2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
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.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
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.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
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.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Transmission
- Automatic (AM-S8)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Pickup
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21
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Most Common Issues
1. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Most reportedUsage: 6 reports
2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Usage: 4 reports
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
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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.