2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity

What is the towing capacity of the Hyundai Santa Cruz? What kind of capabilities can a Austin driver expect from this Sport Adventure Vehicle? Thanks to two engine options and drivetrain configurations, the Santa Cruz is a versatile vehicle that outputs a respectable amount of power and can tow a surprising amount of weight. Keep reading to learn more about the Hyundai Santa Cruz tow capacity, then visit our parts and service center page to see the kinds of Hyundai Santa Cruz tow hitches and other towing accessories that are available.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engines & Specs

Strictly speaking, the entire 2025 Santa Cruz lineup is powered by a Smartstream 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The baseline version is naturally aspirated and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. On the other hand, there’s also a turbocharged version of this engine that comes standard with HTRAC AWD and is paired with an 8-speed Wet Dual-Clutch transmission with paddle shifters. The latter version is standard on the XRT and Limited trims. See below for the basic specs for each engine configuration:

Smartstream 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
• Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive; available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive
• Horsepower: 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine

• Transmission: 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters
• Drivetrain: HTRAC All-Wheel Drive
• Horsepower: 281 hp @ 5,800 rpm
• Torque: 311 lb-ft @ 1,700-4,000 rpm

Maximize the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Tow Capacity

You can maximize the Hyundai Santa Cruz tow capacity by opting for the turbocharged engine. The turbocharged Smartstream® comes paired with AWD and is capable of engaging Tow Mode, a feature that enables smoother towing by adjusting shift patterns to hold lower gears for longer. This helps to maintain steady torque, making for a smoother tow on Dripping Springs roads. Thanks to these features, the Hyundai Santa Cruz can comfortably tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Tow Mode is only available with the turbocharged Smartstream® engine.

On the other hand, the naturally aspirated Smartstream® is mostly stuck with FWD unless you opt for the SEL Activity trim, which can be equipped with AWD. This enables the SEL Activity to match the towing capacity of the XRT and Limited with the non-turbo Smartstream®, but the FWD SE and SEL trims are limited to a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Each trim comes with a standard 4-pin connector or a 4- or 7-pin connector. As for a Hyundai Santa Cruz tow hitch, you’ll need to purchase that separately. You can check out the official Hyundai store or place an order with our dealership. We can also assist you with installing your Hyundai Santa Cruz tow hitch, so contact us if you’re interested.

Explore the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz With South Point Hyundai

Now that you have a solid grasp on the towing capacity of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and can see how versatile and useful this vehicle is, visit us in Austin a test-drive one. See if it suits your Bastrop requirements, then speak with our finance experts about taking advantage of our new vehicle specials and promotional offers. Not only that, but you can also learn about the leasing/financing opportunities we provide as well. So visit us today, and let us help you find the perfect Santa Cruz for all of your adventures in 2025.