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2025 Hyundai

Santa Cruz AWD

Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo

Hyundai Santa Cruz: best and worst years
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD

Closest available photo (2022 model year); you're viewing the 2025.

2022 photoElise240SXCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AM-S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 10/5/2026

Engine & performance

Efficiency

Smog score
6/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Cab
Extra/Super/Quad/Double/King/ExtendedNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026
GVWR class
Class 1D (5,001 to 6,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
3
Owner complaints
19 See on NHTSA

Feature availability

Comfort

  • Heated seats
    Standard
  • Heated steering wheel
    Standard
  • Leather seats
    Standard
  • Memory seatUnconfirmed
    Standard
  • Panoramic sunroofUnconfirmed
    Standalone option
  • Ventilated seatsUnconfirmed
    Standard

Audio

  • Bose audioUnconfirmed
    Standalone option
  • Premium audio (any brand)Unconfirmed
    Standalone option

Cameras & visibility

  • 360 surround-view cameraUnconfirmed
    Standalone option
  • Backup camera
    Standard
  • Head-up displayUnconfirmed
    Standalone option
  • Parking sensors
    Standard

Driver assist

Convenience

  • Android Auto
    Standard
  • Apple CarPlay
    Standard
  • Keyless entry
    Standard
  • Navigation system
    Standard
  • Power liftgateUnconfirmed
    Standard
  • Push-button start
    Standard
  • Remote start
    Standard
  • Wireless phone charging
    Standard

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlightsUnconfirmed
    Standard
  • Roof railsUnconfirmed
    Standard
  • Tow package
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE43%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING13%
  • SERVICE BRAKES9%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER9%
  • ENGINE4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 23 total.

Hyundai Santa Cruz: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

28 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jun 5, 2026POWER TRAIN26-AT-005H TSB

    This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Some 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must be matched with the correct corresponding 8WDCT hardware, otherwise, drivability concerns may occur

  • May 27, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26-GI-002H TSB

    This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.

  • May 8, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26-01-044H TSB

    Certain Santa Cruz (NXT) vehicles may experience Over-the-Air (OTA) update failures due to outdated Central Communication Unit (CCU) software. This bulletin provides instructions to perform a software update for the CCU.

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DL

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during

  • Apr 10, 2026AIR BAGSDTN DCS

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached anno

  • Apr 8, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26-01-035H TSB

    Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions. This may be due to an occasional disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to verify Bluelink Data Communication Unit (DCU) network connection and if needed, reset the DCU in Dealer Mode to resolve the connection.

  • Mar 3, 2026POWER TRAIN26-AT-001H TSB

    Some Santa Cruz (NXT), Santa Fe (TMA, MX5A), and Sonata (DN8A) models may require replacement of the 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT) when the vehicle sets one of the high pressure electric oil pump (HP EOP) DTCs listed below. This bulletin provides instructions to replace the 8WDCT.

  • Feb 25, 2026FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS26-AD-001H TSB

    Some 2019MY and newer vehicles equipped with a front view camera may illuminate certain warning lights and trigger DTC C272246 fault code for the front camera. In the following cases, the front camera auto-calibration range may be exceeded while driving: • If the front camera is not properly installed and is completely or partially detached. • In case of excessive changes affecting the vehicle's balance (e.g., loading excessively heavy cargo in a specific location of the vehicle, or significant

  • and 20 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.