2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Review: Rugged Looks, Refined Road Manners

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has always occupied a unique space in the automotive world. It is neither a traditional compact SUV nor a full-fledged pickup. For 2025, the XRT trim leans further into adventurous territory, bringing a more assertive visual stance and hardware that gives it greater outdoor credibility. While some might still call it a “lifestyle truck,” the XRT suggests it’s ready for more than just hauling plants home from the nursery. With standard all-wheel drive, a powerful turbocharged engine, and a long list of creature comforts, it might be the most well-rounded version of Hyundai’s crossover-with-a-bed formula yet.

Positioned high in the Santa Cruz trim hierarchy, the XRT trim goes beyond surface-level tweaks. Matte black trim wraps around the lower body, while a bespoke front end integrates functional tow hooks for added utility. It rides on 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels paired with 245/60R18 Continental TerrainContact A/T tires, giving it more bite in appearance and off the beaten path. Black over-fenders and lower door garnishes are unique to this variant, and roof rails provide mounting points for roof racks or adventure gear. Finished in Hampton Gray with a black interior, it looks purposeful without screaming for attention, equally at home parked on a forest trail or in a suburban driveway.

Powering the XRT is Hyundai’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four, which produces a stout 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. of torque. It’s a lively engine that delivers strong acceleration and allows the Santa Cruz to tow up to 5,000 pounds, eclipsing the capabilities of most crossovers and some mid-size pickups. The engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, notable for its fast, clean shifts. Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system comes standard, providing sure-footedness in a range of weather and road conditions. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes about six seconds, an impressive figure for a vehicle with this level of utility.

Despite its rugged attire, the Santa Cruz XRT doesn’t punish you with a stiff ride. Its suspension setup leans toward comfort, soaking up road imperfections with grace. Even with the all-terrain tires, the cabin stays quiet at highway speeds, which speaks to Hyundai’s efforts in sound insulation. Steering is light and intuitive, and the AWD system offers stability that inspires confidence, particularly in the rain. While it’s not a rock-crawler, it handles a muddy trail or snowy commute easily, without sacrificing comfort for daily use.

Inside, the Santa Cruz XRT continues to defy expectations. The cabin is thoroughly modern, with twin 12.3-inch displays paired into a single panel. There’s one for the digital instrument panel and another for the multimedia system. The interface is quick and easy to navigate, and there’s a refreshing absence of clutter. The wireless charging pad is one of the better ones I’ve experienced: it keeps your phone in place, doesn’t disconnect mid-drive, and avoids the common issue of overheating.

The seats are wrapped in H-Tex, Hyundai’s synthetic leather material that mimics the look and feel of the real thing while offering durability. Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support are standard. One particularly handy detail is a small ledge above the glovebox, ideal for stashing small items like sunglasses or your phone.

Hyundai’s safety suite is robust, and the XRT trim checks most boxes. You get adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping, and lane-centering systems (which work well most of the time, though it does sometimes bounce between lane markers). The Highway Driving Assist feature handles speed and steering on open roads. Hyundai’s blind spot monitoring system goes one step further than most with integrated camera feeds that display in the instrument cluster when you signal, a thoughtful, practical, and confidence-boosting feature.

Other safety and convenience items include forward collision warning with braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and brake auto hold. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, too. While the XRT doesn’t include a surround view monitor, parking is still straightforward thanks to crisp camera visuals, on-screen markings, and rear sensors.

For a compact platform, rear passenger space is surprisingly generous. There’s enough legroom and headroom to accommodate adults comfortably, and Hyundai didn’t forget the practical touches: the rear bench flips up to reveal under-seat storage bins, which are ideal for emergency gear, a tool kit, or jumper cables. There’s also a secure spot for the jack, making it accessible without being in the way.

The Santa Cruz’s bed isn’t just a slab of sheet metal – it’s packed with smart utility features. The composite construction is durable and lightweight, and includes a hidden, lockable under-bed storage area. Side compartments (with a 115V outlet in the right one), LED lighting, and a set of adjustable tie-down rails all come standard. Integrated bumper steps make climbing in and out easier, and the roll-away tonneau cover adds another layer of security and weather protection.

The Santa Cruz XRT delivers a unique combination of capability, comfort, and technology in a form that’s more accessible and easier to live with than a traditional pickup. It’s quick, refined, and loaded with features that make it equally suited for the daily commute or a weekend escape. It won’t replace a full-size truck for heavy-duty work, but for buyers looking for something smaller, smarter, and more versatile, the XRT is one of the most compelling options out there.

Starting at $40,000, this test vehicle stickered at $41,605 with destination and options. The 2025 Santa Cruz XRT represents solid value in today’s market, especially when considering Hyundai’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and comprehensive 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.