The revamped 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz will reach U.S. dealerships this summer, and while changes have been made to the new model, prices have also been increased. Last year, it was possible to purchase an entry-level Santa Cruz SE with front-wheel drive for US$ 26,900, excluding US$ 1,395 in freight charges. This year, the starting price for the Santa Cruz SE FWD has been jacked up to US$ 28,500 before the same US$ 1,395 fee. While that price increase is not small, the 2025 model does come with a slew of updates, many of which are found in the cabin.
Included in the upgrades are a new
instrument panel, an optional curved display with a 12.3-inch infotainment
display and 12.3-inch cluster, a new steering wheel, revised air vents, and a
rear seat center armrest with two cupholders. All trim levels also receive
wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software and firmware
updates, USB-C ports, Bluelink, and a fingerprint scanner. Sitting above the SE
in the range is the SEL FWD, priced at US$ 30,200, a small increase from the US$
29,650 commanded by the 2024 model. The front-wheel drive range is then topped
out by the US$ 33,200 SEL Activity.
Prices for the all-wheel drive family
start at US$ 30,000 for the SE, making it US$ 1,600 pricier than last year. The
2025 Santa Cruz range also includes the US$ 31,700 SEL AWD (up US$ 550), the
new US$ 34,700 SEL Activity AWD, the US$ 40,000 XRT AWD (down US$ 100), and the
flagship US$ 42,500 Limited AWD (up US$ 1,180). In addition to altering the
interior of the 2025 Santa Cruz, Hyundai has made the exterior look a little
more rugged and less SUV-like. It’s done this by fitting a new grille with
vertical lighting elements and pronounced black underbody trim.
Customers can choose between two engine
options. The entry-level unit is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder
with 191 hp and 245 Nm, while the flagship 2.5-liter turbo four
produces 281 hp and 422 Nm.
