The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz brings a bold refresh to one of the most unique vehicles on the road. It is part compact SUV, part pickup truck, and completely focused on drivers who want utility without giving up comfort. With updated styling, more standard tech, and a focus on both city driving and weekend getaways, the Santa Cruz continues to stand out in a growing field of small trucks. For Canadians who want something practical, capable, and just a little different, this one hits a sweet spot.
All Canadian models come with a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine that delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and comes standard with AWD. Acceleration is surprisingly quick for a vehicle this size, with smooth shifts and confident passing power. It feels more like a sporty crossover than a work truck, and the turbo engine does great, giving drivers a stronger throttle response and better towing capability.
When properly equipped, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is enough for small trailers, boats, or snowmobiles. Fuel economy is decent for an AWD pickup, sitting around 11L/100km in mixed driving.
The Santa Cruz drives more like an SUV than a traditional pickup. Steering is light and responsive, and the independent rear suspension helps soak up bumps and uneven pavement. It feels composed in corners and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it ideal for city driving.
New for 2025 is the XRT trim, which adds a slightly lifted front bumper for improved clearance, all-terrain tires, and a more rugged look. The setup is great for light off-roading or unpaved cottage roads, though it does come with a firmer ride and more road noise than the more refined Limited trim.
Inside, the Santa Cruz takes a big step forward for 2025. The updated cabin features a clean layout with dual 12.3-inch displays that handle both the instrument cluster and infotainment. Hyundai added physical knobs for volume and climate controls, a welcome change from the previous touch-only setup.
Materials feel solid, and the seats are supportive for long drives. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel come standard in Canada, while higher trims add ventilated seats, leather upholstery, and a premium audio system. Rear seat space is tight for taller adults, but still usable for shorter trips or children. Underseat storage and clever cubbies throughout the cabin make it easy to keep things organized.
The Santa Cruz also features Hyundai’s full suite of safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The infotainment system runs smoothly and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims.
The Santa Cruz is not a full-size truck, but it is built to be useful. The four-foot bed includes a lockable underfloor storage compartment, built-in tie downs, and an available factory tonneau cover. It is not as deep or as wide as traditional trucks, but for everyday jobs like hauling bikes, garden supplies, or weekend gear, it gets the job done.
The Santa Cruz also shines in urban areas where bigger trucks can feel clumsy. It is easy to park, easy to drive, and still capable of towing and carrying cargo when needed. For Canadian buyers who want a vehicle that can handle both city streets and gravel roads, it offers the right mix of size and function.
The Santa Cruz does a lot of things right, but there are a few compromises. Rear seat legroom is tight, especially if you are carrying adults in the back on longer drives. The bed is useful, but limited in size compared to traditional pickups. If you regularly haul large loads or construction materials, you may find it too small. And while the infotainment system is packed with features, the dual screen setup can be distracting at times and may take a bit of learning to use smoothly.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to be one of the most unique and well-rounded vehicles on the market. It combines the comfort and drivability of an SUV with the practicality and utility of a small pickup. For Canadians who want something that can handle commutes, road trips, cottage drives, and weekend projects, it offers real flexibility.
It is not the biggest or most powerful truck out there, but it was never trying to be. What Santa Cruz offers is a smart, stylish, and capable alternative to both compact SUVs and larger pickups. If you need something that fits into your everyday life but still lets you have some fun on the weekends, the Santa Cruz is a strong choice.
