Which 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Handles Your Summer Activities Best?
May 21 2025,
Your summer plans shape which 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz configuration delivers the most value. Each trim level targets specific activities and preferences, from weekend camping trips to daily work demands. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right truck without paying for features you won't use.
The three available trims—Preferred, XRT, and Ultimate—share the same 281-horsepower turbocharged engine and HTRAC all-wheel drive system. Your choice depends on how you balance comfort, capability, and technology features with your budget and intended use.
Preferred: Essential Capability for Budget-Conscious Buyers
The Preferred trim provides core truck functionality at the entry price point. You receive the full powertrain experience with 281 horsepower and 10.7L/100km fuel economy, plus essential features like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats that make summer road trips comfortable.
The integrated tonneau cover protects cargo from weather while the 115V power inverter supports basic power tools and camping equipment. LED bed lighting illuminates nighttime loading, and the adjustable rail system with six tie-down points secures everything from lumber to kayaks. These features handle most summer activities without premium pricing.
Safety technology includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, crucial for busy campground traffic. The 12.3-inch touchscreen provides navigation and entertainment through the six-speaker audio system, though you'll miss some convenience features found in higher trims.
XRT: Adventure-Ready Performance for Off-Road Enthusiasts
The XRT trim transforms the Santa Cruz into a serious adventure vehicle. The exclusive all-terrain tires and increased front approach angle (+3 degrees) tackle beach sand, mountain trails, and rocky terrain that stops other compact trucks. Front tow hooks provide recovery options for challenging situations.
This configuration sacrifices some fuel economy (11.1L/100km) for enhanced capability. The trade-off makes sense if your summer plans include off-road destinations or towing recreational equipment. Leatherette seats with XRT logos resist wear from sandy gear and wet clothing better than cloth.
Technology upgrades include wireless device charging, Digital Key functionality, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that displays terrain-specific information. The power sunroof adds open-air driving enjoyment during perfect weather days. Blind View Monitor and Surround View Monitor assist with trailer backing and tight camping spots.
Ultimate: Premium Comfort for Long-Distance Travel
The Ultimate trim prioritizes comfort and convenience for extended summer travel. Leather seating with ventilation keeps you cool during hot weather stops, while the electrochromic auto-dimming mirror reduces glare from following traffic during sunset drives.
The Bose premium audio system with eight speakers transforms long drives into entertainment experiences. Navigation integration through the 12.3-inch touchscreen eliminates phone dependency in areas with poor cellular coverage. The Integrated Memory System recalls your preferred driving position automatically.
Twenty-inch alloy wheels provide a more sophisticated appearance while maintaining the same 10.7L/100km fuel economy as the Preferred trim. LED headlights improve visibility during early morning fishing trips or late evening returns from summer events. Chrome skid plates add visual appeal without compromising ground clearance.
Matching Trims to Summer Activities
Camping and outdoor recreation suit all three trims, though your comfort preferences determine the best choice. The Preferred handles weekend trips with essential features, while the XRT excels at accessing remote locations. The Ultimate provides luxury for extended camping stays or RV towing.
Work applications favour the Preferred or XRT depending on terrain demands. Construction sites and landscaping projects benefit from the XRT's enhanced approach angle and all-terrain capability. The Ultimate's premium interior may not justify the cost for heavy-duty work use.
Family road trips showcase the Ultimate's passenger comfort features, though the Preferred's dual-zone climate control and safety technology meet most family needs. The XRT offers a middle ground with enhanced technology and the excitement of off-road capability for adventurous families.
Making Your Summer Choice
Your summer activities determine which features provide real value versus nice-to-have extras. Frequent off-road adventures justify the XRT's capability upgrades, while long-distance travel benefits from the Ultimate's comfort features. The Preferred delivers core functionality for buyers who prioritize value over premium features.
Consider your typical summer weekend plans. Beach access favours the XRT's all-terrain capability, while highway travel to distant destinations benefits from the Ultimate's comfort features. Local camping and moderate towing work well with any trim level, making the Preferred an attractive value choice.
Ready to find your ideal 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz configuration? Visit Thomas Hyundai to explore each trim level hands-on and discover which features align with your summer adventure plans.
