Hyundai today unveiled an enhanced 2025 Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle in a world debut at the New York International Auto Show and online at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/2025-tucson-and-santa-cruz. Brad Arnold, senior design manager of exteriors at Hyundai Design North America, walked the audience through the design upgrades. José Muñoz, president and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company and president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America discussed the importance of the refreshed Santa Cruz and Tucson SUV in Hyundai’s lineup. Hyundai has a strong history of upgrading its advanced technologies and Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy for Hyundai Motor North America provided insights on how these features will exceed new Santa Cruz customers’ expectations.
Santa Cruz offers redesigned exterior and interior surfaces along with new infotainment and additional advanced driver assistance systems. The 2025 Santa Cruz, designed in California, arrives at Hyundai dealerships this summer.
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“The development goal for freshening Santa Cruz was to give it an even bolder, stronger design. We also wanted Santa Cruz to be more capable, and the available XRT trim delivers with all-terrain tires, front tow hooks and improved off-road capability. Customers are going to appreciate all the new design details and enhancements inside and out. Santa Cruz is a true sport adventure vehicle,” said Muñoz.
“More vertical lines and redesigned headlamps bookend a menacing new grille incorporating larger chambers. These changes give the 2025 Santa Cruz a more planted, robust stance,” said Arnold. “On the Santa Cruz XRT, we’ve augmented the model’s off-road capability by increasing the approach angle, adding all-terrain tires and unique wrench-inspired alloy wheels.”
2025 Santa Cruz New Enhancements and Available Features
XRT Trim (Specific Changes)
- New XRT-exclusive front and rear bumper fascia designs
- New XRT-exclusive front grille
- Front tow hooks
- Wrench-inspired XRT-specific 18-inch wheels
- 245 / 60 R 18 all-terrain tires
- Increased approach angle
- XRT trim adds Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitori
- XRT logo debossing on front upper seatbacks
Exterior Changes
- New front fascia
- New grille
- New wheel designs
- New daytime running lights
Interior Changes
In keeping with the more capable exterior, the upgraded Santa Cruz interior provides a high-tech image combined with increased functionality. The new panoramic curved display houses an optional 12.3-inch driver information cluster and available 12.3-inch audio-video navigation (AVN) system for an immersive digital experience. In addition, the center stack controls are more ergonomic, with additional physical switchgear for frequently used audio and HVAC functions. The strong horizontal and vertical shapes of the new instrument panel are consistent with Santa Cruz’s refreshed exterior changes while offering additional storage including a new shelf above the glovebox.
- New instrument panel
- New panoramic curved display houses an optional 12.3-inch driver information cluster and available 12.3-inch audio-video navigation (AVN) system
- New audio/video/navigation and HVAC controls with switches and buttons
- New steering wheel
- New air vents
- Rear seat center armrest with two cupholders
New Infotainment/Convenience Technology
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ integration on all trim levels
- Over the Air (OTA) software and firmware update support addedii
- USB-Type-C ports
- Bluelink+ Connected Car technologyiii
- Hyundai Pay in-car payment systemiv
- Integrated Memory System
- Digital Key 2 Touch
- Fingerprint scanner
- New towing drive mode (2.5L turbocharged powertrain on Limited and XRT only)
Safety Technology
- Forward Attention Warning (FAW)
New Color Choices
- Rockwood Green and Canyon Red exterior color choices
- Medium Gray seating surfaces
Powertrain
Powerful and Efficient Powertrains
Santa Cruz offers two powerful, flexible and efficient powertrains. The standard powertrain is a 2.5L direct-injected in-line four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine couples to an eight-speed automatic transmission for quick acceleration and superb efficiency. Santa Cruz also offers a 2.5L direct-injected turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque linked to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). This DCT includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual shifting control. The 2.5L turbocharged powertrain adds a new tow mode for the 2025 model year.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The eight-speed transmission for the standard 2.5-liter engine provides quick and crisp shifts for an engaging and efficient driving experience. A multi-disc and individually controlled hydraulic channel torque converter improves responsiveness by expanding the direct connection band, while a downsized oil pump and double ball bearings minimize frictional losses.
HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive
Both 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.5L four-cylinder turbo models offer HTRAC® all-wheel drive capability for complete confidence when pursuing adventures of all kinds or for that extra peace of mind when driving in an unexpected snowfall. HTRAC AWD was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The Sport setting gives Santa Cruz a more agile feel by sending additional torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty, dynamic experience. This system has a wide range of torque distribution variability, tuned for conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts. For those customers who like to tow their weekend gear with them, the 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated to tow 3,500 lbs. and the 2.5L Turbo AWD model boasts a generous 5,000 lbs. of towing capability.
Hyundai Motor Americav
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.
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i Surround View Monitor (SVM) is a parking support system. SVM cannot completely eliminate blind spots, may not detect every object and does not warn of moving objects. Always check surroundings before moving vehicle. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) assists driver in changing lanes by providing a live view of the blind spots on either side of the vehicle and an audible alert if another vehicle is detected. Turn signal must be activated and other system limitations apply. Do not rely exclusively on BVM. It is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
ii Requires active Bluelink subscription.
iii Bluelink+ is available to purchasers and lessees of 2024 and newer Bluelink-equipped Hyundai models. Not available on all models and trims. Bluelink+ requires an active Bluelink account subject to the Connected Services Terms and Conditions. Only use Bluelink features and corresponding devices when safe to do so. Cellular and GPS coverage is required. Fees apply for map and multimedia over-the-air (OTA) updates after an initial three-year period of complementary updates. Three-year term starts from the new vehicle date of first use. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Bluelink services rely on digital wireless telecommunications technology outside of Hyundai’s control. Bluelink is dependent on 4G LTE cellular networks controlled and maintained by third-party wireless carriers. If and when these networks change and/or discontinue service, or the underlying technology required to support Bluelink becomes obsolete, then the connected services will not work and Hyundai will be forced to cancel impacted subscription services.
iv Hyundai Pay is presently only available on select Hyundai models. Requires MyHyundai mobile app and an active Bluelink account, subject to the Connected Services Terms and Conditions. For eligible vehicles, Hyundai Pay is included with Bluelink subscription at no additional cost. Cellular and GPS coverage is required. Only use Bluelink features and corresponding devices when safe to do so. Valid Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card must be linked to MyHyundai account with Bluelink. Credit card eligibility and terms are determined by the card issuing bank. Accepted by participating merchants for off-street reserved parking only. Availability of such services may change over time and may vary by vehicle and geographic location. Additional merchant terms and fees may apply. Participating merchants may not operate in all locations. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Visit owners.hyundaiusa.com for more information.
v Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner’s Manual for proper use and additional information.
