2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Gets New Off-Road XRT Trim

The refreshed 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup debuted at the New York auto show with more aggressive styling, a new front end, a redesigned dashboard, more standard equipment, and a new XRT off-road trim with enhanced capability for when the pavement ends.

"More vertical lines and redesigned headlamps bookend a menacing new grille incorporating larger chambers. These changes give the 2025 Santa Cruz a more planted, robust stance," said Hyundai Design senior manager Brad Arnold. The XRT, the off-road trim, is new to Canada this year. It's been around for a few years in the U.S., but this update brings new front and rear bumpers, front grille, and front tow hooks.

The XRT grille does more than just visually set it apart from the rest of the lineup. It increases the approach angle, letting you surmount steeper obstacles. New 18-inch all-terrain tires help add off-road traction, and the front tow hooks help out if you get overly ambitious on the trail.

Every 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz gets a redesigned dashboard that combines the two main screens into a single panoramic curved display. The centre stack gets updated controls that Hyundai says are more ergonomic, and have extra physical switchgear for commonly used functions. Rear seat passengers get an upgrade too, with a new armrest that includes a pair of cupholders.

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now standard across the lineup. The 2025 Santa Cruz gets over-the-air update support for the infotainment system and other important systems, and Hyundai has added new USB-C ports. The Santa Cruz will also offer a digital key and a fingerprint scanner that should help improve vehicle security.

Hyundai has added Forward Attention Warning to the safety suite. It uses sensors to monitor the driver and alert them if they're not paying attention to the road.

Just like last year, there is one engine available in Canada, a 281-hp 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain adds a tow mode for 2025 but does not increase overall capacity.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz hits dealers this summer. Expect pricing and full details closer to launch.