Santa Cruz is an interesting blend of car-driving characteristics and truck-working capabilities. In the past, this truck came with two engine variations, and for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, we expect to introduce a new hybrid engine. Also, Hyundai is preparing to redesign the interior, and we hope they will introduce some new features inside the cabin.
The upcoming Santa Cruz will meet rivals like the Ford Maverick, Honda Ridgeline, and Subaru Outback on the market. And all of them will offer good driving and working capabilities in the class.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz promises to deliver the most luxurious cabin. That will be paired with the most potent engine in this class. And we expect to see best-in-class towing capabilities.
Also, this model will get updated interior features. Safety Systems, Infotainment Screen, and we will see plenty of premium materials, especially in high-end trims.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid
At this moment, there is no official news about what hybrid engine Hyundai will use in the 2025 model of the Santa Cruz. But we guess they will use a PHEV variation of their inline 4 turbo cylinder engine. This engine, which will have a displacement of 2.5 liters, will be paired with an electric motor. Together, they will produce around 310 horsepower with 350 pound-feet of torque. The power will be delivered to all-wheel drive through a 9-speed automatic transmission.
One of the most important specifications of a hybrid engine is its fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption in the city will be 25 MPG. And for the highway, we expect the same numbers as in regular mode. And that will be 29 MPG. The combined drive will be 27 MPG.
One of the interesting features of this model is that it has up to 30 miles of just electric range.
The hybrid powertrain will also feature good towing capabilities. And they will be 4500 pounds.
Specifications
The standard model of the upcoming 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz will share the same specifications as the previous model. It will feature two powertrains. The one that will be underpowered by our opinion. The 2.5 inline-four engine will produce 205 horsepower. And the more potent variation that will come in higher-end trims. The same displacement, but now a turbocharged mill that will produce 285 horsepower. Both of the engines will deliver their power with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive will come as an option.
The transmissions for both engines will be 9-speed automatic, but we will find dual-clutch transmissions optional. Also optional will be paddle shifters on higger end trims.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz will have 5000 pounds of towing capacity, and that will make him a class leader.
The new Santa Cruz will keep some of the interesting features of the previous model. Some of them will be in the under-bed storage compartment. Heavy-duty cargo tie-down rings. Sidewall bed storage compartment, and much more. All this extra storage space will make this truck useful as a daily driver and a capable workhorse.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior
The interior of the upcoming 2025 Santa Cruz will hugely depend on the trim level customers can choose. The standard model will be pretty basic, and top-tier trims will get plenty of luxurious features. The base models will now come with a 9-inch touchscreen, and top-tier trims will be equipped with a new 11-inch touchscreen. Also, the Limited model will get a heated steering wheel and a premium sound system. The luxurious leather seats have heating and venting options on the front. And we expect to see wireless charging pads as a part of premium equipment. The base models will only have USB charging ports.
Across all the models, we will see all connecting features, including Android Auto and Apple Car Play.
And we expect to see plenty of safety and driving assistance features. Some of them will be.
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance Assist
- Rear-Occupant Alert
- Safe Exit Warning
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Forward Collision with Pedestrian Detection
And there will be some driving assistance features, like:
- High beam assistance
- Lane Following Assistance
- Automatic TailGate
- Lane Following Assistance
- Rear View Monitor
- Powered Sunroof
Price and Release Date
The release date of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has not been officially announced. But we expect Hyundai to give us official pieces of information this year. The day that the new Santa Cruz will hit the market is expected to be December 2024.
The base trims should keep the same starting price of $26.000, and the top-tier trims will go up to $41.000.
We expect to see trims that will feature a hybrid engine starting at $31,000. Also, this trim should feature plenty of additional equipment, including 20-inch rims. Black interior features. Heated front seats and a new infotainment system.
