If you are shopping for a compact pickup that blends everyday comfort with practical utility, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is likely already on your radar. As the market is filled with traditional trucks, this vehicle surpasses them all. Be it driving through bumpy village roads to swifting through city traffic, this car can do it all.
With the arrival of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz model, many buyers have started asking one question: Is it a good idea to go with the 2024 model or choose the updated 2025 version? While both models have the same core strengths, the 2025 edition comes up with some incredible updates in design, technology and convenience.
Through this blog, we at MotorSlash will discuss the differences between the two models and determine which is better.
Why Should You Choose The Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t your typical truck it’s a lifestyle pickup. Rather than being aimed at heavy-duty hauling like larger pickups, the Santa Cruz combines car-like comfort and everyday usability with practical truck utility.
Here’s what makes the Santa Cruz special:
Versatile Design
Unlike traditional pickups, it has a unibody structure (shared with SUVs) rather than a body-on-frame layout. That means smoother ride quality and handling more like a crossover. You get the convenience of a truck bed for gear, bikes, and more, but without the truck-like stiffness.
Comfortable Interior
The cabin feels modern and refined, especially in the 2025 model, which gets bigger screens and more ergonomic controls. This makes it pleasant for daily commuting as well as weekend trips.
Strong Performance Options
You can choose from a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a turbo version with significantly more power. The turbocharged setup is especially fun and capable, offering good towing capacity (up to around 5,000 pounds on some trims).
Tech & Safety Features
Both model years offer a variety of driver-assist features and modern tech, but 2025 brings upgrades like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and optional advanced safety systems.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is ideal for anyone who wants the utility of a small pickup plus the comfort and convenience of an SUV.
2024 vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Key Differences
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two models:
| Feature / Aspect | 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
| Design | Original styling introduced with Santa Cruz line | Updated front fascia and bolder design elements for a more rugged look |
| Interior Layout | Standard screens up to about 10.3 inches | New curved dual 12.3-inch display for infotainment + gauge cluster (available) |
| Controls | Lots of touch-based controls | Physical knobs and buttons reintroduced for climate/audio controls |
| Wireless Connectivity | Some smartphone mirroring available (may require wired connection) | Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard |
| Safety Features | Standard safety suite | Forward Attention Warning and other updated driver-assist tech standard |
| Towing Modes | Standard towing control | New tow-centric drive mode for turbo models |
| Off-Road Capability (XRT trim) | XRT trim introduced with some rugged cues | Enhanced XRT with all-terrain tires, improved approach angle, bumpers |
| Storage/Practicality | Practical but simpler | Additional storage shelf above glovebox and improved rear seat amenities |
| Price | Base model pricing slightly lower | 2025 expected to be similar or slightly higher (depending on trims/options) |
| Powertrains | Same engines; turbo or non-turbo options | Same engines, but tech and towing mode enhancements |
Which One Is The Best?
If you are trying to decide between the 2024 or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz or any other car, at MotorSlash, we have enough information to help you make a smart decision. Here’s a brief take on which one is the best:
Choose The 2024 Santa Cruz If:
- You want the lowest possible price and don’t mind missing some newer tech updates.
- You prefer a more familiar interior layout without the curved dual screens.
- You are buying used or certified pre-owned and want a Santa Cruz now.
Choose The 2025 Santa Cruz If:
- You want the newest tech features, especially larger screens and wireless smartphone integration.
- You like physical knobs and buttons for easier control a small but meaningful improvement for daily use.
- You want better usability for off-road adventures (especially XRT trim with improved tires and approach angle).
- You care about updated driver-assist and safety tech being standard.
In most cases, the 2025 model is considered the better choice as it is an upgrade in comparison to the previous version without hindering the core strengths.
Final Takeaway
Both the 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offer a great mix of comfort, practicality, and modern features. The 2024 model is a smart choice if you want better value, while the 2025 version stands out with updated styling and improved tech.
To stay updated on the latest car comparisons and automobile news, keep following MotorSlash for fresh and reliable automotive insights.
FAQs
1. What major upgrades did Hyundai make to the 2025 Santa Cruz?
The 2025 model gets refreshed exterior styling, an updated interior with a larger curved screen setup, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, more physical controls, enhanced safety features, and improved off-road capability on certain trims.
2. Are the engines the same between the 2024 and 2025 models?
Yes, both model years use the same engine lineup: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter with more power. The 2025 turbo models also get a dedicated tow mode.
3. Is the 2025 Santa Cruz more expensive than the 2024?
While official pricing depends on market and trim level, the 2025 isn’t expected to be drastically more expensive any increase generally reflects the added tech and updates.
4. Does the 2025 model offer better towing or off-road abilities?
Towing capacity stays similar, but the 2025 adds a tow-centric drive mode on turbo models; the rugged XRT trim also has a slightly better approach angle and all-terrain tires.
