Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: When Hyundai first launched the Santa Cruz in 2021, it quickly gained attention as a compact pickup truck designed for urban living. With its easy handling and decent hauling power, it was a practical choice for city drivers. However, the Ford Maverick soon entered the scene, offering a hybrid engine and a slightly bigger truck bed, making it a strong competitor.
Despite the tough competition, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT still holds its own. It combines style, convenience, and versatility, making it a great option for those who want a small truck that’s easy to drive and packed with features.
What Makes the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Special?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT trim is all about rugged looks without being a hardcore off-road machine. Hyundai introduced the XRT package in 2022 for models like the Tucson and Palisade, focusing on a more adventurous appearance rather than extreme off-road performance.
In the Santa Cruz, the XRT trim comes only with all-wheel drive, giving it better grip on rough roads. It features a bold dark grille, 18-inch wheels, red tow hooks, and special bumpers for a more aggressive look. It also comes with all-terrain tires, which provide better traction than the standard all-season tires.
Under the hood, the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This gives it strong towing power—up to 5,000 pounds—and a payload capacity of over 1,400 pounds. While it’s not built for serious off-roading, the XRT offers just enough extra capability for light adventures.
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Interior: Modern but Missing a Rugged Touch
Inside, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT has a sleek curved display with two 12.3-inch screens—one for the infotainment system and one for the driver. The screens are sharp and easy to use, but the graphics could be more truck-themed to match its rugged exterior.
The cabin is comfortable, especially in the front seats. However, the rear seats are a bit too upright and don’t recline, which might be uncomfortable for longer rides. On the plus side, the back seats can be lifted to reveal extra storage space underneath—a handy feature for carrying gear.
While the interior is modern and well-designed, it lacks some rugged touches that would make it feel more like a true pickup truck. Many of the controls and vents are shared with the Hyundai Tucson, which makes the cabin feel more SUV-like than truck-like.
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Truck Bed and Storage: Small but Smart
The Santa Cruz XRT’s truck bed is smaller than full-size pickups, but it’s packed with useful features. It has multiple tie-down points, making it easy to secure cargo. The bed is made of durable plastic, which resists scratches but isn’t as tough as a traditional bedliner.
One of the best features is the hidden storage compartment under the bed. It’s perfect for storing tools, camping gear, or even using as a cooler (thanks to a drain plug for easy cleaning). The only downside is that the tailgate can get in the way when accessing this storage area.
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Driving Experience: Smooth and Comfortable
One of the best things about the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is how easy it is to drive. The turbocharged engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and quick shifts when needed. Whether you’re driving in the city or merging onto the highway, the power delivery feels just right.
Thanks to its compact size, parking and maneuvering in tight spaces is effortless. It almost feels like driving an SUV rather than a pickup truck. The cabin is quiet, with very little wind or road noise, making it a comfortable ride for long trips.
Our tests showed that the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, which is impressive for a small truck. It also handles well on winding roads, offering a stable and confident ride.
Ownership Experience: Pros and Cons
Pros of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
Cons of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
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Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is a great choice for city dwellers who want a small, stylish truck with enough power for weekend adventures. It’s easy to drive, comfortable, and packed with smart features. While it may not have the biggest bed or the toughest interior, it makes up for it with its smooth ride and everyday practicality.
If you’re looking for a compact pickup that blends SUV comfort with truck utility, the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT is worth considering. However, if you need more hauling space or prefer a hybrid engine, the Ford Maverick might be the better option.
Either way, the Santa Cruz XRT stands out as a fun, practical, and good-looking small truck that’s perfect for urban life.
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