Hyundai has chosen to launch its tougher new Santa Cruz compact pickup on the mean streets of New York.
The updated Santa Cruz will make its debut alongside a redesigned Tucson SUV at the New York International Auto Show on March 27.
The models are built on a shared platform at Hyundai’s factory in Montgomery, Alabama.
Hyundai released a teaser sketch showing the rear of the new Santa Cruz XRT and said it will have a “more aggressive design, improved capability.”
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Hyundai introduced the XRT trim on the 2024 Santa Cruz, but it is mainly an appearance option that makes it look more rugged without adding any off-road equipment.
The 2025 version will likely be more along the lines of the new Santa Fe XRT, which comes with all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension and other equipment that makes it better off-pavement.
A cropped image showing a small part of the front of the 2025 Santa Cruz suggests it will have a boxer, more truck-like design than the current model, which is very similar in style to the Tucson. It also has a front camera embedded in the grille.
Hyundai said that both will also get “dramatic cabin upgrades” with new features and driver assist systems.
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The reveal event is scheduled for 9:20 a.m. ET and will be livestreamed on the Hyundai website.