Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity Overview

The Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity captures the spirit of exploration and invites you to make the most of your weekends. Whether heading into the wilderness for a camping trip, hitting the trails on your dirt bike, or working on home projects requiring hefty equipment, this exciting refresh on the traditional pickup truck is your loyal companion through it all. We've assembled an in-depth review of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity so you know what to expect as you shop this new Hyundai model. Learn more below, then come by McGee Hyundai of Barre for a test drive.

Pure Power: Towing Capacity of Hyundai Santa Cruz

When it comes to towing capabilities, what's under your hood matters. Choose your adventure with two powertrain options, starting with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC. FWD is standard, but HTRAC AWD is available. This base-level powertrain can tow up to 5,000 pounds,¹ depending on the trim and configuration.

Rev up your ride with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine standard in upper trims, beginning with the Santa Cruz XRT. This powertrain delivers 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque and yields a maximum Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity of 5,000 pounds¹ in every configuration. It mates with standard HTRAC AWD and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is built for spirited performance and handling. Browse all Hyundai inventory to find the right Santa Cruz for you and your lifestyle today.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity by Trim Level

Whether you need to tow a trailer for a camping trip or a small boat, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim configurations have you covered with ample capability.

The Santa Cruz SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims come with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, outputting vibrant performance. The Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL towing capacity is a maximum of 3,500 pounds¹ whether you opt for FWD or AWD. In the Santa Cruz SEL Activity, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD¹ and 5,000 pounds with AWD.¹

The Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT and Limited trims take performance to the next level. They feature the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and HTRAC AWD, enabling them to tow up to 5,000 pounds each.¹ The trim lineup changes slightly for 2025; the SEL Activity variant is new, and while there is no longer a Hyundai Santa Cruz Night, towing capacity ratings remain the same as the 2024 model in all other trims.

Santa Cruz Payload & Towing Features

This pickup is built to tow hefty loads, but with a maximum payload capacity of 1,411 pounds across all trim levels, there are also many possibilities for hauling cargo in the truck bed. Plus, the 2025 Santa Cruz comes standard with a lockable under-bed storage compartment to keep items secure and sidewall storage compartments for enhanced organization. Other standard cargo bed features comprise heavy-duty cargo D-rings, a multifunctional tailgate, and integrated rear bumper steps. Available equipment in higher trims includes LED bed lights, an integrated tonneau cover, a 115-volt power outlet, and a dual C-channel adjustable utility track rail and cleat system.

What about towing? The impressive Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capability is supported by an assortment of standard features, such as four- or seven-pin pre-wiring and available Tow Mode. Additionally, the Santa Cruz is made with high-strength steel to help ensure a stable ride whether you have cargo in tow or not. Standard safety features include Traction Control, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Vehicle Stability Management, and more. Experience all that that new Hyundai Santa Cruz for sale has in store at our Hyundai dealership.

Test-Drive the 2025 Santa Cruz Today

Whether you're interested in the Hyundai Santa Cruz SE or Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT, towing capacity is a strong suit for all trim levels. We invite you to browse our new Hyundai specials at McGee Hyundai of Barre to see if the model you're after is currently on offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors affect the towing capacity of a Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Various factors influence the Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity. These include items like the engine, drivetrain, and pre-wiring, which vary depending on the trim. For example, the SE trim can tow up to 3,500 pounds,¹ while the Limited can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.¹ Get a deeper look into the Santa Cruz towing capacity and what affects it by contacting our Hyundai sales team.

Do I need any additional equipment to tow with a Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The maximum Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacities are achieved when equipped with trailer brakes and a tow hitch harness. The Santa Cruz comes standard with pre-wiring for the harness; this component will need to be purchased. Please feel free to contact our parts department with questions about other suggested parts or accessories to ensure you're operating your 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz towing machine at its fullest potential.

Can I tow at the maximum capacity all the time?

Although it's true that the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, we recommend not towing every single time you get behind the wheel to prevent undue wear and tear and strain on the engine. For further details, tips, or recommendations for towing with your Santa Cruz, get in touch with our associates today. You can also reference your owner's manual.

Learn More About Hyundai Models

¹Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner’s Manual for proper use and additional information.