Small trucks used to be a staple in America, but as larger trucks became more popular, these little guys faded into the background. However, there’s been a bit of a comeback recently, and trucks like the Ford Maverick, Honda Ridgeline, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are leading the way. Honestly, these trucks make a lot of sense. Sure, you could get an F-150 for the same price as a Santa Cruz, but why drive around in a giant truck when you don’t need to?
The Bed – Not Huge, But Still Useful
One of the main criticisms of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is its small bed. At just 48.4 inches with the bed closed, it’s definitely not the biggest truck bed out there. But don’t let that discourage you—there’s still plenty of room for your everyday needs. The bed has low wheel well intrusions, making it easier to load big items. Plus, it’s lower to the ground, which helps when you’re hauling heavier stuff. It comes with a tonneau cover, but it’s best to go for a soft one, since the hardtop cover takes up a lot of space. Even with that cover, you’d be surprised at how much fits.
What Can You Fit in the Bed?
You’d be amazed by how much you can fit in the bed of the Santa Cruz. I managed to get my mountain bike in there, fully assembled, with the hardtop tonneau cover retracted. Hyundai claims you can fit four 29-inch mountain bikes in the bed without the cover. The bed also has an under-bed trunk for smaller items, and if you add an aftermarket bed extender, you’ll have 74.8 inches of usable space when the gate is down. It’s not as big as the beds on mid-size or full-size trucks, but it’s more than enough for most people’s daily needs.
Updates for 2025: A More Upscale Feel
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz got some nice updates, especially with the exterior design. The front and rear fascias have been redesigned, and the interior got a much-needed tech upgrade. The previous version’s infotainment system felt outdated, but now it’s more modern and easier to use. The new XRT trim adds off-road tires, updated software, and better towing capacity, making it more appealing to those who want something a bit more rugged.
The Santa Cruz Interior: Practical and Well-Designed
Inside the Santa Cruz, Hyundai really nailed the small stuff. They’ve figured out a way to use every inch of space for storage. There’s a big dash shelf, a roomy center console, door pockets, and cupholders everywhere. One of my favorite features is the charging functionality in the dash. You can choose whether the USB-C port charges your phone or allows it to connect to phone projection software like CarPlay. It’s all wireless now too, which is a huge plus.
2025: More Tech and Safety Features
This year’s Santa Cruz is all about technology. The truck now offers a new infotainment system and an optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which gives the interior a more modern feel. While most controls are touch-based, there are still a few physical buttons, which is nice. One downside, though, is the climate controls, which attract fingerprints and dust—something to keep in mind. Hyundai also expanded its safety features for 2025, including Front Attention Warning, Blind Spot View Monitor, and a Surround-View Monitor for the XRT trim. During my time with the truck, these features worked perfectly, and they definitely make the truck feel safer and more up-to-date.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz might not have the biggest bed or the roughest off-road capabilities, but it’s a solid option for those who don’t need a giant truck. It’s well-designed, practical, and packed with tech and safety features that make it stand out. Whether you’re using it for work, weekend trips, or just everyday driving, it’s honestly enough truck for most people.
