Which 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Model Best Suits Your Summer Plans?
Which 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Model Best Suits Your Summer Plans?
Posted on May 27, 2025
Your summer plans play a big role in choosing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz that gives you the most value for your money. Each trim is designed to meet specific needs, from weekend camping getaways to everyday work demands. Understanding the differences between the trims helps you choose the right truck without paying for unnecessary features.
All three available trims — Preferred, XRT, and Ultimate — come equipped with the same 281-horsepower turbocharged engine and HTRAC all-wheel drive. Your decision ultimately depends on how you balance comfort, capability, and technology based on your budget and intended use.
Preferred: Essential Capability at an Affordable Price
The Preferred trim delivers the full power of the Santa Cruz at an attractive entry-level price. You get the complete 281-hp engine with fuel consumption of 10.7 L/100 km, along with practical features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats — ideal for comfortable summer getaways.
The integrated tonneau cover protects your gear from the elements, while the 115V inverter powers basic tools or camping equipment. LED bed lighting makes nighttime loading easier, and the adjustable rail system with six tie-down points secures everything from lumber to kayaks. You get everything you need for your summer activities without the added cost of premium trims.
In terms of safety, the Preferred includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection — essential in busy campgrounds. The 12.3-inch touchscreen gives you access to navigation and entertainment via a six-speaker sound system, even if some of the higher-end amenities are missing.
XRT: Off-Road Performance for Adventure Enthusiasts
The XRT trim transforms the Santa Cruz into a true adventure vehicle. Exclusive all-terrain tires and a front approach angle improved by 3 degrees help it conquer sandy beaches, mountain trails, and rocky paths that stop other compact pickups. Front tow hooks are there for tougher situations.
This version has slightly higher fuel consumption (11.1 L/100 km), but it's a fair trade-off if your summer plans involve off-roading or towing recreational gear. The synthetic leather seats with XRT badging are more resistant to wear from sand and wet clothing.
Tech upgrades include wireless charging, Digital Key, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with terrain-adapted displays. The sunroof adds a fun open-air experience on sunny days. Blind View Monitor and Surround View Monitor make towing and parking at campsites much easier.
Ultimate: Premium Comfort for Long Road Trips
The Ultimate trim focuses on comfort and convenience — perfect for extended summer road trips. Ventilated leather seats keep you cool during warm-weather breaks, and the auto-dimming rearview mirror reduces glare from trailing headlights at sunset.
The eight-speaker Bose audio system turns long drives into enjoyable journeys. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation keeps you independent from your phone in low-signal areas. The Integrated Memory System automatically adjusts to your preferred driving position.
Stylish 20-inch alloy wheels enhance the look without compromising fuel economy, which remains at 10.7 L/100 km — same as the Preferred. LED headlights improve visibility for early fishing trips or late returns from summer events. Chrome skid plates add a touch of flair without sacrificing ground clearance.
Matching Trims to Your Summer Activities
Camping and outdoor leisure suit all three trims, depending on your comfort preferences. The Preferred is more than enough for weekend escapes, while the XRT is perfect for accessing remote spots. The Ultimate is ideal for extended stays or towing a trailer in style.
For work use, the Preferred and XRT trims are better suited based on terrain. Construction sites and landscaping jobs benefit from the XRT’s improved approach angle and off-road features. The Ultimate’s refinement may be unnecessary for heavy-duty work.
Family road trips highlight the Ultimate’s superior comfort, but the Preferred already offers dual-zone climate control and strong safety features for families. The XRT offers a balanced middle ground, with added tech and a dash of adventure for family vacations.
Make the Right Choice for Your Summer
It’s your summer plans — not just the feature list — that determine what’s truly useful. If you often venture off the beaten path, the XRT’s enhancements are well worth it. For long highway drives, the Ultimate’s comfort is unbeatable. If you focus on the essentials, the Preferred is a smart, value-packed choice.
Think about what your summer weekends usually look like. Easy beach access? The XRT is your ally. Frequent road trips? Choose the comfort of the Ultimate. Local camping or light towing? The Preferred answers the call without straining your budget.
Ready to find the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz that fits your summer? Visit Hyundai Valleyfield to explore each trim up close and choose the one that best matches your summer adventures.