2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 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
- $29,750 - $43,700
- EPA Combined MPG
- 20-25 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,400 - $3,000 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,000 more over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,189 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.79
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a 8-trim truck priced from $29,750 to $43,700. Below is the safety, fuel, reliability, and ownership cost data that matters for a vehicle built for heavy use.
- Avg repair cost $185 per year below Truck (Crew Cab) average
- 5-year ownership cost $4,924 below value Trucks average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at a Glance
Compared with similar pickup trucks in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 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 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Trucks 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas Trucks. Best-case annual fuel cost is $2,400. Cheapest Trucks to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- There are 2 recalls on file already, even if that still lands near the current class average. Zero-recall cars 2026 →
- EPA estimates this vehicle costs you about $3,250 more over five years in fuel than the average new vehicle.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP designation, the 2026 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%
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
How Did the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 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
Once you are comfortable with the crash test picture, the next thing to check is whether any safety-related defects have been found. All recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers.
Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, affecting AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. 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.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 335,272
What Do 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
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 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fuel Economy?
At up to 25 combined MPG, the 2026 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 20 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 | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
| SEL FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2,400 per year |
| SEL AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2,400 per year |
| SEL Activity AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
| XRT AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
| Limited AWD GAS | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3,000 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $12,000 to $15,000 depending on trim.
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 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranges from $75,715 to $114,035 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 8 options.
How Do the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims Compare?
With 8 trims priced from $29,750 to $43,700, the 2026 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 | $29,750 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,779 lbs | $75,715 |
| SE AWD GAS | $31,250 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 3,922 lbs | $99,585 |
| SEL FWD GAS | $31,400 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,805 lbs | $77,365 |
| SEL AWD GAS | $32,900 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 3,948 lbs | $101,235 |
| SEL Activity FWD GAS | $34,450 | 25 MPG | $2,400 per year | FWD | 191 hp | 3,900 lbs | $80,415 |
| SEL Activity AWD GAS | $35,950 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 191 hp | 4,043 lbs | $104,285 |
| XRT AWD GAS | $41,350 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,140 lbs | $111,685 |
| Limited AWD GAS | $43,700 | 20 MPG | $3,000 per year | AWD | 281 hp | 4,191 lbs | $114,035 |
The Hyundai Santa Cruz lineup has expanded from 7 trims in 2024 to 8 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $2,850 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) → $29,750 (2026) +$2,850
- SE AWD GAS $28,400 (2024) → $31,250 (2026) +$2,850
- Limited AWD GAS $41,320 (2024) → $43,700 (2026) +$2,380
- SEL FWD GAS $29,650 (2024) → $31,400 (2026) +$1,750
- SEL AWD GAS $31,150 (2024) → $32,900 (2026) +$1,750
- XRT AWD GAS $40,100 (2024) → $41,350 (2026) +$1,250
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
Buying the right trim is the short-term decision. The reliability section below addresses the long-term one: how often will this vehicle need repairs, and how much will they cost?
How Reliable Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz rates above average for value Trucks. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
How confident is Hyundai in the 2026 Santa Cruz? The warranty terms below show exactly what they are willing to cover and for how long.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Come With?
Here is what Hyundai covers at no cost for the 2026 Santa Cruz. Basic coverage handles most defects. Powertrain coverage protects the engine and transmission for a longer period. Both start from the original purchase date.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs?
Dimensions, weight, and powertrain details for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. These figures are published by Hyundai and apply to the base configuration unless noted. Specific trims may differ.
EPA vehicle class: Compact pickup truck
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 - 281 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 94.5 - 135.8 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $147 - $188 |
| Torque | 181 - 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 354 - 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 - 4,191 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 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
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz FAQ
Which 2026 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 $75,715, starting at $29,750 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $114,035. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in price and segment include 2026 Nissan Frontier, 2026 Toyota Tacoma, and 2026 Chevrolet Colorado. The Nissan Frontier is the closest in price (starting at $32,150, 4-star NHTSA, 21 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2026 Pickup Truck (Crew Cab)s.
What changed on the 2026 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 $2,850 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 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 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's headquarters are in South Korea. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our South Korea-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Hyundai models are available for 2026?
Hyundai offers multiple models for 2026. Our Hyundai models page lists every available Hyundai vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
How much does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost to fuel for heavy use?
At its most efficient trim, the 2026 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.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.