2025 Hyundai Santa Get Fresh Looks set to compete with Toyota Hilux

Hyundai has recently introduced a refreshed version of the Santa Cruz pickup truck, which boasts some minor exterior updates and a completely redesigned interior. The Santa Cruz is one of Hyundai’s newest and most popular offerings, with a strong emphasis on enhancing its capabilities.

To give the Santa Cruz a more rugged look, Hyundai has made some minor changes to its styling for the 2025 model year. When it arrives in Nigeria, it will be competing with the already best-selling and most commonly used truck in the country, the Toyota Hilux. The front of the vehicle now features more boxy, vertically aligned LED lights, and a grill with some “underbody protection” trim. Furthermore, the XRT model has been introduced, which features black accents, tow hooks, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain rubber, and improved approach angles.

There are two gas engine options available for the Santa Cruz. The standard engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L turbo engine offers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with an 8-speed DCT, which uses a multidisciplinary hydraulic torque converter to reduce frictional losses.

The non-turbo engine is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds, while the turbo engine can pull up to 5,000 pounds.

The XRT models have also been upgraded with surround-view monitors, although this is the only significant change. The interior of the Santa Cruz has undergone significant improvements, with dual curved 12.3-inch displays, separate HVAC controls, a redesigned steering wheel with a comically thin spoke, and a redesigned dash layout. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Digital Key 2, a fingerprint reader, and other features. The vehicle is now also available in Rockwood Green and Canyon Red paint shades.