2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity

With its perfect balance of power and comfort, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a top pick for hard-working drivers and weekend warriors in McAlester. So, how much can a Hyundai Santa Cruz tow? It depends on your chosen configuration, but the Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Learn more in our guide below!

What is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Tow Capacity?

When you visit a car dealership in Muskogee, you want clear numbers. The Santa Cruz offers different levels of capability based on its drivetrain and engine.

• Hyundai Santa Cruz SE: Up to 3,500 pounds
• Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL: Up to 3,500 pounds
• Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Activity: Up to 3,500 lbs (FWD) or 5,000 lbs (AWD)
• Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT: Up to 5,000 pounds (Standard AWD)
• Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited: Up to 5,000 pounds (Standard AWD)

To reach that maximum 5,000-lb limit, you’ll want to opt for the AWD configurations. If you are searching for hyundai dealership near me to find the right trim, our team at James Hodge Muskogee can walk you through each model in person.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engines & Specs

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup is powered by a Smartstream 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, with two variations available. The base version is naturally aspirated and comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission featuring SHIFTRONIC®.

The turbocharged version, standard on the XRT and Limited trims, is paired with an 8-speed Wet Dual-Clutch transmission and includes paddle shifters. The turbocharged version also comes standard with HTRAC AWD for enhanced performance.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz 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

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz 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

5 Things You Can Tow in Muskogee, OK with a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

1. Small to Mid-Size Fishing Boats: Muskogee is situated near the confluence of the Arkansas, Verdigris, and Grand Rivers, and is close to major fishing lakes like Fort Gibson Lake and Lake Eufaula. Many fiberglass or aluminum fishing boats, especially those under 20 feet, would fall comfortably within the 5,000 lb towing capacity.
2. ATVs and Dirt Bikes: Oklahoma, and rural areas like Muskogee County, have a strong outdoor recreation culture that often includes off-roading. If you frequently tow ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) and dirt bikes to various trails and open lands, a utility trailer carrying one or two ATVs would typically be well within the Santa Cruz’s limits.
3. Small to Mid-Size Travel Trailers / Pop-Up Campers: Camping and RVing are popular pastimes in Oklahoma. A 5,000 lb capacity opens up a good range of lighter travel trailers, including pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and even some smaller, more aerodynamic conventional travel trailers. These are perfect for weekend getaways to Oklahoma’s state parks or lakeside campsites.
4. Utility Trailers (for DIY, hunting, small equipment): You may frequently need to haul materials for home improvement projects, yard work, or small farming/ranching tasks. Or, you may have a utility trailer for transporting hunting gear, feeders, or even smaller game, especially with nearby hunting areas like Camp Gruber.
5. Jet Skis / Personal Watercraft (PWC): With numerous lakes and rivers nearby, jet skis are a common recreational vehicle. A single jet ski on a trailer, or even two smaller ones, would easily be within the 5,000 lb towing capacity, making the Santa Cruz a viable option for a fun day on the water.

The Engines Behind the Power

The secret to being one of the most capable hyundai dealers in Oklahoma is the engineering under the hood. The 2025 Santa Cruz offers two distinct 2.5L engine options:

1. Smartstream 2.5L 4-Cylinder (Standard)

• Horsepower: 191 hp

• Torque: 181 lb-ft

• Transmission: 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC®

• Best For: Daily commuting in Muskogee and light towing (jet skis or small utility trailers).

2. Smartstream 2.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (Available)

• Horsepower: 281 hp

• Torque: 311 lb-ft

• Transmission: 8-speed Wet Dual-Clutch with paddle shifters

• Best For: Serious hauling and highway merging. This engine comes standard on the XRT and Limited trims.

Questions About the Hyundai Santa Cruz Tow Capacity?

Whether you need to order a Hyundai Santa Cruz tow hitch or still have questions about the Hyundai Santa Cruz tow capacity, our experts are here to help. Start a conversation with us online or visit our dealership in Muskogee today. We’re a short drive from Broken Arrow and Tulsa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow 5,000 lbs?
The XRT and Limited trims, or the SEL Activity with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), are rated for the maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity.

2. Does the Santa Cruz come with a tow hitch?
The tow hitch is typically sold separately. You can purchase and have it installed at James Hodge Muskogee, your trusted hyundai dealership Oklahoma source.

3. Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz better than a Ford Maverick for towing?
The Santa Cruz offers a higher standard towing capacity (3,500 lbs vs 2,000 lbs) and a more premium interior, making it a favorite at our car dealership in Muskogee.

4. Where can I find a hyundai dealership near me in Eastern Oklahoma?
James Hodge Hyundai is located at 1330 North Main St, Muskogee, OK, serving Muskogee, Tulsa, and Broken Arrow.

5. Do I need trailer brakes for the Santa Cruz?
For any trailer over 1,650 lbs, Hyundai recommends using a trailer brake system to ensure safe stopping distances.

6. What is the payload capacity of the 2025 Santa Cruz?
In addition to towing, the Santa Cruz can carry a payload of roughly 1,500 to 1,700 lbs depending on the configuration.

7. Are there new car dealers near me that offer lifetime perks?
Yes! At James Hodge Hyundai, we offer Free Oil Changes for Life on most new and qualifying pre-owned vehicles.

8. Can the Santa Cruz handle off-road towing?
With HTRAC All-Wheel Drive and the XRT trim’s rugged enhancements, it is well-equipped for dirt roads and lakeside ramps.