2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz near Columbia, SC
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a blend of engineering precision and practical design tailored for users seeking a versatile midsize pickup. This model offers a balance of efficient powertrains, structural innovation, integrated technology, and comprehensive safety features.
Dual Engine Options Delivering Balanced Power and Efficiency
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two 2.5-liter Smartstream® inline-4 engines built with modern combustion technology. The naturally aspirated engine produces 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It incorporates a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration with 16 valves, supported by a combination of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Multi-Point Injection (MPI). Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) optimizes valve operation for efficiency and power delivery. This engine operates with a 13.0 compression ratio and uses a variable intake system.
The turbocharged 2.5T engine variant increases output to 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and torque to 311 lb-ft available between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm. This engine also uses a 16-valve DOHC design with GDI and MPI and maintains CVVT. The compression ratio in the turbocharged engine is 10.5 to accommodate forced induction, with a turbocharged intake system enhancing performance.
Both engines feature aluminum construction for the block and cylinder head, reducing weight and improving thermal efficiency. Each engine is equipped with a hood insulator to manage noise levels. The recommended fuel for both engines is regular unleaded, and emissions control is certified at ULEV standards.
The naturally aspirated engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic torque converter transmission, while the turbocharged engine uses an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission designed for faster shift response. The turbocharged model also includes paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, allowing manual gear selection. Drive configurations include front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional HTRAC all-wheel-drive system featuring active on-demand engagement. Drivers can select driving modes via a center-console-mounted control.
Gear ratios differ between the two powertrains. The naturally aspirated engine’s transmission features a first gear ratio of 4.487, with progressively shorter ratios through the 8-speed setup, and a final gear ratio of 4.081. The turbocharged model employs gear ratios optimized for performance, including a first gear ratio of 3.429 and a final gear ratio split between 4.846 and 3.316 for different gears to balance acceleration and efficiency.
Structural Engineering and Suspension Design for Stability
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz uses a unibody construction, known as monocoque, which integrates the body and frame into a single structure. The chassis incorporates advanced high-strength steels and high tensile steel to achieve weight reduction without compromising structural integrity.
The front suspension utilizes a MacPherson® strut design with coil springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers. The rear suspension features a multi-link setup with self-leveling gas-pressurized shocks.
Steering is managed through motor-driven power steering (MDPS) with a rack and pinion configuration, offering a steering ratio of 14.2 and 2.62 turns lock-to-lock. The turning diameter is 39.6 feet curb-to-curb, allowing for maneuverability in urban and off-road environments.
Braking systems include 12.8-inch ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The brake setup integrates an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and Brake Assist. An electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold is standard.
Exterior Configuration and Cargo Solutions
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a functional exterior with options for 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, depending on trim. Tires correspond in size, with 245/60R18 or 245/50R20 depending on the wheel choice. A temporary spare tire is standard on models equipped with 18-inch wheels.
Lighting includes Bi-LED projector-type headlights with high and low beams, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and an automatic headlight system with high beam assist. Higher trims feature additional LED cargo and bed lighting.
The pickup bed includes a Sheet Molded Composite (SMC) bed structure, designed for durability and light weight. Functional features include lockable under-bed storage compartments and sidewall storage bins. The bed length measures 48.4 inches in the upper bed, extending to 74.8 inches with the tailgate lowered. Bed width reaches 53.9 inches at its maximum and 42.7 inches between the wheelhouses. Bed depth is 19.2 inches, and the bed height from the ground is 31.9 inches. Integrated utility includes heavy-duty cargo D-rings, a multi-functional tailgate with assisted open/close, and integrated rear bumper side steps.
Certain trims provide an integrated tonneau cover with built-in T-slot accessory tracks and a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system. A 115-volt power outlet in the sidewall storage compartment is also available.
Exterior mirrors come heated and include blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic avoidance indicators, with turn signal indicators on select trims. Roof rails and cross rails are available depending on the configuration, alongside other convenience and protective features like privacy glass and solar glass on front doors and windshields.
Interior Configuration and Advanced Infotainment
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz accommodates five passengers with seating that varies by trim. Lower trims offer stain- and odor-resistant cloth, while higher trims upgrade to H-Tex® leatherette or full leather seating surfaces. Driver seat adjustments range from 6-way manual to 8-way power with lumbar support, while the front passenger seat receives power adjustment on the Limited trim. Heated seats are standard from the SEL trim up, with ventilated seats available on the Limited.
The cabin includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with ccNc Lite software and six-speaker audio on base trims. Higher trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch audio-video-navigation (AVN) touchscreen with onboard navigation and Bose® premium audio in the Limited model. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard and operate wirelessly. The Bluelink+ Connected Car System supports remote vehicle functions, vehicle diagnostics, and emergency assistance across all trims.
The climate system is dual-zone automatic with auto defogger controls on higher trims, while the base model features manual air conditioning. Rear-seat ventilation includes heater ducts and center console-mounted rear air vents on SEL trims and above. The cabin incorporates dual USB Type-C ports in both front and rear seating areas for device charging.
Instrumentation includes a 4.2-inch multi-information display on lower trims and a full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Steering wheel controls provide access to audio, Bluetooth®, and cruise control functions. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality is available on the Activity and Limited trims.
Additional features include a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel on the Limited, power door locks, remote keyless entry with push-button start and remote engine start, and a wireless device quick charger on select trims. Rain-sensing wipers and ambient interior lighting with 64-color customization are exclusive to the Limited trim.
Safety Architecture and Driver Assistance Technologies
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety systems. Airbag protection covers front advanced airbags with occupant classification systems, thorax side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, and rear side airbags. Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters are fitted for all seating positions, alongside adjustable front seatbelt anchors and child safety locks.
Active safety includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection on standard trims. Higher trims add cyclist and junction-turning detection through sensor fusion technology. Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are standard across the range.
Advanced driver assistance systems on upper trims include Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with curve control. Steering wheel haptic feedback provides alerts related to lane keeping and blind-spot collision warnings.
Passive safety is supported by bodyside reinforcements and an anti-theft system integrated with remote keyless entry and an immobilizer.
Vehicle Dimensions, Capacity, and Performance Parameters
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a wheelbase of 118.3 inches and an overall length close to 196 inches, depending on the trim. Width stands at 75 inches with an overall height around 66.7 inches, varying slightly with roof rails. The vehicle’s approach angle reaches 8.6 degrees in 2WD models and up to 16.9 degrees with the XRT AWD trim, while the departure angle is 23.2 degrees. Ground clearance measures 8.6 inches for 2WD and 9.9 inches for AWD.
Interior headroom is 40.2 inches without a sunroof and reduces to 38.2 inches with one installed. Rear headroom is consistent at 39.6 inches. Legroom measures 41.4 inches in front and 36.5 inches in the rear. Shoulder and hip room range between 53 and 58 inches, providing ample space for occupants.
Fuel capacity is set at 17.7 gallons. The maximum trailer weight with trailer brakes is 3,500 pounds, increasing to 5,000 pounds on AWD models.
Visit ALM Hyundai Florence for a Test Ride
The combination of engine options providing up to 281 horsepower, advanced transmission technologies, and available AWD delivers precise control and power management. Innovative cargo solutions and comprehensive safety features contribute to the suitability for a range of driving needs. Prospective buyers are encouraged to arrange a test drive at ALM Hyundai Florence near Columbia, SC, to evaluate the vehicle’s mechanical performance, technology integrations, and functional design. Experiencing the vehicle firsthand allows a clear assessment of how its specifications meet individual requirements for a midsize pickup.