which is impressive for a vehicle of this size.
5. Comfortable Ride with Improved MPG
Driving small trucks doesn’t have to be rigid, and Hyundai is aware of that. The 2025 model maintains a ride that is smooth and quiet, feeling more SUV than pickup. The base engine is rated at up to 30 mpg highway on FWD models, while the turbo AWD XRT is rated by the EPA at 18 city / 26 highway mpg, which is impressive for what it is.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz – Quick Specs
| Feature | Details |
| Engine Options | 2.5L NA I4 (191 hp), 2.5L Turbo I4 (281 hp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic; dual-clutch on turbo AWD trims |
| Drivetrain | FWD (standard), AWD available (standard on XRT & Limited) |
| Towing Capacity | FWD: 3,500 lb; Turbo AWD: 5,000 lb |
| Bed Volume | ~27 cubic feet with under-bed locked storage |
| MPG (Turbo AWD) | 18 city / 26 highway / ~22 combined |
| Ground Clearance | 8.6 inches |
| Approach Angle (XRT) | 19.9° vs 16.9° on standard trims |
| Price Range (MSRP) | $28,750–$42,750 (freight extra) |
Conclusion
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz shows that you don't need a full-size pickup to get serious versatility. Whether you like the SUV-like ride comfort, the turbo power, or the XRT trim that's more than capable of going off-road, the Santa Cruz offers a serious amount of utility in a city-friendly vehicle. With all-new tech, tons of rugged style, and real towing capacity, this compact pickup offers a lot of punch—and looks good doing it.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): edmunds
