The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t trying to be a traditional truck, and that’s exactly why it works. After a week in the Limited AWD, I see it as a smart alternative for drivers who need occasional pickup capability without sacrificing comfort, technology, or maneuverability. It won’t win respect from hardcore truck traditionalists, but it definitely earns its place.
Design: A Stronger Stance, A Polarizing Face
Hyundai gave the Santa Cruz a sharper, more aggressive look for the 2025 model year. The wider grille and new lighting elements create a stronger stance, and from the side, I think the proportions look balanced. That said, I’m not sold on the front end. The grille and headlights remind me too much of a Transformer action figure, and it comes across as busy.
What I do like is the sliding, locking bed cover. It’s small, but it makes the Santa Cruz far more practical than a crossover SUV. Luggage, tools, or weekend gear stay secure and dry, and for me, that’s one of the best reasons to consider this truck.
Interior: Comfort and Tech with Premium Touches
Step inside the Limited AWD, and the Santa Cruz quickly distances itself from any traditional truck feel. Hyundai continues its theme of offering creature comforts once reserved for luxury vehicles. The new panoramic curved display integrates the driver’s cluster and infotainment screen into a sleek, high-tech centerpiece. I also appreciate that Hyundai reintroduced more physical controls for climate and audio, which makes daily use more intuitive.
The Limited trim emphasizes comfort with heated and ventilated leather seats and plenty of adjustment for long drives. The materials are well finished and deliver a strong premium impression, but they’re not true luxury grade — nor are they intended to be. That’s the point. The Santa Cruz doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t; instead, it offers upscale touches in a compact pickup that’s meant to be approachable and practical.
Small details round out the package: a shelf above the glove box, a rear-seat armrest with cup holders, and a smart use of storage that reinforces the Santa Cruz’s mission as a daily driver first and a truck second.
On the Road: SUV Dynamics, Pickup Utility
The Limited AWD drives more like a sedan or compact SUV than a truck. It’s smooth, quiet, and confident in daily use, with light steering and an easy-to-manage footprint. This isn’t an off-roader, but the AWD system adds peace of mind for wet weather or gravel roads. At most, I see it going to a fishing spot, a camping trip, or handling a snowy commute.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine in our tester makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough for merging, passing, and hauling. With AWD, it can tow up to 5,000 lbs, and the new Tow mode improves stability when pulling a trailer. It’s not a heavy-duty hauler, but it’s plenty capable for jet skis, a small camper, or yard projects.
Technology & Safety
One of the standout impressions from my week is just how much technology Hyundai fits into this compact pickup. Features that used to be associated with premium brands are standard or available here:
• Panoramic curved display with up to 12.3-inch screens
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Over-the-air update support
• Digital Key 2 Touch and fingerprint scanner
• Hyundai Pay in-car payment system
Safety: Active Technology Meets Solid Fundamentals
Hyundai also made safety a priority. On the active side, the Limited AWD includes:
• Forward Attention Warning (FAW)
• Blind-Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection
• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Just as important is the passive safety foundation. The Santa Cruz is built with advanced high-strength steel, engineered crumple zones, and a rigid passenger cell. Multiple airbags — including front, side, and curtain — come standard, and Hyundai has clearly designed the structure to minimize intrusion in the event of a crash.
You can find Hyundai’s complete list of Santa Cruz safety features here.
That combination of advanced tech and a strong safety structure gives me confidence that this is a well-rounded vehicle for families and individuals alike.
Trim Levels & Pricing
The Santa Cruz comes in five trims for 2025, but the Limited AWD I tested represents the fully loaded top of the lineup. Here’s how the others compare:
• SE (~$31,745): Basic entry point with modern essentials, including standard wireless smartphone integration.
• SEL (~$33,645): Adds more comfort and convenience touches.
• SEL Activity (~$36,245): Utility upgrades such as a sliding rear window and enhanced bed features.
• XRT (~$41,745): Ruggedized styling with off-road additions, turbo power, and AWD standard.
• Limited (~$44,245): The version I drove, with maximum comfort, tech, and premium touches.
Our test vehicle was priced at $44,425, which aligns with the Limited AWD’s base MSRP, once destination charges and options are factored in.
Final Word
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD isn’t a replacement for a full-size truck — and it shouldn’t be. It’s designed for people who don’t need to haul gravel or tow heavy loads every day, but want the utility of a truck bed combined with the comfort, technology, and everyday livability of an SUV.
With its comfortable interior, advanced safety, and versatile cargo solutions, the Limited AWD is the Santa Cruz at its very best. If you’ve ever wished for a truck that fits into your daily life and suburban garage, without feeling like overkill, this is it.
