I’ve developed a real fondness for pickup trucks after driving the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T. However, their high price tags – often soaring into six-figure territory – make them a bit impractical for my needs.
That’s why I spent a week with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, which starts at a more approachable $42,650. While still a significant investment, the Limited trim offers several premium features that make this “sport adventure vehicle” a compelling option for anyone considering a compact pickup. But what I really desire is an all-electric version of the Santa Cruz. The market desperately needs compact electric pickup trucks, and as of now, there are none.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited: Specifications
- Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged GDI-MPI 4-cylinder engine
- Fuel Economy (mpg): 22 combined / 19 city / 27 highway
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.7 gallons
- Horsepower: 281 hp
- Wheels: 20-inches
- MSRP: $42,650
Driving the Santa Cruz: Fuel Economy and Performance
During my week of testing, I drove a total of 203.7 miles and averaged 22.5 mpg. While that number isn’t exceptional, it aligns with the manufacturer’s combined fuel economy claim. It’s worth noting that pickup trucks aren’t typically known for their fuel efficiency. On a highway-focused long-distance test, I achieved a respectable 28.1 mpg, exceeding the company’s estimate of 27 mpg on the highway. However, this figure still falls short of what I’d prefer in a daily driver.
Even with a driving style that prioritized smart mode and gentle acceleration, the best short-distance fuel economy I recorded with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited was 20 mpg. Fortunately, the vehicle is equipped with a 17.7-gallon fuel tank, which helps mitigate the need for very frequent fill-ups.
What I Liked: Design and Functionality
Sporty Design for a Pickup
The Hyundai Santa Cruz immediately catches the eye. Its attractive and sporty design, unconventional for a compact pickup, creates a distinct visual identity. The front is aggressive, featuring a sprawling grille and stacked LED headlights. The sloping roofline flows towards a flatbed, creating a sporty profile.
Hidden Flatbed Storage
The Santa Cruz offers clever features. The locking under-bed storage compartment, located towards the back of the flatbed, is a welcome addition. It’s like having a built-in cooler, with a drain plug for easy cleanup. While I didn’t use it as much during my test due to weather, it would be perfect for tailgating.
The flatbed itself measures 52.1 x 53.9 inches, slightly smaller than the 2025 Ford Maverick’s 54.4 x 53.3 inches.
Powerful Engine and Smooth Acceleration
Despite its compact size, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited boasts a potent 2.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp. Acceleration is smooth, almost like driving an EV, making it easy to merge or pass on the highway. The Santa Cruz’s power and responsiveness stand out compared to some hybrid cars I’ve tested.
Hidden Storage Under Backseats
While the flatbed is convenient for larger items, the hidden storage compartments under the back seats provide a useful space for smaller items. Once the seats are folded, these compartments can be used to secure items, preventing them from sliding around in the back.
Headlight and Taillight Design
The design of the headlights and taillights contributes significantly to the Santa Cruz’s appeal. The stacked bi-LED projector headlights provide intense illumination at night. The LED taillights feature a clever arrow pattern.
Dashboard Nook Cutout
One innovative design element is the small nook cutout in the dashboard on the passenger side, which is created to accommodate small items like a phone.
What I Didn’t Like: Fuel Economy and Rear Legroom
Terrible Fuel Economy
Despite meeting the manufacturer’s fuel economy rating, the Santa Cruz is still a gas guzzler. In the long run, this will add up. I used Google Gemini to estimate the total cost of gasoline if the truck was driven 1,000 miles per month over 10 years, the cost was a sizeable $19,497.43, factoring in moderate inflation. In Comparison an all-electric model with (similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5) would cost $8,132.39 for home charging. That’s where the case for the Santa Cruz being an Electric car becomes overwhelmingly desirable.
Tight Legroom in the Rear
While the front seats are spacious and comfortable, the rear legroom is limited. While children and smaller passengers shouldn’t be too uncomfortable, adults may find it a bit cramped on longer journeys.
The Bottom Line:
I still found the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited appealing even after the review had ended. The $43,000+ starting price can be prohibitive, but the additional perks of the Limited trim, such as the sunroof, larger wheels, towing capacity, and integrated flatbed cover, make it more attractive than the base model.
Unlike larger pickups I’ve driven, the Santa Cruz’s more compact size makes it easier to maneuver. However, the poor fuel economy really demonstrates the need for more compact electric pickup trucks that would deliver long-term savings with more utility.
