How To Save On The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Appealing to prospective auto buyers of all persuasions is the Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup crossover. Practical with four doors but with a small pickup bed, many would-be crossover and small truck buyers should consider it. Hyundai has a number of great incentives on the 2025 Santa Cruz right now as the model year closes out. With an optional 311 lb-feet of torque, here's how to score a deal.
Built in Alabama, U.S.A., the Santa Cruz is made by Korean “chaebol” Hyundai Motor Group, the driving force behind new cars like the 576-hp Kia EV6 electric and the luxurious Hyundai Palisade SUV. The Santa Cruz throws previous assumptions of what Korean cars are out the window, forcing us to forget embarrassing vehicles like the Hyundai Accent and Kia Sephia.
The Santa Cruz makes itself both affordable and useful. For folks looking to get around as cheaply as they can, the 191-hp entry-level four cylinder motor starts at just $28,750 msrp. The base model SE comes in either front wheel drive or all wheel drive (+$1,500), and is not going to win any drag races in either form. But, it comes in one of six colors, California Sand, Hampton Gray, Atlas White, Blue Stone, Phantom Black or the stunning Sage Gray (this one runs $450 extra). Deal-seeking Americans will thank their lucky stars they can buy this affordable model — it’s off limits up north in Canada, where the only option is the more expensive turbo motor.
All Santa Cruz come standard with at least an 8-inch color touchscreen display for radio, and have integrated Bluetooth connectivity for both Android and iPhones. Other standard features on the base model include 18 inch wheels, an 8 speed automatic, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, and LED headlights and taillights. The SEL trim starts at $30,450 msrp and adds a host of options as well as potential options, including remote start, proximity key, push button start, dual automatic climate control, and Hyundai’s “Bluelink” connected car system.
The more interesting upgrade for many will be the Night, XRT, and Limited trims, all of which step up to a turbo-2.5L four-pot which produces a whiz-bang 281-horsepower and 311 pound feet of torque. This motor comes with an eight speed “dual-clutch” transmission, technology that originated on F1 cars and debuted around 2003 on BMWs and Volkswagens. While it is still an automatic for all intents and purposes, the dual-clutch transmission provides faster, quicker shifts between gears, and the Santa Cruz also offers paddle shifters if you want to choose your own gears. The larger turbo engine also bumps the towing capacity of the Santa Cruz up to 5,000 pounds, making it a contender to pull some of the lightest of camper trailers or even a small boat. It can also haul 1600 pounds in its truck bed.
Top trims come standard with all wheel drive, and add smart cruise control, fender cladding, side steps, blind spot monitoring, 20-inch wheels, rain sensing wipers, more USB ports, a sunroof, heated steering wheel, rear A/C vents, ambient indoor lighting, power-adjustable seats, heated seats, Bose audio, and ventilated leather seats on the top tier Limited. The turbo models include XRT trim, and Limited trim, each starting at $40,250, and $42,750 msrp respectively. The XRT combines a host of options with the turbo motor. Limited is the top of the line with all options and is the only trim which can be optioned with actual leather seats (XRT comes with fake “H-Tex” synthetic leather). Turbo trims also swap a larger 10.25 inch touch screen for the the standard 8-inch size screen.
The Santa Cruz fills a variety of potential uses, and spans a large gulf of potential prices, with over $15,000 separating the base model from the top of the line. The base model Santa Cruz gives other affordable vehicles like the Ford Maverick a run for their money, while higher trims can handily compete with other unibody trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and even mid-size body-on-frame models like the Ford Ranger.
Right now the 2025 Santa Cruz has a host of attractive national deals with which to save as the model year comes to an end. There are trim-dependent savings of $500-$1,500 on remaining 2025 inventory, with 2026’s already hitting lots — 2026 offers are relatively meager in comparison. There is also a $500 military discount, and a $400 recent college graduate discount. Finance any trim for 3.99% APR for 48 months. Lastly, SE is leasing at $299/mo with $3,999 down for 36 months. Be sure to check local dealers for the best deals as incentives may vary by region. Cast a wide net using the dealer inventory tool and compare multiple stores within a reasonable driving radius; despite national promotions, not all dealers price the same, and some will be more aggressive on in-stock colors or option packages. Ask every store for an out-the-door price that includes taxes and fees, and be selective about add-ons like paint protection, VIN etching, maintenance packages, and extra alarm systems—polite declines on extras can save hundreds or even thousands.
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