Hyundai unveiled an enhanced 2025 Santa Cruz Sport Adventure Vehicle in a world debut at the 2024 New York International Auto Show. Santa Cruz offers redesigned exterior and interior surfaces along with new infotainment and additional advanced driver assistance systems. The 2025 Santa Cruz, designed in California, arrives at Hyundai dealerships in summer 2024.
In keeping with the more capable exterior, the upgraded Santa Cruz interior provides a high-tech image combined with increased functionality. The new panoramic curved display houses an optional 12.3-inch driver information cluster and available 12.3-inch audio-video navigation (AVN) system for an immersive digital experience. In addition, the center stack controls are more ergonomic, with additional physical switchgear for frequently used audio and HVAC functions. The strong horizontal and vertical shapes of the new instrument panel are consistent with Santa Cruz’s refreshed exterior changes while offering additional storage including a new shelf above the glovebox.
Powerful and Efficient Powertrains
Santa Cruz offers two powerful, flexible and efficient powertrains. The standard powertrain is a 2.5L direct-injected in-line four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine couples to an eight-speed automatic transmission for quick acceleration and superb efficiency. Santa Cruz also offers a 2.5L direct-injected turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque linked to an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). This DCT includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual shifting control. The 2.5L turbocharged powertrain adds a new tow mode for the 2025 model year.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The eight-speed transmission for the standard 2.5-liter engine provides quick and crisp shifts for an engaging and efficient driving experience. A multi-disc and individually controlled hydraulic channel torque converter improves responsiveness by expanding the direct connection band, while a downsized oil pump and double ball bearings minimize frictional losses.
HTRAC® All-Wheel-Drive
Both 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.5L four-cylinder turbo models offer HTRAC® all-wheel drive capability for complete confidence when pursuing adventures of all kinds or for that extra peace of mind when driving in an unexpected snowfall. HTRAC AWD was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The Sport setting gives Santa Cruz a more agile feel by sending additional torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty, dynamic experience. This system has a wide range of torque distribution variability, tuned for conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts. For those customers who like to tow their weekend gear with them, the 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated to tow 3,500 lbs. and the 2.5L Turbo AWD model boasts a generous 5,000 lbs. of towing capability.
