The Santa Cruz XRT pushes its rugged aesthetic to new heights. Equipped with an attention monitor and increased protection at common bump and smack points, this refresh should build on its stellar IIHS safety ratings in terms of IIHS ratings for older Santa Cruz models.
The Santa Cruz XRT is the performance star of its lineup, boasting standard all-wheel drive with HTRAC all-wheel drive capability and an efficient turbo 2.5-liter four cylinder engine producing 281 horsepower. New for 2017 are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as USB-C ports, over-the-air software updates, and Hyundai Pay in-car payment system – making the XRT an outstanding value proposition!
The Front End
Hyundai revolutionized the compact pickup truck segment when they introduced the Santa Cruz. Despite its diminutive size, this innovative pickup offers spacious cabins that comfortably seat all passengers as well as powerful engines and all-terrain capability that rival traditional trucks in its class.
The 2025 Santa Cruz XRT promises to raise the standard even further for sport adventure vehicles. Anticipate an updated exterior, with bolder front end styling and more rugged design elements; furthermore, anticipate an advanced suite of driver assistance systems and large touchscreen infotainment system as standard features.
Hyundai may equip its XRT with custom wheels and an aggressive all-terrain tire package, as well as protective body cladding to improve approach angles and ground clearance, along with advanced traction control systems with terrain select modes for improved off-road performance. Paired with its HTRAC all-wheel drive system, these features should enable it to take on challenging terrain with confidence.
The Rear End
The Santa Cruz XRT offers truck-like capabilities in a compact footprint comparable to some SUVs. Its spacious crew cab accommodates four adults while its innovative cargo bed can tow 3,500 pounds of gear.
Hyundai may add exterior upgrades to the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT to further accentuate its muscular design, such as skid plates and revised bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Furthermore, advanced traction control systems with terrain select modes could be installed.
Inside, an upgraded infotainment system that incorporates dual 12.3-inch displays into one curved panel should set apart the Santa Cruz XRT from other trim levels and help it recover some ground lost to rivals Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Maverick.
The XRT’s tech-driven cabin can keep drivers connected and entertained on their journeys through Green Bay and beyond. If you’re curious to know more, apply for credit approval at Bergstrom Green Bay today.
The Wheels
Hyundai kept things straightforward with their 2025 Santa Cruz refresh, yet this unibody truck still delivers on its promise as a durable, practical hauler. That is especially true of XRT models which add unique functional enhancements for enhanced off-roading capabilities.
Specifically, this trim gains two 18-inch wheels fitted with 245/60R18 all-terrain tires and front tow hooks, as well as new front bumper fascia design and grille as well as bodywork with unique badging specific to this trim.
While these upgrades do not alter ride height or clearance other than approach angle, they do give the XRT an off-roading appearance sure to please drivers in Green Bay who spend time exploring dirt roads and gravel paths.
Inside, a curved display rests between two 12.3-inch infotainment interface screens for driver and passenger use. This system responds quickly to commands while providing easy-to-read graphics.
The Interior
Santa Cruz XRT stands out from more serious off-roaders by using an electronic system instead of mechanical center locks for traction, enabling its driver to override a variable front/rear drive torque split and ensure all four tires contribute equally towards forward movement on difficult terrain.
Off-roading features of the Hyundai XRT include skid plates and distinct front bumper designs, oversized 245/60 R18 all-terrain tires that improve approach angles, and Hyundai’s Surround View camera system to tackle tricky situations. Hyundai Pay, an in-vehicle payment system. In addition, two 12.3-inch displays mounted together on a panoramic curved panel offer dual 12.3-inch displays using an updated software interface supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports, over-the-air software updates as well as Blue Link Connected Car technology as part of this infotainment system.
Hyundai recognizes that their XRT has many advantages over popular pickup trucks; however, to attract buyers they will need to find an equilibrium between performance and fuel efficiency for it to succeed in competition with similar rugged compact trucks and crossover SUVs.