The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unique vehicle that blends the practicality of a pickup with the comfort of an SUV. Designed for both work and play, it offers reliable performance, impressive towing capacity, and a capable all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
At Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville, we are excited to showcase the Santa Cruz, a truck built for adventure, hauling, and everyday driving. Let’s take a closer look at its reliability, towing power, and AWD performance.
A Reliable Truck for Everyday Driving
Hyundai has a strong reputation for building dependable vehicles. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues that tradition. Owners can expect smooth handling, durable construction, and fuel-efficient performance.
The Santa Cruz comes with two engine options:
- A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower, ideal for daily driving and fuel efficiency.
- A turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower. It offers extra power for towing and highway acceleration.
Each engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This delivers smooth gear shifts and efficient fuel use. The turbocharged version comes with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This allows for quick, precise shifting and a sportier feel.
With proper maintenance, the Santa Cruz is expected to last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. This makes it a smart long-term investment. Hyundai also backs it with an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Towing Capability: What Can the Santa Cruz Haul?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz may be a compact truck, but it delivers serious towing power. Depending on the engine choice, drivers can tow a wide variety of trailers, boats, and outdoor equipment.
- The base 2.5L engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is enough for small trailers, lightweight campers, and jet skis.
- The turbocharged 2.5L engine increases the towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, putting it on par with many midsize trucks.
With this kind of strength, the Santa Cruz is a great choice for weekend getaways. It can handle:
- Fishing boats or jet skis for lake trips.
- ATVs and motorcycles for off-road fun.
- Small campers or utility trailers for road trips and moving gear.
To make towing easier, the Santa Cruz comes with trailer pre-wiring. This allows drivers to easily connect trailer lights and brakes. Tow Mode, available on the turbocharged model, adjusts transmission shifts and throttle response for better towing performance.
AWD Performance: Confidence in Any Condition
The Santa Cruz offers available HTRAC AWD, giving drivers more stability and control in rain, snow, and rough terrain. While not a traditional four-wheel-drive system, HTRAC AWD automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels to improve traction.
For those who frequently drive on gravel roads, wet highways, or icy streets, the AWD system provides:
- Better grip on slippery surfaces like mud and snow.
- Smoother handling on uneven terrain and dirt roads.
- Improved stability when towing heavy loads on steep or loose surfaces.
Drivers can manually activate AWD when extra traction is needed. This ensures better control in challenging driving conditions. Whether tackling Arkansas backroads or handling city streets in bad weather, the Santa Cruz offers confidence behind the wheel.
Built for Durability and Comfort
The Santa Cruz isn’t just about strength—it’s also built to last. Hyundai uses high-strength steel in the frame, reinforcing the truck’s durability and crash protection.
Inside, the Santa Cruz offers a comfortable cabin with practical materials:
- Stain-resistant seating that holds up to spills and daily wear.
- A leather-wrapped steering wheel for a premium feel.
- A composite-molded truck bed, which resists dents and rust better than traditional steel beds.
For added convenience, the Santa Cruz’s bed includes built-in storage compartments. This allows drivers to keep tools, gear, or outdoor equipment organized.
Low Maintenance Costs and Warranty Coverage
Hyundai vehicles are known for their affordability when it comes to maintenance. To help owners save on long-term costs, Hyundai provides extensive warranty coverage:
- 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty
- 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Warranty
- 3-Year/36,000-Mile Complimentary Maintenance
This level of coverage reduces unexpected repair expenses, making the Santa Cruz an even better value for drivers looking for a dependable truck.
Why the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Stands Out
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a capable, durable, and versatile truck that meets the needs of many drivers. It’s built to perform, whether hauling gear, handling rough terrain, or taking long road trips.
- Reliable Performance: Two strong engine options and a long lifespan with proper maintenance.
- Towing Strength: Up to 5,000 pounds of towing power for trailers, campers, and boats.
- HTRAC AWD Capability: Extra traction for rain, snow, and off-road conditions.
- Durable Build: High-quality materials and a dent-resistant truck bed.
- Affordable Ownership: Lower maintenance costs and class-leading warranty coverage.
At Crain Hyundai of Fayetteville, we invite you to test drive the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and experience its power and reliability firsthand. Visit our dealership today to explore trim levels, financing options, and special offers.
This truck is ready for work, adventure, and everything in between.


