2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Update: Exploring the $1,910 Price Increase
Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Santa Cruz at the New York Auto Show, generating excitement among truck enthusiasts and potential buyers alike. With dealer deliveries scheduled for later this summer, the burning question on everyone’s mind is, “What’s the damage?” As expected, the updated Santa Cruz comes with a price increase compared to its predecessor, reflecting the industry-wide trend of rising costs for light-duty vehicles. Let’s delve into the details of what the additional investment in the 2025 Santa Cruz entails.
Enhanced Exterior Design and Technology Upgrades
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz boasts a refreshed exterior design that includes a new front grille, updated front bumper, and re-styled daytime running lights to give it a more modern and sophisticated look. Additionally, new wheel designs add a touch of flair to the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. The interior updates mirror those seen in the refreshed Tucson, Hyundai’s SUV sibling, featuring the innovative panoramic curved screen setup with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system running the latest Hyundai software.
One notable change in the interior is the shift from touch haptic controls to physical buttons and switches, making the user experience more intuitive and user-friendly. The inclusion of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard features ensures seamless connectivity for smartphone users. Hyundai also revamped the steering wheel, air vents, instrument panel, and rear seat armrest to enhance comfort and convenience for both drivers and passengers.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Safety Features
The 2025 Santa Cruz comes equipped with a range of advanced technology and safety features, many of which were first introduced in the refreshed Tucson. These include a fingerprint scanner for vehicle startup, Digital Key 2 technology for using your phone as a key, over-the-air updates for the infotainment system, more powerful USB-C ports, and a new driver attention monitoring system. These features not only elevate the driving experience but also prioritize safety and convenience for all occupants.
Off-Roading Capabilities and Trim Updates
Hyundai has upgraded the XRT off-roading trim for the 2025 Santa Cruz, transforming it from an appearance package to a more robust off-roader. The XRT trim features an exclusive grille, red tow hooks, a redesigned front bumper for improved approach angles, a new rear bumper, and all-terrain tires wrapped around trim-specific 18-inch “wrench-inspired” wheels. Inside, the cabin showcases XRT logos, and the inclusion of a Surround View Monitor as a standard feature enhances visibility in off-road situations.
Unchanged Powertrains and Towing Capacities
Despite the numerous updates and enhancements, the powertrains for the 2025 Santa Cruz remain unchanged from the previous model. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that can drive either the front or all four wheels. The turbocharged variant of the same engine produces 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox sending power to all four wheels.
While the 2.5 turbo variant now includes a tow mode in its drive mode selection, the maximum towing capacity remains at 5,000 pounds. In contrast, the non-turbo engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it a versatile option for a wide range of hauling needs.
Changes in Trim Levels and Pricing
The Night trim, known for its dark and sleek appearance, has been discontinued for the 2025 Santa Cruz. Instead, the SEL with the Activity Package now fills the void between the SEL and XRT trims, offering a balance of features and affordability for buyers. The pricing for the 2025 Santa Cruz reflects the industry-wide trend of increasing costs, with each trim level seeing a price hike compared to the previous model year.
The base SE trim starts at $29,895, representing a $1,910 increase over the previous year. The SEL trim is priced at $31,595, with the addition of the SEL Activity Package bringing the total to $34,595. The XRT trim, known for its off-roading capabilities, is priced at $41,395, while the range-topping Limited trim starts at $43,895.
Comparing the 2025 Santa Cruz to its Competitors
In the competitive landscape of midsize trucks, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz competes with vehicles like the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at $41,545, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Santa Cruz in terms of pricing and features. On the other hand, the Ford Maverick, a popular choice among truck buyers, starts at $27,890 for the 2025 model year, offering a more budget-friendly option for those seeking a versatile and capable truck.
Despite the price increase for the 2025 Santa Cruz, Hyundai has ensured that the updates and enhancements justify the additional investment. With a focus on design, technology, safety, and off-roading capabilities, the 2025 Santa Cruz aims to appeal to a wide range of buyers looking for a versatile and stylish midsize truck. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Hyundai remains committed to delivering innovative and high-quality vehicles that meet the needs and preferences of today’s consumers.