Hyundai has taken the wraps off its 2025 model of the Santa Cruz pickup truck, showcasing a series of updates that are subtle on the outside but more noticeable inside. The truck maintains its range of engine options, yet it's the XRT variant that's getting some extra attention. When the XRT first appeared in July 2023, it was mostly about its looks. However, with the latest update, there have been some functional additions as well.

The 2025 Santa Cruz shows off a refreshed exterior, most notably featuring a new grille designed with rectangular openings, alongside a tweaked lower part of the front. This redesign moves away from the previous V-shaped grille to a more blocky, symmetrical look that leans more towards a traditional truck aesthetic. It's interesting to speculate whether the design shift was influenced by the boxy front of the Ford Maverick. This facelift includes not just a new set of wheels but also a unique rear design for the XRT model, though the major changes are limited to the front.

The XRT now comes equipped with all-terrain tires for improved off-road capability, a departure from the street tires used on other versions. Additionally, the XRT features a unique grille design and front and rear designs tailored for better off-roading angles. It also adds striking red tow hooks at the front and is fitted with 18-inch wheels specific to the XRT trim.

Inside the cabin, the upgrades are much more significant. The interior borrows design cues from the recently updated Tucson, introducing a large, curved screen that combines the driver's and center infotainment displays. These screens can be as large as 12.3 inches each, set into a redesigned dashboard that includes a handy shelf above the glove compartment. The center stack houses physical buttons for the audio and climate controls, and the familiar transmission shift stalk remains. The steering wheel design is also new, echoing that of the Tucson.

Technological enhancements are part of the interior revamp, with the inclusion of over-the-air software updates, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims, and the integration of Bluelink+ connected car technology and Hyundai Pay. Hyundai's Digital Key 2 Touch allows for smartphone control over locking and unlocking the truck, and new safety features like Forward Attention Warning are introduced. Choosing the XRT trim adds surround-view and blind-spot cameras as standard equipment.

Powertrain options remain the same, offering a choice between a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The latter is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and includes a new towing mode capable of handling up to 5,000 pounds when equipped on the XRT or Limited trims.

The 2025 Santa Cruz is expected to hit dealerships in the summer, with pricing details to be announced closer to its release. For context, the 2024 Santa Cruz started at $28,275, including destination fees, with the top-tier Limited model priced at $42,695.

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