Hyundai Santa Cruz trim comparison
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL vs SEL Activity
The Santa Cruz SEL starts at $30,450 while the SEL Activity is $33,450. That $3,000 gap buys 1 meaningful difference.
$3,000 more is ~$53/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The extra $3,000 does not buy a measurable hardware change in our data. Treat the SEL Activity as an appearance or packaging decision, not a core-trim upgrade.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The SEL Activity adds about $53/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $3,180 more overall with interest.
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 want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The SEL and SEL Activity are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and Crew Cab cabin and bed dimensions.
The upgrade math
$3,000 price difference.
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. 1 specification difference, 6 shared.
There are no measurable spec differences in the current source data. If these trims still matter to you, the real separation is likely styling, appearance packages, or dealer inventory.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SEL | SEL Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,450 | $33,450 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 22 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,750/yr | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,964 lbs | 3,964 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 118.3" |
| Length | 195.7" | 195.7" |
| 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 vs SEL Activity 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 SEL Activity cost than the SEL?
The SEL Activity starts at $33,450 compared to $30,450 for the SEL (both Crew Cab FWD). That is a $3,000 difference, or approximately $53/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL and SEL Activity have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2025 Santa Cruz SEL and SEL Activity come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2025 Santa Cruz SEL or SEL Activity 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 and SEL Activity, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
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.
Breaking Down the $3,000 Gap
Same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, $3,000 more. The Santa Cruz SEL Activity adds minor equipment upgrades over the SEL, but the core driving experience is identical.
What Both Trims Share
The Santa Cruz SEL and SEL Activity share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $3,000 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
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
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SEL best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SEL Activity 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.