2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz near Lexington, GA
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines the design efficiency of a crossover with the strength of a pickup. Built on a unibody structure made of Advanced High-Strength Steel, it offers structural rigidity with balanced driving dynamics. Every component, from its Smartstream® powertrain options to its advanced suspension and integrated technology, contributes to a truck engineered for consistency and capability.
Engine Design and Powertrain Configuration
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz features two Smartstream® inline four-cylinder engines. The standard 2.5-liter GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve unit produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. It uses an aluminum block and head, with a variable intake system and Continuously Variable Valve Timing for efficient combustion and performance across a wide RPM range.
The available 2.5-liter Turbo GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve engine increases output to 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm. The turbocharged configuration improves responsiveness while maintaining smooth acceleration. Both engines operate on regular unleaded fuel and meet ULEV emissions standards.
Power delivery is handled by two transmission systems. The naturally aspirated version pairs with an 8-speed automatic torque converter transmission. The turbocharged version connects to an 8-speed wet dual-clutch system designed for quicker shifts and direct engagement. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are included with the turbo engine, allowing manual gear control.
Drive configuration options include standard front-wheel drive and available HTRAC all-wheel drive. The HTRAC system is active on demand and offers selectable drive modes through a center-console switch. Gear ratios are tuned to balance acceleration and highway efficiency, with final drive ratios of 4.081 for the 2.5L engine and up to 4.846 for the 2.5T in select gears.
Fuel economy reaches 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, while the turbocharged all-wheel-drive configuration delivers up to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Disclaimer: 2025 SANTA CRUZ SE, SEL and SEL Activity FWD: 22 City/30 Hwy/25 Combined MPG. 2025 SANTA CRUZ XRT AWD: 18 City/26 Hwy/21 Combined MPG, Limited AWD: 19 City/27 Hwy/22 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle’s condition.
Chassis Construction and Suspension System
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses a unibody platform for reduced weight and improved rigidity. The structure integrates advanced high-tensile steel to distribute impact forces efficiently while minimizing vibration.
The front suspension employs a MacPherson® strut setup with coil springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers for consistent damping. The rear suspension is a multi-link system with gas-pressurized, self-leveling shock absorbers, providing stability even under varying cargo loads.
Steering precision is achieved through a Motor Driven Power Steering system with a 14.2:1 ratio. The system uses a column-mounted rack-and-pinion design that enables tight maneuverability, requiring only 2.62 turns lock-to-lock and a turning diameter of 39.6 feet.
Braking components include 12.8-inch ventilated front discs and 12.8-inch solid rear discs. The four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution maintains optimal pressure on all four wheels. Additional features such as Hillstart Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, Brake Assist, and an Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold ensure controlled performance in various driving conditions.
Exterior Design and Functional Utility
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz integrates functional design with efficiency. Its coefficient of drag is rated at 0.36, supported by streamlined bodywork and precision underbody flow channels.
Wheel options range from 18-inch alloy wheels to available 20-inch alloys, with tire sizes of 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 depending on trim. Bi-LED projector headlights and LED taillights are standard across all models, complemented by LED Daytime Running Lights and automatic high beam assist. The vehicle also includes roof-mounted LED cargo and bed lights for increased visibility in low-light environments.
The side mirrors are available in body color or matte black finishes, equipped with integrated turn indicators, heating elements, and Blind-Spot Collision and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance Assist indicators. Roof rails and available cross rails expand cargo-carrying functionality.
The cargo bed is designed for multi-purpose use. It features a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall storage, and heavy-duty cargo D-rings for secure tie-down points. A factory-installed integrated tonneau cover includes dual T-slot accessory tracks capable of supporting 440 pounds of distributed weight. The sheet-molded composite bed is impact-resistant, while a 115V outlet in the sidewall storage adds electrical convenience. The multi-functional tailgate includes assisted open and close capability and integrates side steps within the rear bumper for ease of access.
Interior Configuration and Passenger Comfort
The cabin accommodates five occupants and is available with cloth, H-Tex® leatherette, or full leather-trimmed seating. The 8-way power-adjustable driver seat includes power lumbar support, while the Limited trim adds an 8-way power passenger seat. Heated front seats are available on most trims, and ventilated seating is included on upper trims.
Headroom measures up to 40.2 inches in the front and 39.6 inches in the rear without the sunroof. Legroom is 41.4 inches in the front and 36.5 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is 57.7 inches in front and 56.1 inches in back. The total interior volume is 101.8 cubic feet, providing space efficiency within compact proportions.
Climate control systems include either manual air conditioning or dual automatic temperature control with capacitive-touch controls and Auto Defogger. Airflow extends through rear seat heater ducts and center console-mounted rear A/C vents. All models feature a cabin air filter, solar glass, and an acoustic-laminated windshield for temperature and sound insulation.
The interior design integrates functional materials. Door handles and armrests are finished in metallic paint, with soft-touch materials across key contact points. Steering wheels are tilt and telescopic, and on upper trims, leather-wrapped and heated. Convenience features include proximity key entry, push-button start, remote engine start, and a 15W wireless device charging pad.
Integrated Technology and Connectivity Systems
The infotainment system is centered on a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with six speakers and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The SEL Activity and higher trims include a 12.3-inch Audio-Video Navigation display with built-in navigation and dynamic voice recognition.
Premium configurations offer a Bose® audio system with clear sound distribution. Connectivity is supported by Bluelink®+ Connected Car Services, which enables vehicle monitoring, remote operation, and maintenance notifications. Over-the-air updates maintain both multimedia and ECU systems.
Dual USB Type-C ports are located in both the front and rear rows for device charging, and all trims include HD Radio™, SiriusXM® capability, and a rearview camera. The digital instrument cluster measures 12.3 inches on higher trims and provides driver assistance indicators, fuel economy data, and smart cruise control status.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz integrates a full suite of passive and active safety systems. Passive protection includes advanced front airbags, front thorax side-impact airbags, rear side airbags with rollover sensors and full-length side curtain airbags for both rows. All seats use three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Active safety technology includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist maintain vehicle positioning, while Driver Attention Warning monitors behavior patterns. Additional systems include Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Alert.
Higher trims incorporate Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor to expand visual awareness. Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control and Highway Driving Assist combines adaptive speed regulation with lane-centering functions. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides individual tire indicators for precise maintenance.
The braking and stability package includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Management for coordinated performance in variable driving conditions.
Dimensions, Load Capacity, and Performance Balance
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz measures 195.7 inches in length, 75.0 inches in width, and 66.7 inches in height with roof rails. The wheelbase is 118.3 inches. Ground clearance reaches 8.6 inches, allowing for a 16.9-degree approach angle and a 23.2-degree departure angle.
The bed length varies from 48.4 inches with the tailgate closed to 74.8 inches when open. The bed width measures 53.9 inches at its maximum point and 42.7 inches between the wheelhouses. Bed depth is 19.2 inches, and total cargo volume is 27 cubic feet.
Curb weight ranges from 3,778 to 4,237 pounds depending on drivetrain and trim. Payload capacity reaches 1,411 pounds. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds for most models and up to 5,000 pounds for all-wheel-drive turbo configurations equipped with trailer brakes. The fuel tank holds 17.7 gallons.
Visit ALM Hyundai of Athens to Schedule a Test Ride
Experience the technical precision and balanced engineering of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz at ALM Hyundai of Athens near Lexington, GA. Schedule a test drive to explore its turbocharged performance, advanced digital systems, and comprehensive safety technology in person. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers confident handling, efficient power, and smart integration designed for modern driving. Test it yourself to understand its refined control, responsive acceleration, and advanced comfort systems. Visit today to see how capability and design function seamlessly together in this compact utility pickup.