Whether you're looking to bring along four bikes on a weekend getaway or haul a bed full of materials home from the hardware store for a weekend DIY project, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a versatile pickup truck ready for the task. This compact pickup truck, or "Sport Adventure Vehicle," is a bit of a rarity on the roads in the United States because it features unibody construction, which makes it similar to a crossover or sedan; trucks overwhelmingly feature body-on-frame construction.
If you're looking for a car-like truck, the Santa Cruz is a compelling option.
Comfy Crossover Interior
The Hyundai Santa Cruz features a crossover-like interior, with plenty of gadgets and comfort features on all trims, which also sets it apart from trucks that typically start with bare-bones, spartan trims. The 2025 Santa Cruz features a spacious 101.8 cubic feet of interior passenger space, complete with 60/40-split, tip-up lower seat cushions that create extra storage space when needed. Additionally, the truck comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports HD Radio™, wireless Android Auto™, wireless Apple CarPlay®, and SiriusXM without requiring trim upgrades.
A Work and Play Ready Bed
Despite the "compact" in its vehicle class name, the Santa Cruz features a 52.1-inch bed that has 27 cubic feet of cargo space with the built-in rolling tonneau cover closed. While it won't be carrying heavy-duty truck levels of cargo, it's still plenty big to carry bikes and materials with the cover open. The 2025 models have a maximum load rating of 1,411 lbs.
Additionally, the Santa Cruz features a lockable under-bed storage compartment, sidewall bed storage compartments, and heavy-duty cargo D-rings to protect whatever gear and materials you need to carry along. The remote-release tailgate and integrated rear bumper steps help make the bed convenient to use.
An Efficient Spin on Plentiful Performance
Hyundai doesn't cut any corners with the 2025 Santa Cruz: drivers can choose from a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine on the SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims or a 281-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the XRT and Limited trims. Additionally, FWD models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models achieve an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity. One of the most appealing selling points of the Hyundai Santa Cruz is that, while it boasts truck-like capabilities, it achieves crossover-like fuel economy levels, achieving scores as high as an EPA-estimated 22 city and 30 highway MPG.
If you're searching for a compact pickup that's ready for work, play, and a mix of the two without the bulk of a full-sized truck, you owe it to yourself to experience one in a test drive. If you're near Los Angeles, swing by Huntington Beach Hyundai today.
