Differences Between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2024 Santa Cruz

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: A Bolder, More Truck-Like Design

If you don't know the Hyundai Santa Cruz, you might want to take a look at this four-door, car-like pickup with rugged good looks and lots of versatility. Take a look at the differences between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. the 2024 Santa Cruz at Pohanka Hyundai of Salisbury.

For 2025, the Santa Cruz has undergone some notable updates, giving it an even more truck-like appearance. Pohanka Hyundai of Salisbury is here to break down the key differences between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2024 model, helping you decide which version best fits your lifestyle. Whether you're looking for improved styling, performance enhancements, or additional features, the 2025 model has some exciting changes that are worth exploring.

Long List of Changes for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is only in its fourth model year, but it's getting a generous styling refresh for the 2025 model year. The first thing you notice is that it has more of a rugged appearance. The grille and front bumper have been restyled to resemble the Tucson SUV. Meanwhile, the XRT all-terrain model goes even further with a heaping helping of new off-road upgrades.

Some of the new off-road upgrades include tow hooks, 18-inch wheels, beefier tires, and daytime running lights. Inside, the separate infotainment and gauge displays from the 2024 model are gone and replaced with a single panel comprised of two 12.3-inch screens. The software interface has been updated to feature wireless Apple and Android connectivity.

The new 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz sees a price jump for the base model of almost $2,000. Otherwise, the prices and models offered are roughly the same as in 2024. There are four trims available, including the base SE, the SEL, the XRT, and the top Limited trim. The top trim starts at $43,895.

Should You Consider the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

There's a big price jump between the base SE and SEL trims, with the XRT starting at nearly $10,000 more than the SEL. This is the case on both the 2024 and 2025 models. The main reason for this is the difference between the carryover powertrains. The lower trims offer a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and comes with standard FWD.

On the XRT and Limited trims, you move up to a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that makes 281 horsepower, and both trims get standard AWD. That's a big jump in power, plus standard AWD. For 2024, the Night trim was slotted between the SEL and the XRT. It starts at $39,855 and gets a more potent engine. That trim is not available for the 2025 model.

As previously mentioned, the base trim jumped in price for 2025, but the top Limited trim also takes a price jump. For 2024, the starting price for the Limited trim is $42,715. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz looks a little more carlike without the new aggressive grille on the 2025 model.

Find Out More About the Differences Between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2024 Santa Cruz at Pohanka Hyundai of Salisbury

You can compare both of these models side by side when you visit Pohanka Hyundai of Salisbury. To break it down, the 2025 model has a more rugged appearance overall, and the XRT model is more capable than before. There is also plenty of new tech in the cabin. However, the powertrains remain the same for both model years.