2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick designation compared to 17 other value Trucks. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file, fewer than the 2.6 average for Trucks.
- Starting MSRP
- $28,750 - $42,750
- EPA Combined MPG
- 22-25 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,400 - $2,700 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,000 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 15 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,189 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.79
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
Priced from $28,750 to $42,750 across 8 trims, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz competes among 17 trucks. The data below covers what it costs to buy, fuel, insure, and maintain.
- 5-year ownership cost $5,924 below value Trucks average
- Avg repair cost $185 per year below Truck (Crew Cab) average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz at a Glance
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 an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that there are already multiple recalls on file.
- safety
- reliability
- fuel cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP. Safest Trucks 2025 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Trucks 2025 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas Trucks. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,400. Cheapest Trucks to fuel 2025 →
Cautions in the data
- 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.
Similar vehicles to compare
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 been tested by both NHTSA and IIHS crash test programs. Among Trucks, 55% earned the top NHTSA score. 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 NHTSA star rating covers frontal, side, and rollover crashes. IIHS picks up where NHTSA leaves off with small-overlap frontal tests, roof strength, and headlight evaluations.
How Did the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz earned an IIHS TSP. To qualify, a vehicle must score well across all crash test categories and demonstrate effective crash prevention technology. 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
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Have Any Recalls?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA, involving AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. That is below the 2.6 average for Trucks. Recall repairs are performed at no cost 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
What Do 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The average for 2025 Trucks is 28 complaints. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
2 in the last 90 days · 9 in the last 12 months · most recent filed 2026-03-17
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
- Visibility2
- Brakes2
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Trucks work hard and burn fuel accordingly. The EPA data below shows where the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz falls on the efficiency spectrum and what that costs you annually.
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 $2,400 per year in fuel, $147 less than the $2,547 average for value Trucks. Real-world results will vary. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 22 to 25 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2,400 per year |
| SE AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,700 per year |
| SEL FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2,400 per year |
| SEL AWD GAS | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $2,700 per year |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2,400 per year |
| SEL Activity 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 $12,000 to $13,500 depending on trim.
Fuel is just the start. Trucks carry higher insurance premiums, heavier maintenance requirements, and steeper depreciation. AAA breaks down the full ownership cost below.
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 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 |
For a truck, the trim choice affects more than price. Payload, drivetrain, and cab configuration all change. The comparison below shows how those differences play out across the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup.
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 | $2,400 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,779 lbs | $74,715 |
| SE AWD GAS | $30,250 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 3,922 lbs | $98,585 |
| SEL FWD GAS | $30,450 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,964 lbs | $76,415 |
| SEL AWD GAS | $31,950 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 4,107 lbs | $100,285 |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | $33,450 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,964 lbs | $79,415 |
| SEL Activity AWD GAS | $34,950 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 4,107 lbs | $103,285 |
| XRT AWD GAS | $40,250 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,228 lbs | $110,085 |
| Limited AWD GAS | $42,750 | 22 MPG | $2,700 per year | 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
added 2025
- SEL Activity (FWD, AWD)
Trims no longer available
last available 2024
- Night AWD GAS
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 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 |
| Night AWD GAS | $38,460 22 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 |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | — | $33,450 25 MPG | $34,450 25 MPG |
| SEL Activity AWD GAS | — | $34,950 22 MPG | $35,950 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
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
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.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what Hyundai will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Hyundai's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2025 Santa Cruz trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs?
Technical specifications for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Compact pickup truck
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 281 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 93.0 - 132.9 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $143 - $183 |
| 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 | 389 - 443 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a work truck, the ownership cost and reliability sections above are especially relevant. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
In the pickup truck (crew cab) segment, the closest alternatives to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz are 2025 Ford Maverick (starting at $28,145, 4-star NHTSA, 25-38 MPG); and 2025 Chevrolet Colorado (starting at $31,900, 4-star NHTSA, 20 MPG); and 2025 Nissan Frontier (starting at $32,050, 4-star NHTSA, 21 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources 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 $200 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,189 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 headquartered in South Korea. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our South Korea-brand cars 2025 list.
What other Hyundai models are available for 2025?
Each 2025 Hyundai vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Hyundai lineup on our Hyundai models page.
How much does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost to fuel for heavy use?
At its most efficient trim, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 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.