Published on March 11, 2025 | By Alex Wheeler, Top Car Review Expert

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is a refreshed take on Hyundai’s unibody pickup, blending car-like comfort with truck utility in a stylish package. Priced at CAD 47,479 (approximately USD 35,500), this turbocharged all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim boasts 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5L turbo four-cylinder engine.

Design: A Bolder Look for 2025

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT gets a subtle but impactful refresh, sharpening its edge in the compact pickup segment. Here’s what’s new:

• Exterior Styling: Hyundai ditches the softer, Tucson-esque front for a squared-off grille and headlights inspired by the Palisade SUV. The XRT trim amps up the rugged vibe with tow hooks, a beefier bumper, and unique “wrench-inspired” 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Continental TerrainContact A/T tires. Yuri called its orange paint “vibrant”—it’s a head-turner, perfect for Home Depot runs or weekend escapes. No suspension lift, though—it’s more style than hardcore off-road substance.

• XRT-Specific Details: Black cladding, a better approach angle (thanks to the redesigned bumper), and subtle XRT badging elevate its presence. Jakub wished for orange accents on the badges, but the dark chrome trim keeps it classy. At 195.7 inches long, it’s compact yet assertive—think of it as an Elantra that grew a bed and some muscle.
• Interior Refresh: Inside, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT swaps glossy black plastic and capacitive buttons for a modernized dashboard with physical controls—a win for usability. The seats sport XRT logos, though they’re unchanged in feel—firm synthetic leather that’s comfy but not plush. Dark-only color options (Medium Gray is new) keep it understated, but I’d love a splash of that exterior orange inside.

From my experience, this refresh makes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT feel less like a crossover experiment and more like a purpose-built trucklet. It’s a “fashion truck,” as Yuri put it—ideal for buyers who want utility without sacrificing style.

Performance: Turbo Power Meets Car-Like Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is powered exclusively by a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and standard HTRAC AWD. Here’s how it drives, based on TheStraightPipes’ test and my analysis:

Sport Mode: A Slingshot Surge

Switch to Sport Mode, and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT unleashes its 281 hp and 311 lb-ft. Yuri described it as a “slingshot shake and bake”—a torque-rich blast that feels eager off the line. It’s no Raptor (no launch control here), but it hits 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 6.0 seconds, per Car and Driver’s tests of similar models. The DCT shifts are “decently responsive,” though Jakub noted it won’t “bang off” like a manual. For a unibody truck, it’s a thrill—more spirited than the base 191-hp Santa Cruz trims.

Normal Mode: Everyday Refinement

In Normal Mode, it’s a different story. “I’m just driving along, I got to go—nothing,” Yuri said, highlighting a slight delay before the torque kicks in. Once it does, it’s “torquey after,” making it smooth for commuting or errands. I’ve driven similar Hyundai DCT setups, and this lag is typical—manageable but noticeable. It’s an Elantra with a bed in disguise—refined, not raw.

Snow Mode: Winter-Ready Grip

Tested in Canadian snow, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT shines with its HTRAC AWD and Snow Mode. Yuri plowed through a snowbank—“It hooked up”—proving its winter chops. The Terrain Mode button adjusts traction, though there’s no locking differential (a miss for serious off-roaders). Fitted with General winter tires (OE recommends Continental TerrainContact A/Ts), it’s a capable snow companion. I’ve navigated snowy Midwest roads in AWD crossovers, and this setup rivals them—perfect for light trails or icy driveways.

Ride and Handling

No adaptive suspension here, but the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT rides “surprisingly good,” soaking up bumps like a car, not a truck. The steering’s “crazy light,” Yuri noted, and paddle shifters add a playful touch (though they’re not razor-sharp). With 8.6 inches of ground clearance, it’s no rock-crawler, but it’s higher than the Ford Maverick Lobo (7.4 inches). I’d call it a crossover-first truck—nimble in town, decent on gravel, but not built for Moab.

Technology: Modern and User-Friendly

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT leans into Hyundai’s tech-forward reputation, blending luxury with practicality:

• Infotainment: A refreshed 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional on lower trims, standard on XRT and Limited) offers wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, USB-C ports, and a power-only charging toggle—“the best I’ve seen,” Jakub raved. Over-the-air updates and Hyundai Pay (for parking or fuel) add future-proofing. The interface is crisp, intuitive, and a step above the Maverick’s 8-inch setup.
• Safety Suite: Standard features include Lane Keep Assist (smooth, per Yuri), blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The XRT adds a 360-degree camera—high-res and precise—plus Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go. Front braking assist can be twitchy in lots (adjustable), but it’s a minor gripe. No parking sensors in Canada (USA gets them) is a puzzling omission.
• Comfort Tech: A heated steering wheel (two levels), heated seats (three levels), and a Canada-exclusive sunroof elevate the cabin. The gauge cluster offers customizable themes—Classic mode shows RPMs, tied to drive modes—a neat touch I’ve enjoyed in other Hyundais.

From my testing of Hyundai’s tech, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT nails the balance of modern convenience and driver-friendly controls. Physical buttons for climate and audio (new for 2025) are a godsend—no more fumbling with touchscreens.

Practicality: Truck Bed Pros and Cons

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is marketed as a “Sport Adventure Vehicle,” but how does its bed hold up?

• Bed Features: At 52.1 inches long with 27 cubic feet of space, it’s smaller than the Maverick’s 54.4-inch, 33.3-cubic-foot bed. A lockable hard tonneau cover, side steps, and tow hooks (5,000 lb towing capacity with AWD) make it versatile. Yuri loved parking over snowbanks—“15% more spots”—a trick I’ve used in trucks during Midwest winters. An in-bed trunk doubles as a cooler—great for tailgates or groceries.
• Drawbacks: Strollers slide around, scratching the bed easily, and reaching the tonneau cover dirties your waist. “A handle that popped towards you” would fix it, Jakub mused. No trailer hitch on this test unit complicates ramp use (e.g., for snowblowers). I’d rig tow hooks with ratchet straps for a makeshift solution—back it to a curb instead.

For “gardening grandmas” or weekend warriors, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is spot-on—load mulch or bikes without strain. For heavy hauls (1,521–1,753 lb payload), it’s outclassed by body-on-frame midsizers like the Tacoma. I’d trust it with light duty—think Home Depot runs, not construction sites.

Price & Value: Is the XRT Worth It?

At CAD 47,479 (approx. USD 35,500), the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT sits at the premium end of the compact truck spectrum. Here’s the breakdown:

• What You Get: Turbo power, AWD, advanced tech (360 cam, 12.3-inch screen), and a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain). Fuel economy lags at 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway)—acceptable but not stellar with all-terrain tires.
• Versus Rivals: The Ford Maverick XLT AWD starts around CAD 40,000 (USD 30,000), with the hybrid hitting 37 mpg combined. The Maverick Tremor (21 mpg) matches the XRT’s off-road vibe for less. “That’s a lot,” Yuri and Jakub said of the XRT’s price, and I agree—it’s steep for the segment.
• Value Proposition: For fashion-conscious buyers or retirees needing light utility, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT justifies its cost with refinement and tech. Budget shoppers might eye the Maverick’s lower entry point or hybrid efficiency. Check tsp.truecar.com for US pricing—Canada misses the diff lock, so importing could appeal.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT vs. Ford Maverick: Detailed Showdown

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT and Ford Maverick are the compact truck duopoly. Here’s how they compare:

• Power: XRT’s 281 hp/311 lb-ft edges out the Maverick’s max 250 hp/277 lb-ft (2.0L EcoBoost). The Maverick hybrid (191 hp) prioritizes efficiency over punch.
• Ride Quality: The XRT rides like an Elantra—smooth and quiet. The Maverick’s stiffer, truckier feel suits its utilitarian roots.
• Tech: XRT’s 12.3-inch screen and physical buttons outshine the Maverick’s 8-inch display. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist (optional) is a towing ace the XRT lacks.
• Utility: Maverick’s bigger bed and 1,500-lb payload beat the XRT’s 27 cubic feet and 1,521–1,753 lb range. XRT’s 5,000-lb towing trumps the Maverick’s 4,000 lb max.
• Price: Maverick’s $23,400–$ 34,855 range undercuts the XRT’s USD 35,500 starting point. The XRT feels upscale; the Maverick screams value.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is a “fashion truck”—think VW Beetle with a bed—while the Maverick’s a workhorse. I’d pick the XRT for fun and comfort and the Maverick for thrift and utility.

Who’s the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT For?

• Urban Adventurers: Car-like handling and snowbank-parking hacks make it a city star.
• Light Haulers: Perfect for gardening, small loads, or weekend gear—not heavy towing.
• Tech Lovers: Cutting-edge infotainment and safety tech appeal to gadget fans.
• Winter Drivers: AWD and Snow Mode tackle snow with confidence.

Not for: Heavy-duty haulers (go Raptor) or hardcore off-roaders (no lift or diff lock).

Final Thoughts: A Stylish Trucklet with Soul

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT isn’t a revolutionary leap—it’s a refined evolution. Its turbocharged punch, car-like ride, and modern tech make it a standout, though the price bites, and the bed has quirks. “I like it, it’s cool,” Yuri said, and I’m on board—it’s a cutesy, capable trucklet with personality. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT or Ford Maverick? Your call depends on style versus savings. What’s your take? Drop a comment!

About the Author

I’m Alex Wheeler, a car review expert with a decade of hands-on experience. From racetracks to rural roads, I deliver reviews rooted in real-world testing and SEO finesse.