2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz towing capacity
Updated 2026-09-21 · Source: Hyundai Newsroom 2025 Santa Cruz Specifications (SantaCruzSpecs061724.pdf)
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz tows up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped. For this model year, ratings range from 3,500 lb to 5,000 lb by trim, engine, drivetrain and tow package.Maximum payload is 1,411 lb.
- Max towing
- 5,000lb
- Max payload
- 1,411lb
- GVWR
- 5,523 to 5,798lb
- Curb weight
- 3,779 to 4,295lb
Towing capacity by configuration
Bars are the manufacturer's rating for each published configuration; the darkest bar is the maximum.
| Configuration | Engine | Towing | Payload | GVWR | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE · Crew Cab · 4 ft · FWD | 2.5L I4, 191 hp | 3,500 | 1,411 | 5,523 | curb 3,779; maximum vehicle load limit 1,411 lb applies to all trims |
| SE · Crew Cab · 4 ft · AWD | 2.5L I4, 191 hp | 3,500 | 1,411 | 5,666 | curb 3,922 |
| SEL · Crew Cab · 4 ft · FWD | 2.5L I4, 191 hp | 3,500 | 1,411 | 5,523 | curb 3,964 |
| SEL · Crew Cab · 4 ft · AWD | 2.5L I4, 191 hp | 3,500 | 1,411 | 5,666 | curb 4,107 |
| SEL Activity · Crew Cab · 4 ft · FWD | 2.5L turbo I4, 281 hp | 3,500 | 1,411 | 5,523 | curb 3,964; 2.5T column reads 3,500 (5,000 AWD) |
| SEL Activity · Crew Cab · 4 ft · AWD | 2.5L turbo I4, 281 hp | 5,000 | 1,411 | 5,666 | curb 4,107 |
| XRT · Crew Cab · 4 ft · AWD | 2.5L turbo I4, 281 hp | 5,000 | 1,411 | 5,798 | curb 4,228 |
| Limited · Crew Cab · 4 ft · AWD | 2.5L turbo I4, 281 hp | 5,000 | 1,411 | 5,798 | curb 4,295 |
Check a trailer against this Santa Cruz
Not sure which row is yours? Decode your VIN to narrow it by cab, drivetrain and engine.
How to read these numbers
Worked example for the SEL Activity Crew Cab 4 ft AWD with the 2.5L turbo I4, 281 hp: a trailer at its full 5,000 lb rating puts about 600 lb on the hitch at 12 percent tongue weight. Add two adults at 350 lb and 950 lb of its 1,411 lb payload is used, leaving 461 lb for cargo and gear.
Full explanations: what GVWR means, GVWR vs GCWR vs payload and how tongue weight eats payload.
Source: Hyundai Newsroom 2025 Santa Cruz Specifications (SantaCruzSpecs061724.pdf). Confirm your vehicle's ratings on the certification label in the driver's door jamb.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz tow?
Up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped. The lowest-rated configuration listed (SE, Crew Cab, 2.5L I4, 191 hp, FWD) is rated at 3,500 lb, and the highest (SEL Activity, Crew Cab, 2.5L turbo I4, 281 hp, AWD) at 5,000 lb.
What is the payload capacity of a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Maximum payload is 1,411 lb. Payload includes passengers, cargo and the trailer's tongue weight, so it is usually the limit you reach first. GVWR for this model year runs 5,523 to 5,798 lb across configurations.
Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz need a tow package to reach its maximum rating?
The 5,000 lb rating requires the 2.5L turbo with HTRAC AWD and a trailer with brakes (2.5L models are limited to 3,500 lb and any trailer without brakes to 1,653 lb); the spec sheet does not state a hitch class. Configurations without the package carry a lower rating; see the note column in the table above.
Can a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz tow a travel trailer?
A configuration rated at 5,000 lb can handle a trailer with a loaded weight of roughly 4,000 lb while keeping a 20% safety margin, provided passengers, cargo and tongue weight stay within the 1,411 lb payload. Run your exact numbers in the towing calculator.