The Hyundai Santa Cruz has only been on the market since 2022, but Hyundai has already seen fit to tweak the model. It’s getting a styling update and some new technology for the 2025 model year.
The Santa Cruz, if you’re not familiar, is one of just two compact pickup trucks currently for sale in the U.S. It offers SUV-like living space and handling. It’s built on a unibody car frame, not the ladder frame more common to pickup trucks. That costs it some off-road capability next to larger trucks. But it gives it better on-road manners.
It also fits the vibe – the Santa Cruz is aimed at those who want a small truck bed for weekend projects. Hyundai isn’t trying to sell this to contractors.
Our expert test drivers appreciate its car-like manners and the utility of the small bed.
Boxier Grille, More Off-Road Gear for Off-Road Trim
For 2025, the Santa Cruz gets a new grille to match that of its close kin, the Tucson SUV. The adjustment is small – a boxier grid in place of the diagonal lines of the old one – but makes it look a bit tougher.
The more rugged XRT trim now gets its own separate front and rear bumper designs. Hyundai says the new front improves the approach angle. The XRT now rides on all-terrain tires, which will probably make a bigger difference on the trail than any other change.
New Screens, More Buttons and Knobs
Inside, the new Santa Cruz gets the option of placing its driver’s and central screens mounted together as if they were one, a look common to more expensive cars that seems to be making its way down the lineup as economies of scale make it more affordable. The change does a lot to dress up the cabin.
“In addition, the center stack controls are more ergonomic, with additional physical switchgear for frequently used audio and HVAC functions,” Hyundai says.
Familiar Powertrains
There are no mechanical changes. Powertrain choices remain a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower mated to an 8-speed transmission or a turbocharged 4-cylinder making 281 mated to a different, dual-clutch 8-speed. The stronger engine now has a tow mode. Front-wheel drive is standard with the base engine, while all-wheel drive is optional with that engine and standard with the turbo engine.
Hyundai hasn’t revealed pricing. The Santa Cruz is one of just two compact trucks available in the U.S. – the Ford Maverick is the other – and has always been the pricier of the pair. But Hyundai’s exceptional 10-year powertrain warranty makes a value argument for it, anyway. The 2024 version begins at $28,275, including destination fee. The 2025 model goes on sale this summer.
And it may have more competition coming. Ram has its own small truck, now sold in South America, that could come to the U.S. Also, Toyota showed off an electric small truck concept last year that seemed very close to production-ready.
