2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Review: The Urban Adventurer’s Compact Pickup
When Hyundai first introduced the Santa Cruz in 2021, it carved out a niche as a stylish, city-friendly compact pickup. But with Ford’s Maverick dominating the segment with its hybrid efficiency and truck-bed practicality, the Santa Cruz needed to evolve. Enter the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT—a turbocharged, off-road-inspired variant that blends rugged aesthetics with everyday usability. After extensive testing, we found it’s not quite a hardcore off-roader, but it excels as a versatile urban companion with just enough grit for weekend adventures.
XRT: Rugged Looks, On-Road Focus
Hyundai’s XRT trim debuted in 2022 as a cosmetic upgrade for SUVs like the Tucson, emphasizing “adventurous” styling over genuine off-road prowess. The Santa Cruz XRT follows suit but adds meaningful hardware: standard AWD, a 281-hp turbocharged 2.5L engine, all-terrain tires, and bold design cues like a dark grille, red tow hooks, and aggressive bumpers.
While the XRT’s TerrainContact tires and revised fascias improve light off-road traction, this isn’t a Jeep rival. The package shines brightest on pavement, where its 5,000-lb towing capacity and 1,400-lb payload outmuscle many compact SUVs.
Driving Dynamics: Smooth and Surprising
The Santa Cruz XRT’s turbo-four delivers 311 lb-ft of torque, propelling it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds—quick for the segment. The eight-speed automatic shifts seamlessly, whether crawling through traffic or merging onto highways. Unlike traditional trucks, the Santa Cruz drives like an SUV, with a quiet cabin and nimble handling that makes city navigation effortless.
Performance Highlights:
- 0–60 mph: 6.5 sec
- Quarter-mile: 14.9 sec @ 96.9 mph
- Fuel economy: 18/26/21 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
The ride is compliant, though the stiffened suspension (part of the XRT’s upgrades) trades some plushness for sharper cornering. At 0.77 g of lateral grip, it’s more athletic than most pickups.
Interior: Tech-Savvy but Lacks Truck Personality
Hyundai’s latest curved 12.3-inch dual displays dominate the cabin, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls. But the XRT’s interior feels more Tucson than Tacoma—missing rugged touches to match its exterior swagger. Soft-touch materials and ergonomic seats impress, but the rear bench is upright and cramped.
Notable Features:
- Under-seat storage: Lift-up rear seats reveal a hidden compartment.
- Bed utility: Adjustable tie-downs and a lockable underbed storage bin (with drain plug) add versatility.
- Missing flair: No truck-specific UI themes or durable interior finishes.
The Truck Bed: Small but Smart
At just 4.5 feet long, the Santa Cruz’s bed won’t replace an F-150’s. Yet clever details like sliding tie-downs, a damped tailgate, and a composite-lined floor make it practical for bikes, DIY runs, or tailgating. The underbed storage fits a full-size cooler—ideal for camping—though accessing it requires wrestling with the tailgate.
Verdict: Who’s It For?
Pros:
- Turbo power and smooth transmission
- Easy-to-park compact dimensions
- Upgraded styling and AWD confidence
Cons:
- Limited off-road capability
- Cramped rear seats
- Bed too small for serious hauling
Priced at $41,700, the XRT isn’t cheap, but it undercuts rivals like the Honda Ridgeline while offering superior tech. It’s perfect for urbanites who want a do-it-all vehicle—one that handles groceries, Home Depot trips, and the occasional dirt road with equal ease.
Final Thought: The Santa Cruz XRT isn’t a traditional pickup, and that’s its strength. It’s a lifestyle vehicle with just enough truck DNA to justify its bed—and enough polish to shame bulkier competitors. If you prioritize style and drivability over raw utility, this Hyundai might be your ideal compact pickup.
Specs as Tested:
- Engine: 2.5L Turbo I-4 (281 hp / 311 lb-ft)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Payload/Towing: 1,400 lbs / 5,000 lbs
- EPA Range: 460 miles
- On Sale: Now