2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited AWD: In-Depth Review and Test Drive

Redesigned for 2025: Exterior and Interior Updates

• 🎨 The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz receives exterior updates including a new front fascia, grille, daytime running lights, and wheel designs.
• 💡 Interior enhancements feature a restyled dashboard, new steering wheel, rear center armrest, and significant tech upgrades.
• 🌟 The Limited trim, as reviewed, comes standard with all features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

Design Philosophy and Versatility

• 🚀 Developed as a "sport adventure vehicle," the Santa Cruz targets urban consumers needing versatility for city life and weekend adventures.
• 📦 It uniquely combines the utility of an open bed with a lockable tonneau cover and hidden storage, alongside the comfort and practicality of a compact SUV.
• 🛣️ The design emphasizes duality, balancing sporty aesthetics with capable utility, evident in its bold front fascia, cascading grille, and horizontal rear lighting signature.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

• 💨 The Limited trim features a standard turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and AWD.
• 🏔️ The multi-mode AWD system offers electronic variable torque split and active torque control, with selectable drive modes including Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow.
• 🚗 On the road, the Santa Cruz provides a smooth, composed ride with responsive handling, light steering at low speeds that firms up with increased velocity, and a tight turning radius for urban maneuverability.

Technology and Infotainment

• 🖥️ A new panoramic curved display on XRT and Limited trims integrates a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
• 📱 The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new natural language voice assistant, and offers a premium 8-speaker Bose audio system on the Limited trim.
• 🔑 Advanced tech includes Hyundai's Digital Key 2 Touch, a fingerprint reader for starting the vehicle, and over-the-air update readiness.

Safety and Utility Features

• 🛡️ Standard safety features on XRT and Limited trims include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist.
• 🛏️ The rear seat offers adjustable headrests, rear air vents (on most trims), and USB-C ports, though legroom is somewhat limited compared to traditional SUVs.
• 🛠️ The bed offers 27 cubic feet of durable, composite-lined storage, including lockable under-bed storage, integrated corner steps, and an optional tonneau cover with T-slot accessory tracks.