2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among 17 value Trucks, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz scores well across safety and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 2.6 average for Trucks.
- Starting MSRP
- $26,900 - $41,320
- EPA Combined MPG
- 22-23 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,600 - $2,700 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,750 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 30 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,206 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.79
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a 7-trim truck priced from $26,900 to $41,320. Below is the safety, fuel, reliability, and ownership cost data that matters for a vehicle built for heavy use.
- 5-year ownership cost $7,024 below value Trucks average
- Avg repair cost $185 per year below Truck (Crew Cab) average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz at a Glance
Compared with similar pickup trucks in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated five-year cost. The main caution is that fuel cost is only average.
- safety
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP. Safest Trucks 2024 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $7,024 below the similar-vehicle average.
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost lands in the middle of its comparison group rather than standing out.
- EPA estimates this vehicle costs you about $2,250 more over five years in fuel than the average new vehicle.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz earned NHTSA's highest 5-star safety rating and TSP recognition from IIHS, placing it among the most thoroughly tested Trucks for crash protection. 55% of Trucks share this top NHTSA rating. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
55% of Trucks share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 16.4%
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard & Optional |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Crash Imminent Braking | Standard & Optional |
| Dynamic Brake Support | Standard & Optional |
The five-star NHTSA scale gives you the broad picture. The IIHS breakdown below shows how the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz performed in specific test categories, which can highlight strengths or gaps the star rating does not capture.
How Did the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz a TSP designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | M Marginal |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | A Acceptable |
| Seat Belt Reminders | A Acceptable |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small pickups
Crash tests show how a vehicle handles impacts in a lab. The recall record shows what has gone wrong after thousands of 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruzs have been driven on real roads.
Does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, affecting STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. This is fewer than the 2.6 average for Trucks. Recalls address safety-related defects identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. Repairs for recalled vehicles are free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Most recent: June 2024
Units affected: 1,590
What Do 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This is below the average of 95 complaints for 2024 Trucks. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
3 in the last 90 days · 10 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-01-28
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported, injury reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Powertrain10
- Engine6
- ADAS / Safety Tech4
- Fuel System3
- Speed Control3
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle that sees heavy use, fuel cost is a major budget item. Trucks consume more fuel than most vehicle types, so the efficiency gap between trims is felt at every fill-up.
What Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel Economy?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz achieves up to 23 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600. This is close to the $2,547 average for value Trucks. Actual costs depend on driving habits and fuel prices. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 22 to 23 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 22 | 26 | $2,600 per year |
| SE AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,700 per year |
| SEL FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 22 | 26 | $2,600 per year |
| SEL AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,700 per year |
| Night AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,700 per year |
| XRT AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,700 per year |
| Limited AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,700 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $13,000 to $13,500 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 13% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
Trucks cost more to insure and maintain than most vehicle types. AAA estimates what those costs add up to for the Midsize Pickup class, including tires, brakes, and depreciation.
What Does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranges from $73,615 to $110,655 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Midsize Pickup class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,638 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,518 per year |
| Depreciation | $4,287 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $771 per year |
| Financing | $1,439 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $11,867 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.79 per mile |
Truck trims can vary by thousands of dollars and significant capability differences. The table below compares towing capacity, drivetrain, fuel economy, and cost across all 7 options.
How Do the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims Compare?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available in 7 trims, with base prices ranging from $26,900 to $41,320. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | $26,900 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,708 lbs | $73,615 |
| SE AWD GAS | $28,400 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 3,862 lbs | $75,115 |
| SEL FWD GAS | $29,650 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,724 lbs | $76,365 |
| SEL AWD GAS | $31,150 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 3,879 lbs | $77,865 |
| Night AWD GAS | $38,460 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,164 lbs | $107,795 |
| XRT AWD GAS | $40,100 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,126 lbs | $109,435 |
| Limited AWD GAS | $41,320 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,164 lbs | $110,655 |
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | $26,900 23 MPG | $28,750 25 MPG | $29,750 25 MPG |
| SE AWD GAS | $28,400 22 MPG | $30,250 22 MPG | $31,250 20 MPG |
| SEL FWD GAS | $29,650 23 MPG | $30,450 25 MPG | $31,400 25 MPG |
| SEL AWD GAS | $31,150 22 MPG | $31,950 22 MPG | $32,900 20 MPG |
| XRT AWD GAS | $40,100 22 MPG | $40,250 22 MPG | $41,350 20 MPG |
| Limited AWD GAS | $41,320 22 MPG | $42,750 22 MPG | $43,700 20 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Picking a trim covers the upfront decision. The next question is what happens after year one. RepairPal tracks how often this model needs repairs and what they cost.
How Reliable Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
RepairPal rates the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz at 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, above average for value Trucks. This means lower expected repair frequency and cost compared to similar vehicles. Source: RepairPal.
RepairPal rates what repairs cost out of pocket. The warranty determines what Hyundai covers at no cost. Here are the published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Come With?
Hyundai provides the following warranty coverage for the 2024 Santa Cruz. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs?
Core specifications for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Compact pickup truck
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 281 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 98.5 - 136.2 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $137 - $163 |
| Torque | 181 - 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic, 8-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 407 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 195.7 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 75.0 in |
| Height | 66.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 118.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,708 - 4,164 lbs |
That is the complete data picture for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. For a truck, the numbers that matter most, towing, payload, fuel cost under load, and long-term reliability, are covered above from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, and manufacturer data. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz FAQ
Which 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 7 available trims, the SE FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $73,615, starting at $26,900 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $110,655. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz competes with 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, 2024 Ford Maverick, and 2024 Nissan Frontier based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2024 Pickup Truck (Crew Cab)s.
How much does a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz include about $989 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $217 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,206 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Hyundai based?
Hyundai is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz may be assembled in a different country than where Hyundai is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle.
What other Hyundai models are available for 2024?
Each 2024 Hyundai model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Hyundai models page for the full lineup.
How much does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost to fuel for heavy use?
At its most efficient trim, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz has an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 based on EPA testing at 15,000 miles per year. Trucks driven for work or towing typically exceed that mileage, so real-world fuel costs may be higher. See the fuel economy section above for a full trim breakdown.
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.