Hyundai Santa Cruz trim comparison
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity vs XRT
The Santa Cruz SEL Activity starts at $33,450 while the XRT is $40,250. That $6,800 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The XRT gets the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $6,800 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The SEL Activity is enough if the 2.5L I4 with FWD already fits your routine; the XRT only earns the jump when the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $120/month more over 60 months, or roughly $7,200 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you tow, haul, or merge with enough load that the stronger powertrain matters.
When both feel the same
The SEL Activity and XRT are mechanically identical where it counts: the same Crew Cab cabin and bed dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,800 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,133 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SEL Activity | XRT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $33,450 | $40,250 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 22 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,750/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,964 lbs | 4,228 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 118.3" |
| Length | 195.7" | 195.9" |
| Width | 75.0" | 75.0" |
| Height | 66.9" | 66.9" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity vs XRT Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Compact Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT cost than the SEL Activity?
The XRT starts at $40,250 compared to $33,450 for the SEL Activity (both Crew Cab FWD). That is a $6,800 difference, or approximately $120/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity and XRT have the same engine?
No. The SEL Activity uses a 2.5L I4 (191 hp, 181 lb-ft), while the XRT has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (281 hp, 311 lb-ft). That is 90 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2025 Santa Cruz SEL Activity come with AWD?
No. The SEL Activity comes standard with FWD while the XRT has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2025 Santa Cruz SEL Activity or XRT safer?
Both share the same Hyundai Santa Cruz platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz come with?
All 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims, including both the SEL Activity and XRT, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT worth $6,800 more than the SEL Activity?
The XRT changes both the engine and drivetrain for $6,800 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim gets better fuel economy, the SEL Activity or the XRT?
The SEL Activity is the more efficient of the two at 25 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Santa Cruz XRT Worth $6,800 More?
Spending $6,800 more on the Santa Cruz XRT buys the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+90 hp) and AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Moving to the XRT means a different engine: the 2.5L I4 Turbo replaces the 2.5L I4. That means 90 more horsepower and 130 more lb-ft of torque. You will feel the difference towing, merging, and passing on the highway. In return, expect about 4 fewer combined MPG. Stepping up to the XRT gets you AWD. For truck buyers in northern climates or those who tow regularly, this is a functional upgrade worth considering.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Santa Cruz SEL Activity gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $320 per year or $1,600 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The Santa Cruz XRT costs $6,800 more than the SEL Activity (about $120/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $1,133 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SEL Activity best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the XRT when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.