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2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis·8 Critical Recalls
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Report

Overall Score

7.3/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Forward collision avoidance systems, including warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, are the most frequent complaint areas.
  • The vehicle achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests.
  • Expect combined fuel economy around 21 MPG with the standard 2.5L engine and all-wheel drive.
  • Inspect the functionality of all driver assistance features thoroughly before purchase.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz blends SUV comfort with light-duty truck utility. It presents a practical option for those needing more versatility than a car but less bulk than a traditional pickup. However, a significant number of recalls and a concentration of complaints related to its advanced safety systems warrant careful consideration for used buyers. Potential repair costs associated with its 9 recalls are a factor.

Critical Failure Risk

Complaints indicate issues with warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These systems may deactivate unexpectedly or provide false alerts, often linked to sensor obstruction or software glitches.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$1,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls9
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

20
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings6
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
21
MPG
City
18
MPG
Highway
26
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

5.7/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Drivers seeking a versatile vehicle that bridges the gap between SUV and pickup.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Shoppers prioritizing absolute mechanical simplicity and minimal electronic systems.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (AM-S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Pickup
EPA Combined MPG
21

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See the full 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Most reported

Usage: 6 reports

2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Usage: 4 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Inspect Drive Belts and Hoses

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
9 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is 5.7/10. Reliability score is 5.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 9. Owner complaints: 20.

How practical is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 21 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is 7.3/10. Overall score is 7.3/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.9/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Inspect Drive Belts and Hoses at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Forward Collision Avoidance System (typical at 45,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1500).

What engine is in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.5.

What transmission does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, transmission is Automatic (AM-S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

EPA combined estimate is 21 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

16 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, body style is pickup.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AM-S8).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common forward collision avoidance: warnings problems on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Top complaint category: forward collision avoidance: warnings (6 reports, 30% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

This model year has 9 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2025 Ford Maverick and 2025 Honda Ridgeline.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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