Hyundai to announce $20 billion US investment
Hyundai is making a major investment in the U.S. to the tune of $20 billion.
Cheddar
- The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a rugged-looking new XRT trim package.
- AWD is standard for the Santa Cruz pickup and its 48.4-inch long bed.
I’m sharing my impressions of vehicles after living with them for a few days or as a make or model evolves.
The car this week: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD.
What is it? Sporty compact pickup. Imagine replacing the rear third of Hyundai’s popular Tucson compact SUV with a short pickup bed.
How much: $42,720 as tested. Limited is the highest trim level. Santa Cruz prices start at $28,750.
Prices exclude $1,450 destination charge.
How’s it selling: Hyundai sold 32,033 Santa Cruzes in 2024, down 13% from 36,675 in 2023.
Not close to the numbers Ford’s Maverick compact pickup racks up ― 131,142 in 2024 ― but OK for a vehicle designed to be a niche model, not one of its maker’s core products.
What I wrote the first time I drove the Santa Cruz: “The Santa Cruz is one of the best and most surprising new vehicles I’ve driven this year: fun to drive, unique, attractive, comfortable and versatile.”
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz pricing
- SE: $28,750
- SEL: $30,450
- SEL Activity: $33,450
- XRT: $42,250
- Limited: $42,750
Source: Edmunds. All prices excludes $1,450 destination charge.
What does it compete with? Ford Maverick, Honda Ridgeline
Why I want it: I loved Hyundai’s little sport truck the first time I drove one on the press intro four years ago. Nothing has changed. The Santa Cruz looks as fresh and unique as the day Hyundai unveiled it. Its comfortable, modern five-passenger cabin and usable bed can appeal to anybody who doesn’t want a conventional pickup.
Changes for 2025 include:
- Off-road-styled XRT model with new grille, modified front and rear fascia, tow hooks, all-terrain tires, surround view monitor and “wrench-inspired” alloy wheels.
- Improved controls with physical buttons and switches.
- Rear seat center armrest with two cupholders.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models.
- USB-C ports.
- Towing mode.
What I’d like to see: A little more power wouldn’t hurt. The XRT model looks good, but lacks changes to the driveline or electronics to boost off-road capability.
Key features
- All-wheel drive
- 12.3-inch touch screen
- 48.4-inch-long bed
- Lockable under bed storage compartment
- Available tonneau cover
Why buy it: The Santa Cruz combines pickup practicality with offbeat appeal in a small, easy to park charmer.
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
