2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Brings Subtle Flair, Off-Road Chops

• Hyundai is revamping its pseudo-pickup, the Santa Cruz, for 2025 with a new face, improved off-road capability, and upgraded technology.

• All trim levels are benefiting from a new front fascia for 2025, though XRT models also get a new front bumper that adds approach angle capabilities.

• Bigger screens and standard wireless Apple CarPlay also define the new model year, as Hyundai tries to mount an adventure-ready fight against Ford and others.

Pickup trucks are undoubtedly growing by the year (even if the functional bed size isn't), but there's also a downsizing trend for certain pickups. Ford's utilitarian Maverick truck launched in 2022, largely creating a category of its own inside a saturated pickup market. But the folks in Dearborn can't claim full responsibility for the resurgence of truly small trucks.

Hyundai jumped into the compact segment as well. After launching its quirky, pseudo-truck-crossover Santa Cruz in 2022, Hyundai and Ford began competing for the same set of buyers. As it turns out, four doors, five seats, and the ability to put something (albeit small) in the bed every once in a while is quite appealing.

As the 2025 model year approaches, Hyundai is subtly revamping its adventure-ready Santa Cruz, which is based on the Tucson crossover, but with a bed. The Korean automaker is not doing so through substantive mechanical changes, instead moving forward with a slight facelift.

Namely, a few trim-specific bumper updates represent the majority of the changes, but the results are more significant on paper than at first glance. While all 2025 model-year Santa Cruz units will receive a new front fascia, grille, and daytime running lights, the off-road-styled XRT trim will benefit from several true off-road capacity upgrades.

New for 2025, the approach angle on Santa Cruz XRT models is increased, though Hyundai has yet to say by how much. Similarly, 245mm all-terrain tires now come standard on a set of "wrench-inspired" 18-inch wheels. If you end up getting stuck, Hyundai has you covered, too, as it fitted front tow hooks to XRT models.

Despite being launched three models years ago, the technology inside the Hyundai Santa Cruz was due for improvement. As a result, Hyundai updated the instrument panel and infotainment system, now housed inside a set of side-by-side 12.3-inch screens. This type of dual-screen dash is becoming increasingly common, even for mainstream brands.

Additionally, Hyundai upgraded the HVAC controls, air vents, and steering wheel for 2025. Even better, there are now two cupholders in the rear-center armrest. Most notable, however, is the integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trim levels.

Powertrain options remain the same for 2025, with two versions of Hyundai's 2.5-liter four-cylinder—one naturally aspirated, the other turbocharged. An 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the naturally aspirated engine while an 8-speed dual-clutch is paired to the turbocharged model. HTrac AWD is available on all trims.

"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.

By the numbers, Ford is putting up a mighty fight, selling 94,058 Mavericks in 2023. Hyundai, on the other hand, only managed to sell around 36,000 units of Santa Cruz last year, marking a clear winner in the arms race.

With Santa Cruz sales stagnating year-over-year, Hyundai is banking on a facelift to boost sales, even if success is only measured at half of Ford's 2023 sales.

Is the resurgence of small trucks like the Maverick and Santa Cruz more about aesthetics, utility, or something else? Please share your thoughts below.