2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Ultimate Review - All Australian Reviews in One

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Ultimate impresses as a compact, car-based ute with SUV-like comfort and features. While it offers a unique blend of practicality and refinement, its smaller bed size and lower towing capacity compared to traditional utes may limit its appeal for some buyers.

This score is based on the rating provided by CarsGuide.

Quick Facts

• Price: Estimated A$55,000 (Canadian pricing)
• ANCAP Safety Rating: Not rated (IIHS Top Safety Pick in North America)
• Fuel Efficiency (Claimed): 10.6L/100km combined
• Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol

Key Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• SUV-like comfort and features
• Strong performance from turbo engine
• Refined driving experience
• Practical bed design with useful features
• Compact size for urban maneuverability

Cons:

• Smaller bed size compared to traditional utes
• Lower towing capacity than body-on-frame utes
• High fuel consumption
• Not yet available in Australia
• May be too car-like for traditional ute buyers

Expert Review Summary

CarsGuide

Rating: 8.4/10

• Pros:
  • SUV-like comfort and features
  • Strong performance
  • Practical bed design
• Cons:
  • Smaller bed than traditional utes
  • High fuel consumption

Summary: "We need the Santa Cruz and its ilk in Australia. It's great to be in a dual-cab ute that is compact enough to fit in a regular car-parking space and light enough to be efficient."Read the full review

CarExplore's Take on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Ultimate

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Ultimate presents a compelling case for a new type of ute in the Australian market. Based on the Tucson SUV platform, it offers a unique blend of car-like comfort and handling with the practicality of an open bed.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine provides strong performance, with a 0-100km/h time of around 6.5 seconds. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system contribute to a refined driving experience that's more akin to an SUV than a traditional ute.

Interior comfort and features are standout aspects, with the Santa Cruz offering a level of equipment and refinement typically associated with high-end SUVs. The bed, while smaller than traditional utes, offers practical features like a retractable tonneau cover, under-bed storage, and a multi-functional tailgate.

However, the Santa Cruz's car-based platform does come with some compromises. Its towing capacity and payload are lower than body-on-frame utes, which may limit its appeal for those needing maximum utility. Fuel consumption is also on the high side, though it's comparable to many larger utes.

Ideal For: Urban dwellers who occasionally need ute practicality but prioritize daily comfort and maneuverability. Also suited for lifestyle-oriented buyers who want ute versatility without sacrificing SUV-like features and driving dynamics.

Consider Alternatives If: You require maximum towing capacity and payload, prefer a more rugged, traditional ute experience, or need a larger bed size for work purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions