Who says auto shows are dead? Not Hyundai. The Korean carmaker plans to make some big news at the New York International Auto Show next week, unveiling not just one new model but two: the 2025 versions of the compact Tucson SUV and compact car-cum-pickup, the Santa Cruz.
Hyundai teases the debut of the 2025 Tucson.
There’s been a dearth of new product at recent auto shows in Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and Geneva. But the upcoming event in New York is showing signs of real life. And Hyundai could be one of the stars.
The Korean brand is set to reveal two significant products at the New York International Auto Show during its March 27 press event – though folks who can’t make it to the Big Apple will be able to watch the proceedings live on the automaker’s website at https://hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/2025-tucson-and-santa-cruz.
One show, Two new products
A teaser for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
The “enhanced” 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz will make its world debut at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The “redesigned” 2025 Hyundai Tucson will have its first North American showing.
Both arrive during a busy year for the Korean carmaker which is just rolling its next-generation Santa FE into U.S. dealer showrooms. You can check out the Headlight.News review of the dramatically restyled 3-row SUV here.
The 2024 model year has also brought a new version of the compact Hyundai Kona crossover which, as before is available in a variety of powertrain configurations, including all-electric. And the automaker brought to market new versions of the Sonata and Elantra sedans. But the Santa Cruz and Tucson will be designated 2025 models.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Cruz makes its world debut in NY.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the most curious products currently on the market, a blend of sedan, SUV and pickup targeted at a young urban customer who wants something easy to use for daily commutes while offering flexibility and utility for weekend adventures. Think of its as a modern, downsized version of past car-truck hybrids as the Chevrolet El Camino or Subaru Baja.
In a news release, Hyundai hinted that the little pickup will boast “an even more rugged exterior redesign along with a reimagined cabin featuring new infotainment, improved ergonomics and additional advanced driver assistance systems.”
Our sources suggest the 2025 update of the Santa Cruz will get the same dual 12.3-inch display we’ve seen on other recent Hyundai models. But the automaker also is expected to bow to consumer demand and add more physical knobs and buttons, especially for the pickup’s climate control system. Expect to see the shifter move off the center console, meanwhile, as it did with the new Santa Fe, freeing up more space. We’ll have to see if Hyundai also updates the small cargo bed to enhance its usefulness.
More Hyundai News
- First Drive: 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a Rugged Remake
- Exclusive: Hyundai Rethinks its Ambitious EV Plans
- Look Quick: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is an Electric Rocket for the Masses
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Many of the updates for the Tucson will be found in the cabin, starting with twinned 12.3-inch displays.
The second SUV introduced by Hyundai is one of the brand’s most popular product lines and the goal of this update is to make sure it continues building momentum.
Visual updates, said Hyundai, retain the outgoing model’s “Sensuous Sportiness design (theme but) with a more commanding appearance, updated lighting signatures, new alloy wheels and a dramatically redesigned interior with improved tech and usability.”
The 2025 Tucson also gets the twin-screen technology and more infotainment features. As with Santa Cruz and Santa Fe, the shifter is now on the steering wheel – adopting a by-wire control lifted from the Ioniq EV line. Wireless charging will be available, along with a WiFi hotspot. And the compact crossover will continue to be available with a mix of gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrain options.
New York City, here we come
We expect to find out lots more when the 2025 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Cruz models make their debut on March 27.
There’ll be lots more to talk about from the New York International Auto Show next week. Check out our complete and ongoing coverage on Headlight.News.
0 Comments