2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz near Loganville, GA

Engineered with unibody construction and a choice of two high-performing 2.5-liter powertrains, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers structural integrity, balanced power, and on-road adaptability. Its dual-purpose layout supports both utility and daily drivability, offering a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and versatile cargo solutions. With standard and optional all-wheel drive systems, electronic driver aids, and a low-profile pickup bed with integrated storage, this model supports a wide range of conditions and use cases. Aerodynamic elements, reinforced frame components, and integrated safety features contribute to both capability and occupant protection.

Engine Performance and Transmission Systems

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available with two variations of Hyundai’s 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder Smartstream® engines. The naturally aspirated version produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine employs Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) alongside Multi-Point Injection (MPI), a dual overhead camshaft with 16 valves, and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). It operates with a compression ratio of 13.0:1. This powertrain is paired with an 8-speed automatic torque converter transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional through Hyundai’s HTRAC active on-demand system.

The turbocharged variant develops a higher output of 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque, available from 1,700 to 4,000 rpm. It shares the same displacement and valve configuration as the naturally aspirated engine but features a reduced compression ratio of 10.5:1 to accommodate forced induction. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is paired with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and offers paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Both front-wheel drive and the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system are available with this engine.

The engines use aluminum block and head construction, contributing to weight reduction and improved heat dissipation. The naturally aspirated engine incorporates a variable intake system, while the turbocharged version utilizes a turbocharged intake system to optimize air delivery and combustion efficiency. Both engines require regular unleaded fuel and comply with Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.

Structural Design and Exterior Dimensions

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz features a unibody construction that integrates advanced high-strength steel and high-tensile steel for increased rigidity and crash performance. The wheelbase measures 118.3 inches, supporting an overall length of 195.9 inches. The vehicle width is 75 inches, and the height is approximately 66.7 inches without roof rails. Ground clearance ranges from 8.6 inches for the front-wheel-drive models to 16.9 inches for the XRT all-wheel-drive variant. Approach and departure angles measure 23.2 and 18.6 degrees, respectively, providing capability for light off-road conditions.

The cargo bed length is 48.4 inches in the upper section, extending to 74.8 inches when the tailgate is lowered. The bed width measures 53.9 inches at the widest point and 42.7 inches between the wheelhouses. The bed depth is 19.2 inches, and its height above the ground is 31.9 inches. The rear bumper features multiple step heights, facilitating easier access to the cargo area. The bed incorporates a sheet-molded composite material designed for durability and resistance to dents and corrosion.

Lighting components include standard bi-LED projector headlights with high and low beams, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. The system also incorporates automatic headlight activation and high beam assist for improved visibility. Higher trims add LED cargo lighting and dual LED bed lights. Exterior mirrors are heated and include integrated turn signal indicators. Blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic avoidance assist indicators are standard on all models. Wheels are either 18 or 20 inches in diameter, equipped with all-season tires sized 245/60R18 or 245/50R20, depending on trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers practical exterior features such as lockable under-bed storage compartments, sidewall storage bins within the bed, heavy-duty cargo D-rings, and an integrated tonneau cover with built-in accessory tracks on select trims. Multi-functional tailgate operation is available, supporting assisted open and close functions. Roof rails and cross rails are provided on certain trims to expand cargo-carrying options.

Interior Technology and Driver Interface

The passenger compartment accommodates five occupants with ample headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room designed to meet ergonomic standards. Seating materials range from cloth with stain and odor resistance to H-Tex® leatherette and genuine leather, depending on trim. Driver and passenger seats offer manual or power adjustments, heating, and ventilation features, with lumbar support included in upper trims.

The multimedia system centers on a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, available in two configurations. Base and mid-level trims are equipped with the ccNc Lite infotainment system paired with six speakers. Higher trims feature the full ccNc system with integrated navigation. The Limited trim includes a premium Bose® audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity are standard across the range. The system supports Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for both the electronic control unit and multimedia software.

USB Type-C ports are located in the front and rear rows, providing charging and data connectivity. A 115-volt power outlet is installed within the cargo bed’s sidewall storage compartment on select trims, enabling the use of power tools or accessories. Instrumentation varies between a 4.2-inch multi-information display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster in higher trims, showing speed, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, and trip information.

Driver convenience features include proximity key entry, push-button start, remote engine start, and remote tailgate release. Higher trims add wireless device quick charging and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Steering wheels are equipped with audio, Bluetooth®, and cruise controls, with leather wrapping and heating available in upper trims.

Safety Systems and Driver Assistance Technologies

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides an extensive array of safety features covering both passive and active systems. The airbag configuration includes advanced front airbags, side thorax airbags, side air curtains with rollover sensors for both front and rear passengers, and rear side airbags. The seatbelt system consists of three-point belts with pretensioners and load limiters on all seats, along with adjustable front shoulder anchors. Child safety is supported by rear child locks and the LATCH system for securing child seats.

Braking components consist of ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes, both with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) aid in maintaining vehicle stability on slopes. An electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold enhances control during stops.

Driver assistance technologies are comprehensive. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection is standard. Higher trims add enhanced FCA with cyclist and junction turning detection using sensor fusion technology. Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert are standard features. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Safe Exit Warning (SEW) contribute to overall situational awareness and accident prevention.

Advanced features such as Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) are included on higher trims to provide a 360-degree visual perspective around the vehicle. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve Control assist with highway driving and traffic flow management. The vehicle body incorporates reinforced structures with advanced high-strength steel to improve crash protection.

Dimensions, Capacities, and Fuel Economy

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz interior offers a total passenger volume of 101.8 cubic feet. Front headroom reaches 40.2 inches without a sunroof, with legroom measuring 41.4 inches. Rear seating space includes 39.6 inches of headroom, 36.5 inches of legroom, and sufficient shoulder and hip room for passenger comfort. Rear seats feature a 60/40 split with tip-up lower cushions to increase storage space when needed.

The fuel tank capacity is 17.7 gallons. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds for both engines with trailer brakes, increasing to 5,000 pounds for the all-wheel-drive turbocharged model. The maximum vehicle load limit is 1,411 pounds.

Fuel economy varies between powertrains and drivetrain configurations. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA estimate of 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. The turbocharged 2.5T engine records an estimated 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined in the XRT AWD trim, and 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for the Limited AWD version.

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.

Visit ALM Hyundai of Athens for a Test Drive

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz blends midsize utility with refined engineering, offering practical capability through its range of engines and integrated safety systems. Designed for drivers who need everyday function with added versatility, it brings together responsive performance and intuitive technology. Taking the time to drive it offers clarity on how well these systems respond to real-world demands. To explore its powertrain options, handling characteristics, and driver-assist features firsthand, schedule your test drive at ALM Hyundai of Athens near Loganville, GA.