2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Now in its 2025 model year, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a Truck priced from $28,750 to $42,750 across 8 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
Among 17 value Trucks, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz earns a A for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 4.0 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar pickup trucks in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost, with an above-average RepairPal reliability rating. The main caution is that there are already multiple recalls on file.
- safety
- fuel cost
- reliability
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP. Safest Trucks 2025 →
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas Trucks. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,750. Cheapest Trucks to fuel 2025 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Trucks 2025 →
Limits and cautions
- There are 2 recalls on file already, even if that still lands near the current class average. Zero-recall cars 2025 →
- EPA estimates this vehicle costs you about $2,750 more over five years in fuel than the average new vehicle.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $28,750 - $42,750
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21-25 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,750 - $2,100/yr
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,000 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 14 on file
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
How Safe Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP designation, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has passed the two most rigorous crash test programs in the United States. Among Trucks, 57% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
57% 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 |
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz a TSP designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. 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 measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, affecting AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. This is typical for Trucks, which average 2.4 recall campaigns. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Most recent: November 2025
Units affected: 44,529
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The average for 2025 Trucks is 25 complaints. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
2 in the last 90 days · 10 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-03-01
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- ADAS / Safety Tech10
- Electrical3
- Brakes2
- Visibility1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel Economy?
At up to 25 combined MPG, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's most efficient trim costs an estimated $1,750 per year in fuel, $124 less than the $1,874 average for value Trucks. Real-world results will vary. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 21 to 25 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $1,750/yr |
| SE AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| SEL FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $1,750/yr |
| SEL AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $1,750/yr |
| SEL Activity AWD GAS | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $1,800/yr |
| XRT AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2,100/yr |
| Limited AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,000/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranges from $74,715 to $112,085 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/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,518/yr |
| Depreciation | $4,287/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $771/yr |
| Financing | $1,439/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $11,867/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.79/mi |
With 8 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims Compare?
With 8 trims priced from $28,750 to $42,750, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | $28,750 | 25 MPG | $1,750/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,779 lbs | $74,715 |
| SE AWD GAS | $30,250 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | AWD | 191 hp | 3,922 lbs | $98,585 |
| SEL FWD GAS | $30,450 | 25 MPG | $1,750/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,964 lbs | $76,415 |
| SEL AWD GAS | $31,950 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | AWD | 191 hp | 4,107 lbs | $100,285 |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | $33,450 | 25 MPG | $1,750/yr | FWD | 191 hp | 3,964 lbs | $79,415 |
| SEL Activity AWD GAS | $34,950 | 24 MPG | $1,800/yr | AWD | 191 hp | 4,107 lbs | $103,285 |
| XRT AWD GAS | $40,250 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | AWD | 281 hp | 4,228 lbs | $110,085 |
| Limited AWD GAS | $42,750 | 22 MPG | $2,000/yr | AWD | 281 hp | 4,295 lbs | $112,085 |
The Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup has expanded from 7 trims in 2024 to 8 trims in 2025. The entry price has increased $1,850 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- SEL Activity FWD GAS (added 2025)
- SEL Activity AWD GAS (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- Night AWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- SE FWD GAS $26,900 (2024) → $28,750 (2025) +$1,850
- SE AWD GAS $28,400 (2024) → $30,250 (2025) +$1,850
- Limited AWD GAS $41,320 (2024) → $42,750 (2025) +$1,430
- SEL FWD GAS $29,650 (2024) → $30,450 (2025) +$800
- SEL AWD GAS $31,150 (2024) → $31,950 (2025) +$800
- XRT AWD GAS $40,100 (2024) → $40,250 (2025) +$150
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 23 MPG | $30,250 24 MPG | $31,250 24 MPG |
| SEL FWD GAS | $29,650 23 MPG | $30,450 25 MPG | $31,400 25 MPG |
| SEL AWD GAS | $31,150 23 MPG | $31,950 24 MPG | $32,900 24 MPG |
| Night AWD GAS | $38,460 22 MPG | — | — |
| XRT AWD GAS | $40,100 22 MPG | $40,250 21 MPG | $41,350 20 MPG |
| Limited AWD GAS | $41,320 22 MPG | $42,750 22 MPG | $43,700 20 MPG |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | — | $33,450 25 MPG | $34,450 25 MPG |
| SEL Activity AWD GAS | — | $34,950 24 MPG | $35,950 24 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
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz rates above average for value Trucks. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Hyundai backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Come With?
Hyundai provides the following warranty coverage for the 2025 Santa Cruz. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 281 hp |
| 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 |
| Length | 195.7 - 195.9 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 75.0 in |
| Height | 66.7 - 66.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 118.3 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,779 - 4,295 lbs |
What Changed for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz FAQ
How does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz compare to other pickup truck (crew cab)s?
Based on published data, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and only 2 recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar pickup truck (crew cab)s in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page.
Which 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 8 available trims, the SE FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $74,715, starting at $28,750 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $112,085. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Midsize Pickup class at $1,518 per year, or about $127 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Midsize Pickup class at $1,638 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,518/yr) and depreciation ($4,287/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $11,867 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz depreciate?
AAA estimates the Midsize Pickup class depreciates about $4,287 per year, or roughly $21,435 over five years. On a base MSRP of $28,750, that represents about 75% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The most efficient 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim costs an estimated $1,750 per year in fuel, or about $146 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $124 less than the average for similar pickup truck (crew cab)s. See our Cheapest Pickup Truck (Crew Cab)s to fuel 2025 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz include 2025 Ford Maverick, 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, and 2025 Nissan Frontier. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2025 Pickup Truck (Crew Cab)s.
What changed on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 1 trim was dropped, and the entry price increased by $1,850 for the Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz include about $989 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $146 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,135 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz safe for families?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. It also earned IIHS TSP recognition, which tests different crash scenarios. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest Pickup Truck (Crew Cab)s 2025 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
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.