America on the Road - Roadtest: The 2025

“White space” is hard to find in the U.S. car market, but Hyundai found a niche in 2021 when it introduced the Santa Cruz compact pickup truck. Now, four years down the road, the Santa Cruz remains a standout, blending a five-passenger crossover interior with the practicality of an open pickup truck bed. Designed for buyers seeking the utility of a truck without the bulk, it competes directly with the Ford Maverick, although the two small trucks differ markedly in persona.

For 2025, the Santa Cruz features refreshed interiors, a sleek curved infotainment display, and a rugged XRT trim with all-terrain tires. Available in five trims ranging from the base SE to the luxurious Limited, which Host Jack Nerad tested for the week. With its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and advanced safety systems, the likable little truck reminded Nerad of a sports sedan. He’ll have a full report in this episode.

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