The Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Fixing Its Biggest Problem
We don’t want to come off as superficial but looks matter. People seem to love the way the Ford Maverick looks, but the Hyundai Santa Cruz has faced a little criticism. But now the Hyundai Santa Fe’s unique look is about to change.
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is getting a light refresh
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a unique style that might not be for everyone. It looks exactly like the Hyundai Tucson with a bed, which is exactly what the truck is.
Some people have found the grille and sloping ute design to be too out there. Even though the curvy lines help its aerodynamics. Also, is standing out better than getting the same old complaint that all new vehicles look the same?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz just debuted in 2022, right before the Ford Maverick, but didn’t receive the same reaction. While the Santa Cruz does have increasing sales, it’s nowhere close to catching the Maverick.
But its facelift could be beneficial. Recently spy photos with the truck covered in camouflage and rumors suggest that the Santa Cruz is getting a boxier style to increase its confidence and athletic nature.
You can see that the camouflage has a boxier shape and it’s safe to expect a new LED headlight design, an updated grille, and a refreshed bumper. The biggest difference includes a more rectangular grille instead of one that curves inward.
Most Hyundai vehicles are getting a revamped square shape to become more rugged and attractive. It may share features with the redesigned Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe.
The rear end is hidden by camouflage as well, so it’s safe to expect updated taillights, a new tailgate, and a revised rear bumper. But the rest of the vehicle still has a sloping curve like traditional utes.
After the new Santa Cruz arrives the Hyundai Tucson is expected to gain a similar style. Also, the interior could be restyled to incorporate dual screens and more upscale materials. This is more of a stretch, but we hope the Santa Cruz gains hybrid power as well.
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor to generate 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in the city and up to 36 mpg on the highway.
This would help the Santa Cruz battle the Ford Maverick Hybrid with its EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Stay tuned for updates, we could see the refreshed Hyundai Santa Cruz soon.
