Click for more Santa Cruz.
Hyundai today showed a revised 2025 Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle in a world debut at the New York International Auto Show. Santa Cruz has mildly redesigned exterior and interior surfaces along with new infotainment and additional advanced driver assistance systems. [*] The 2025 Santa Cruz arrives at Hyundai dealerships this summer. (read AutoInformed on: First Look – 2024 Honda Ridgeline Pickup)
“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,” said José Muñoz, president and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Customers are going to appreciate all the new design details and enhancements inside and out. Santa Cruz is a true sport adventure vehicle.”
“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 Brad Arnold, senior design manager of exteriors at Hyundai Design North America. “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.”
Santa Cruz has a standard 2.5-liter direct-injected in-line four-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.. Santa Cruz also offers an optional 2.5-liter 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.
Both the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and turbo models have an optional HTRAC® all-wheel drive. 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 said.[v]
Click for more.
The Santa Cruz interior has a new panoramic curved display with an optional 12.3-inch driver information cluster and an optional12.3-inch audio-video navigation (AVN) system. In addition, the center stack controls are said to be more ergonomic, with additional physical switches (Toyota and Lexus have done this for years) for frequently used audio and HVAC functions. There is additional storage including a new shelf above the glovebox. The rear seat center armrest has two cup-holders.
New Infotainment Technology
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ integration on all trim levels.
- Over the Air (OTA) software and firmware update support added. [ii]
- USB-Type-C ports.
- Bluelink+ Connected Car technology. [iii]
- Hyundai Pay in-car payment system. [iv]
- Integrated Memory System
- Digital Key 2 Touch
- Fingerprint scanner
- New towing drive mode on 2.5-liter turbocharged on Limited and XRT only.
AutoInformed on
Inevitable Santa Cruz Footnotes
[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.
Hyundai 2025 Santa Cruz Debuts in New York
Click for more Santa Cruz.
Hyundai today showed a revised 2025 Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle in a world debut at the New York International Auto Show. Santa Cruz has mildly redesigned exterior and interior surfaces along with new infotainment and additional advanced driver assistance systems. [*] The 2025 Santa Cruz arrives at Hyundai dealerships this summer. (read AutoInformed on: First Look – 2024 Honda Ridgeline Pickup)
“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,” said José Muñoz, president and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Customers are going to appreciate all the new design details and enhancements inside and out. Santa Cruz is a true sport adventure vehicle.”
“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 Brad Arnold, senior design manager of exteriors at Hyundai Design North America. “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.”
Santa Cruz has a standard 2.5-liter direct-injected in-line four-cylinder engine rated at 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.. Santa Cruz also offers an optional 2.5-liter 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.
Both the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and turbo models have an optional HTRAC® all-wheel drive. 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 said.[v]
Click for more.
The Santa Cruz interior has a new panoramic curved display with an optional 12.3-inch driver information cluster and an optional12.3-inch audio-video navigation (AVN) system. In addition, the center stack controls are said to be more ergonomic, with additional physical switches (Toyota and Lexus have done this for years) for frequently used audio and HVAC functions. There is additional storage including a new shelf above the glovebox. The rear seat center armrest has two cup-holders.
New Infotainment Technology
AutoInformed on
Inevitable Santa Cruz Footnotes
[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.