Background and Market Segment
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to redefine what a compact pickup can be in Canada. Built on the Tucson SUV platform, it merges the comfort and agility of a crossover with the utility of a truck. This makes it ideal for Canadians who need a versatile vehicle for both city life and weekend adventures. With a refreshed design and new tech for 2025, the Santa Cruz targets urban professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and small families who want more than a traditional SUV but less than a full-size truck. Its only direct competitor in Canada remains the Ford Maverick, but the Santa Cruz distinguishes itself with more power, premium features, and a bolder personality.
Styling
Hyundai has given the Santa Cruz a sharper, more rugged look for 2025. The front end now features a more truck-like grille and bumper, flanked by updated LED lighting. The new XRT trim adds off-road flair with black cladding, tow hooks, and 18-inch all-terrain tires. The rear includes a lockable tonneau cover and integrated bumper steps, enhancing both form and function. New colour options and wheel designs round out the visual updates, making the Santa Cruz one of the most stylish compact pickups on Canadian roads.
Available Models
Canadian buyers can choose from three trims: Preferred, XRT, and Ultimate, all equipped with all-wheel drive and a 2.5L turbocharged engine.
- Preferred (from $41,999): Includes heated front seats and steering wheel, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a suite of driver assistance features like blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic assist, lane keeping assist, and forward collision mitigation.
- XRT (from $47,499): Adds rugged styling, all-terrain tires, and rear auto-leveling suspension for better off-road capability.
- Ultimate (from $50,499): Offers luxury touches like Bose premium audio, adaptive cruise control, dual 12.3-inch digital displays, and a driver monitoring system.
All trims include a transmission oil cooler and engine oil cooler, enhancing durability for towing and off-road use.
About the Drivetrain
Every 2025 Santa Cruz in Canada is powered by a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This setup delivers peppy acceleration, making highway merges and city driving feel effortless. The standard all-wheel drive system ensures confident handling in all weather conditions, while the rear auto-leveling suspension on the XRT and Ultimate trims improves stability when carrying heavy loads or towing.
Off-road, the Santa Cruz is surprisingly capable. The XRT trim, in particular, shines with its all-terrain tires and rugged suspension tuning. Whether navigating gravel roads in cottage country or tackling snowy trails in the Rockies, the Santa Cruz handles it all with composure. We tested the Santa Cruz on a 20-degree grade of loose gravel, it climbed up the hill like a Mountain Goat. Awesome traction!
Fuel economy is rated at 10.6 L/100 km combined, which is competitive for a turbocharged AWD pickup. During our 1200-kilometre test of urban traffic, two-lane country roads and logging trails, we achieved the predicted fuel economy.
Interior and Infotainment
Inside, the Santa Cruz impresses with comfortable, supportive seats and good interior quality. Materials feel upscale, especially in the Ultimate trim, which features soft-touch surfaces and refined finishes. The cabin is quiet and well-insulated, making long drives relaxing.
The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive. The base model includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Ultimate trim upgrades to a dual 12.3-inch digital display setup with enhanced graphics and customization. The Bose premium audio system delivers crisp, immersive sound, perfect for road trips or daily commutes.
Practicality is another strong suit. The rear seats flip up to reveal under-seat storage, and the four-foot bed includes a lockable underfloor compartment, tie-downs, and a factory tonneau cover. With a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, the Santa Cruz is ready for trailers, boats, or camping gear.
The Competition
The Santa Cruz’s main rival is the Ford Maverick, which offers a lower starting price and a hybrid option. However, the Maverick lacks the Santa Cruz’s turbocharged power, upscale interior, and off-road capability. Other alternatives like the Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4 offer similar utility but can’t match the Santa Cruz’s open-bed versatility or towing capacity.
For Canadians who want a vehicle that’s equally at home in Vancouver, deep in Algonquin Park or carving up the Cabot Trail, the Santa Cruz offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and practicality.
Conclusion
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a standout in Canada’s compact pickup segment. With peppy acceleration, great off-road handling, comfortable seating, and a well-rounded infotainment system, it delivers on all fronts. Add in thoughtful features like rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and a full suite of driver assistance technologies, and you have a vehicle that’s as smart as it is stylish.
While it’s not without minor flaws—such as occasional infotainment hiccups—it delivers excellent value and versatility for urban Canadians who want more than just an SUV. Whether you’re commuting in Mississauga or escaping to Muskoka for the weekend, the Santa Cruz is ready for the ride. For Canadians seeking a versatile, premium, and practical pickup, the 2025 Santa Cruz is an outstanding value and definitely worth a look.
Eli Oszlak is a Canada-based professional with a diverse career spanning the auto sales and information technology industries. His expertise combines customer-centric strategies in automotive sales with innovative solutions in IT, showcasing his adaptability and results-driven mindset. A true automotive enthusiast, Eli has owned an impressive array of vehicles, including a Corvette, Porsche, VW GTI, Audi A4 Avant, and Audi Q5, reflecting his passion for performance and design. Now embracing the future of mobility, Eli drives a Tesla Model 3 or Tesla Model Y, underscoring his commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Residing in Canada, he continues to merge his love for cars and tech in his professional and personal life.
