Latest news with #HyundaiSantaCruz
Auto Blog
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz & 2025 Ford Maverick, Which One is Best? Here's My Brutally Honest Review
More than meets the eye Both the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick catch heat from 'real truck' purists. To those folks, these compact pickups are just crossovers in disguise—unibody vehicles playing dress-up in the world of body-on-frame brutes. But is that fair? It's true: both are built on crossover SUV platforms. The Maverick rides on Ford's C2 architecture, shared with the Escape and Bronco Sport, while the Santa Cruz is based on the Hyundai Tucson. That means unibody construction, transverse-mounted engines, and independent rear suspensions. Underneath, both pickups receive reinforced subframes, especially at the rear, to handle payload demands and add towing capability. These aren't frame rails, but they're not just sheet metal either. Now, let's talk success. After three years on the market, the Ford Maverick is absolutely crushing it. In 2024 so far, Ford sold 131,142 Mavericks in the U.S.—a 39.4% jump from the 94,058 sold in 2023. The Hyundai Santa Cruz tells a different story, with 32,033 units sold, a decline from the 36,675 in 2023. Still, it remains a profitable niche product for Hyundai with a more premium, lifestyle-oriented spin. So, are these 'trucks' just compact crossovers with beds? Technically, yes—but functionally, they're so much more. Both offer true utility in a right-sized package. The Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds, haul up to 1,500 pounds in the bed, and comes with a base hybrid drivetrain that gets up to 42 mpg city. The Santa Cruz, while more limited on base payload, offers a smoother ride, optional turbo power, and unique features like a lockable under-bed trunk and a more stylish cabin. Let's look at the technical details. Hyundai Santa Cruz ($28,750 base MSRP) 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz — Source: Hyundai The Hyundai Santa Cruz receives modest updates for the 2025 model year, including the addition of front tow hooks for XRT models, which is a welcome change. However, Hyundai has yet to introduce a hybrid powertrain or a truly off-road- or street-performance-oriented trim to the lineup. Built in Montgomery, Alabama, at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), the Santa Cruz remains one of the most car-like pickups on the market. The base Santa Cruz is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, front-wheel drive is standard, while HTRAC AWD is optional. This configuration can tow up to 3,500 lbs (with trailer brakes) and returns 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway (subtract 1 mpg for AWD). For buyers seeking more muscle, Hyundai offers a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Standard with AWD, it tows up to 5,000 lbs and is rated at 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. While the Santa Cruz doesn't directly counter every Maverick trim (especially the off-road-ready Tremor or street-flavored Lobo), it excels as a comfortable and agile daily driver. Its payload capacity exceeds 1,400 lbs across all trims, and the self-leveling rear suspension is a standout for hauling. High-end trims like the XRT ($40,250) and Limited ($42,750) come standard with the turbo engine, AWD, and luxury-grade tech, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. While the Santa Cruz may feel more premium up front, rear seat space is tighter than in the Ford Maverick. Ford Maverick ($28,145 base MSRP) 2025 Ford Maverick — Source: Ford Ford gave the 2025 Maverick a significant update, featuring a refreshed front-end design and revised powertrains. Most notably, the Maverick Hybrid now offers optional AWD, and the new Lobo trim adds a street-smart flavor to the lineup. Since its launch, the Maverick's base price has increased by more than $7,000, but demand remains sky-high. It's assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico, at Ford's Stamping and Assembly Plant. The base hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 191 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a planetary CVT. FWD is standard, with AWD now optional. Fuel economy is stellar, rated at 42 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (FWD) and 40 mpg city / 34 mpg highway (AWD). For more performance, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder makes 238 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD. The Lobo gets a beefed-up 7-speed. It's rated at 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, which is comparable to the Santa Cruz's turbo option. The payload for all Mavericks tops out at 1,500 lbs, and towing is 1,500 lbs standard, or up to 4,000 lbs with the 4K Tow Package. All 2025 Mavericks include a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument display. The Maverick also offers more usable rear seat space and a more rugged overall interior design compared to the Santa Cruz. Trims include the XL ($28,145), XLT ($30,645), Lobo ($35,645), Lariat ($38,440), and Tremor ($40,995). Final thoughts No, they won't out-haul a Super Duty. But they will park in your garage, fit in urban driveways, and cost thousands less than full-size rigs while doing 80% of what most people need from a truck. Both can haul as much or even more than some mid-size trucks as well. Verdict? These are not toys. They're not posers. They're modern answers to modern problems, and in many ways, they represent the future of functional vehicles. The Santa Cruz feels more refined and upscale in higher trims but leans toward comfort and commuter duty. The Maverick, while slightly less plush, is more versatile, especially now that the hybrid AWD option and more diverse trims are available.
Motor Trend
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT First Test: Gettin' It Done
Pros Small size SUV-like ride Underbed storage Cons Small size (bed is tiny) Interior styling doesn't match the exterior The Ford Maverick is better When it was released in 2021, The Hyundai Santa Cruz made a strong impression as a compact pickup truck that was practical for city life, with its maneuverability and respectable hauling capabilities. Then came the Ford Maverick to steal the spotlight. With its standard hybrid engine, slightly larger frame, and more functional truck bed, the Maverick outpaced its Korean competitor as a simply superior small pickup. Despite this competition, the 2025 Santa Cruz retains its unique appeal, offering a blend of style, convenience, and versatility that carves its own space in the market. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is a compact, maneuverable truck with a stylish design and turbocharged engine offering 281 hp. It has a rugged look with practical features but isn't suited for extreme off-roading. Its compact size and smooth ride make it ideal for urban use. This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article Read Next Spending several days behind the wheel of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT highlighted its exceptional maneuverability, refined powertrain, and broad appeal. Equipped with distinctive bumpers and a bold grille, the Santa Cruz XRT trim aims to exude a rugged persona. While it does offer increased capability compared to other Santa Cruz trims, it isn't built for tackling extreme off-road adventures. Instead, it's a stylish and versatile option for most drivers. What Does XRT Mean? Hyundai first introduced the XRT package in 2022, unveiling it in the Tucson and Palisade SUVs. While its purpose is to amplify off-road appeal, the trim leans more toward being an aesthetic upgrade. On the Tucson, for instance, the XRT trim is even available with front-wheel drive, focusing on the rugged styling that caters to buyers seeking a more adventurous look rather than true off-road capability. In the Santa Cruz, the XRT trim stands out by being available only with all-wheel drive. It features a bold dark grille, distinctive 18-inch wheels, red front tow hooks, and specially designed front and rear fascias. The XRT also comes equipped with Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires, a notable upgrade from the all-season tires found on other models. While the Santa Cruz offers both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, the XRT is powered solely by the high-output turbo engine. This performance boost enables the XRT to tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul slightly more than 1,400 pounds with ease. Beyond the added hardware, the XRT package doesn't differentiate itself significantly in terms of functionality. The all-terrain tires and distinct bumpers do provide the compact truck with slightly improved off-pavement performance, offering better grip and an enhanced approach angle. However, aside from these minor improvements, the XRT is like the rest of the Santa Cruz lineup when it comes to off-road capability. If the XRT catches your eye, it's undoubtedly due to its striking appearance—and who could blame you? This compact pickup truck radiates undeniable charisma, with Hyundai's subtle yet distinctive upgrades truly making the XRT shine. Its bold styling and unique details ensure it stands apart, drawing attention wherever it goes. Smooth Operator Under the hood of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This power is distributed smoothly to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. During our time with it, we found this drivetrain to be a well-tuned piece, offering smooth and precise shifts at just the right rpm. At lower speeds, the power delivery feels fluid and gentle, while at higher speeds, such as freeway merges, the transmission will hold gears until it is the right time to shift. Driving the Santa Cruz around town is a breeze. Its compact size makes parking in tight spots or squeezing into street parking a simple task. The truck feels so nimble and unobtrusive that it's easy to forget you're driving a pickup. Despite its small stature, it offers impressive practicality with the ability to transport tall items that won't fit in a compact SUV like the Tucson. Given the similarities between the Tucson and the Santa Cruz, driving the latter almost feels like piloting an SUV. The cabin remains impressively quiet at freeway speeds, with minimal wind and tire noise—a rarity in trucks. Accelerating to freeway speeds feels effortless, with our test team recording a 0–60-mph time of 6.5 seconds. The Santa Cruz XRT also completed the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 96.9 mph. Much like other Hyundai-Kia models, the Santa Cruz XRT now has a sleek curved display featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, elevating the cabin's refinement. Both the infotainment and driver's displays offer excellent resolution, delivering a crisp visual experience. However, the driver's display would benefit from improved graphics. While there are various graphic options available, none is tailored specifically for the Santa Cruz; instead, they are shared across Hyundai's lineup. Introducing truck-themed graphics unique to the Santa Cruz represents a fantastic opportunity to enhance its character and align the interior more closely with its rugged exterior and practical abilities. Similarly, while the cabin's overall design is appealing, we'd prefer more robust features that match the truck's rugged exterior. Aside from the shifter, there's little in the interior that echoes the rest of the pickup's tough, adventurous vibe. The HVAC system's air vents and touch controls are borrowed from the Tucson, which isn't a drawback, but the lack of distinctive, truck-oriented elements leaves the interior feeling out of place. The interior does offer a comfortable experience in the front row, but the rear seating can be a bit challenging. We found the back seat to be slightly too upright, with no option to recline due to the bed layout. However, the rear seats do lift, creating a generous storage area beneath them. The Truck Stuff The truck bed is thoughtfully equipped with plenty of tie-down points, catering to most users' needs. Our XRT test model features the same practical rail system found in other models, enabling the tie-downs to be adjusted easily fore or aft for added versatility. The bed's hard plastic construction appears durable and scratch-resistant, though it doesn't quite match the resilience of a traditional bedliner. This design, however, allows for a spacious underbed storage compartment that's ideal for stashing camping gear or doubling as a cooler during tailgating events. Conveniently, the compartment also includes a drain plug for easy cleaning and water drainage. Accessing the underbed storage can be somewhat irritating, as the tailgate tends to obstruct easy entry. Despite the minor inconvenience, this additional storage feature enhances the Santa Cruz's overall usefulness, making it a handy inclusion for those who need versatile packing options. Is the Santa Cruz XRT a Good Buy? Our experience with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT was thoroughly enjoyable. Its smooth powertrain, comfortable ride quality, and compact size make it an excellent option for urban dwellers and those seeking versatility. We wish the interior had more rugged, truck-oriented features to appeal to traditional pickup truck buyers, but the SUV-like amenities offer a modern and refined touch. The bed isn't the largest, but it's good enough for camping trips and light-duty tasks like backyard projects, making the Santa Cruz XRT a well-rounded small pickup with plenty of charm and utility.
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Hyundai eyeing Ranger and Hilux bakkie rival by at least 2029
Sister brand Kia has opened the door for its Tasman to be used as a base. Hyundai's only current bakkie, the unibody Santa Cruz, is unlikely to be offered outside North America despite reports of it possibly becoming a world model. Picture: Hyundai Hyundai has given the clearest indication that it still has an interest in introducing a traditional double-cab bakkie before the end of the decade. It is happening Last reported in 2020 as a topic of content within Seoul's head office, the automaker's new CEO for Australia, Don Romano, has indicated that a Hyundai badged bakkie will debut within the next three to four years to rival the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. ALSO READ: Out and forbidden: Hyundai Santa Cruz officially revealed 'I want a ute that can compete with the number one and number two ute in the country. And my goal being here only for three years will be to get it in the product plan and not necessarily in the market,' Romano said. 'We are the only major brand without a ute … There is an opportunity, I think, and we have to be part of that opportunity'. Distinctly Hyundai In a lengthy Q&A with Romano said that while a Hyundai badged version of sister brand Kia's Tasman presents the most viable chance to enter the segment quickly, a distinctly Hyundai product is of greater importance. 'I don't want to do that, I want to put something out there that is uniquely Hyundai,' he said, before adding that sharing the Tasman's platform presents a much better solution than simply rebadging it. Kia says it has no reservations if Hyundai wants the platform of the Tasman as a base. Picture: Kia 'There is nothing wrong with the body-on-frame platform that Kia is using for the Tasman. It's a great platform, I have no problem with that whatsoever, I just have to make sure the design is uniquely Hyundai,' he said. Questioned further, Romano also described the unibody Santa Cruz as having 'zero chance' of being sold Down Under, despite reports last year of the next generation possibly becoming a world model. Kia not at odds about using Tasman Responding to Romano's comments, Kia Australia Product Head, Roland Rivero, said it is '100%' open to availing the Tasman's platform for Hyundai to use. 'Group success is good for Kia … We've invested heavily in this all-new ladder-frame platform – if there's greater utilisation of it across the Group, it can only be good,' Rivero told carsales. 'There's no reason why the two can't both be successful. The two can still work side-by-side and capture some market share, so I'd be all for it'. 'From a manufacturing efficiency perspective, they (Hyundai) could help us out with amortising the development costs; there [are] many benefits of growing usage of something we've invested in,' he concluded. Stay tuned While still to be formally approved by Hyundai, sales could eventually include South Africa, based on Australia being the principal driver behind the project. For the moment, though, focus remains on the Tasman, where local sales are expected to start around the second quarter of this year. NOW READ: Wait finally over as Kia officially debuts long awaited Tasman bakkie
Motor 1
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Hyundai Is Building a Real Pickup Truck
The Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup debuted in the US in 2021, and it's been a solid alternative to the Ford Maverick ever since. But it's not a real pickup truck—it's a Tucson with a bed. Now, though, Hyundai has confirmed production of a real, genuinely capable pickup. It just probably won't be for America. Hyundai Australia CEO, Don Romano, confirmed to Drive that the company is working on a new mid-size ute—aka, a pickup truck. It will compete against body-on-frame alternatives in the region, like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and its cousin, the new Kia Tasman. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Photo by: Hyundai "I'm confident a ute will be on the schedule," Romano said in the interview. "But I'm not certain on the time. The time will depend on the type of ute we develop. If we use a body-on-frame platform like the Tasman, that could be soon." The details are still murky, by Romano's own admission, and it's unclear what would even power the pickup. He floats diesel, hybrid, and even fully electric options as possibilities. Given Australia's ever more stringent emissions regulations, sharing a platform with the Tasman seems unlikely. But, Hyundai could look to General Motors for help; the duo recently inked a deal for joint truck and van production. "We would look at what is available from GM,' Romano told Drive. "My goal is to keep looking forward, and we have a strategic alliance with GM, but not just on utes. We want to have a number of options, and GM is part of that." Hyundai hopes to have its new pickup in production in Australia within the next three years. As for the Santa Cruz, don't expect any major changes to the compact pickup for the US. The tiny truck just recently got a facelift. 69 More Truck Stuff Is This Ram's Compact Truck for America? America Is Falling Out of Love With Huge Trucks: Report Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota's Secret Weapon? Why a Compact Pickup Could Shake Up the U.S. Market
It's been a hot minute since Toyota has had a small pickup in the United States market, but rumor has it that's going to change in the next few years. Currently, there are just two small trucks available: the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. With midsize and full-size trucks growing in size and increasing in price, there's a massive gap waiting to be filled-and there's a reason no automaker has closed it. The lack of a small pickup in the Toyota lineup has its roots in the Chicken Tax of 1964, which insulated domestic automakers from foreign light-duty vehicle imports. As I've discussed previously, the U.S. light truck market is still feeling the ramifications of the tariff 60 years later. While South Korean automakers are exempt from the 25% tariff due to the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, hence the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Japanese manufacturers aren't as fortunate. As a result, Toyota's compact pickup would likely be produced in the United States. Toyota isn't exactly shy about using the Corolla nameplate, and rightly so, considering it's the best-selling vehicle of all time, as well as a household name. So far, we have four iterations of the moniker, including a crossover, hot hatch, hatchback, and sedan. If Toyota were to emblazon the Corolla's name on a compact truck, it'd be the fifth in the lineup. Regardless of the name, the Japanese automaker has been listening to dealer requests for a smaller truck to slot beneath the Tacoma for some time now. "We're looking at it," Mark Templin, Toyota's U.S. Chief Operating Officer, told Bloomberg. Considering Toyota is shifting towards hybrid powertrains, odds are a new compact truck would follow suit. After all, the best-selling Toyota Camry is only available with a hybrid powertrain, as is the Toyota Sienna and a handful of other models. Ford has already set a precedent for a hybrid powertrain within the segment as well. When the Maverick debuted back in 2021, a 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain came standard, while a turbocharged four-cylinder engine was available as an upgrade. For the sake of speculation, if Toyota were to release a Corolla-based compact truck, can we expect a performance model similar to the GR Corolla hot hatch? It'd certainly fill a niche, but whether such a thing is worth exploring is questionable at best. Despite their prowess and dedication to the full-size truck segment, Chevrolet and Ram have yet to introduce a compact truck. To make matters more confusing, while Chevrolet offers the Colorado, Ram has yet to introduce a midsize truck of its own. There is a glimmer of hope from Ram, though, as according to the automaker, a midsize pickup will join the ranks as early as 2027. That still leaves the compact pickup segment in a rather interesting state, though. Ford and Hyundai are the only two manufacturers with a small truck in their lineups. Whereas the Ford Maverick sold more than 130,000 units in 2024, the Hyundai Santa Cruz lagged behind with around 32,000 units sold. While it doesn't tell the whole story, badging plays a role in the compact truck segment's performance. Ford is known for making trucks, Hyundai isn't, and that alone could be the difference for Toyota, too. Toyota has been building trucks for years, and its reputation for reliability and longevity speaks for itself. If the Japanese automaker were to introduce an affordable compact pickup at Corolla-level pricing, it could end up taking the entire segment by storm. While Nissan could introduce a compact truck alongside the Frontier, it doesn't seem like the automaker is in the financial position to do so. Nissan is in a precarious position, and considering it ended production of the full-size Titan, I wouldn't hold my breath on a new compact model. Then again, Nissan did reaffirm its dedication to the United States market, so there's a chance, right? "North America is a key market, and we are taking quick actions to get us back to growth and set the stage for the exciting products to come," said Christian Meunier, chairman, Nissan Americas. It's no secret that midsize and full-size trucks have grown exponentially compared to a decade or two ago. Having recently driven a Chevrolet Colorado and Ford F-150, I can see why consumers might opt for a compact truck. Interestingly, while Ford has introduced the Maverick to fill that void, Chevrolet and Ram have been slow on the uptake. Now that Toyota seemingly has plans to introduce its own compact truck, I can't help but wonder if the two American truck brands will add a compact pickup of their own in the near future. Then there's a wild card in the mix: Slate. What effect could the compact all-electric pickup have on the segment? Currently, electric trucks are limited to full-size models, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, and are often on the more expensive side. The introduction of an electric compact truck could turn the entire segment on its head, provided it's a good offering. No matter how you look at it, the compact truck segment is picking up steam, and it's only a matter of time before it boils over. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
