Compact pickup balances SUV comfort with truck versatility
Roseville, Calif. – This is small truck that's worth considering. And not just because it happens to be the name of a Northern California beach town that we've enjoyed on multiple occasions.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a truck with a distinctive personality. It's a compact four-door crew-cab that seats five passengers, possesses the driving dynamics of an SUV, has an affordable sticker price (starts at around $29,000), and the versatility to transport light loads.
And we do mean light when compared to the many large, heavy-duty trucks that inhabit the roadways these days. The bed is among the shortest in the segment – 4.3 feet long and extends to 6.2 feet with the tailgate down. The standard Santa Cruz model can tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, with the optional turbo engine and all-wheel drive the pickup can tow approximately 5,000 pounds.
Trim Levels
Hyundai even gave the Santa Cruz, which comes in four trim levels (SE, SEL, XRT, Limited), some off-road capability. It has 8.6 inches of ground clearance and when combined with all-wheel drive, the truck has the ability to move along dirt roads and wet, slippery surfaces. Note that any major off-roading is not advisable.
The truck has a retractable hard cover that protects and locks the bed, while also keeping stored items out of sight. It's equipped with adjustable rails, cleats for tying down and anchor points. There are three closeable storage pockets within the bed, one of them located on the floor.
There's no arguing that large trucks still dominate sales. But don't totally dismiss the much-smaller Santa Cruz's popularity. Sales exceeded 36,000 in its first two full years and dipped a bit in 2024 (32,033). A front-end tweaking this year – restyled grille and front bumper similar to the Tucson SUV – make the Santa Cruz appear a bit more rugged.
Performance
We drove the XRT model for a week and really enjoyed the extra performance. It's far more powerful than the standard model, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It travels 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and gets roughly 19-27 mpg.
The standard front-wheel drive Santa Cruz engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It goes 0-60 mph in approximately 8.8 seconds, but gets better gas mileage (20-30 mpg). Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
AT A GLANCE – 2025 HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ
- Performance: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 191 horsepower; turbocharged 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 281 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 20-30 mpg; 19-27 mpg
- Price estimate: $28,800 to $42,800
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; Drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; Roadside Assistance: 5 years/unlimited; Corrosion: 7 years/unlimited
Based on the Hyundai Tucson crossover, the Santa Cruz provides a smooth ride and is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Steering and handling are above average, allowing the pickup to navigate nimbly along challenging curvy roads.
Interior & Safety
Every Santa Cruz has the following driver safety features: forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot intervention, rear cross-traffic warning, and high beam assist.
The redesigned dashboard is user-friendly and features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument panel, located behind the steering wheel. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, but rear passengers will find insufficient leg room and seats that are upright and rigid.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unique truck, designed for folks who don't want a bulky, oversized pickup that costs a bundle. It handles like a small SUV, provides versatility, and is fun to drive.