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2025 Hyundai

Santa Cruz FWD

Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Hyundai Santa Cruz: best and worst years
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz FWD (photo 1 of 2)
2025 photoCharlesCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
191
Power to weight
0.047 hp/lb
Axle ratio
4.08
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
30 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
25 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,500EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
356 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
5/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
6/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
196 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
75 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
67 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
119 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,101 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
3
Owner complaints
16

Feature availability

Comfort

  • Heated seatsUnconfirmedStandard
  • Leather seatsUnconfirmedPackage only

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup cameraStandard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise controlStandard
  • Automatic emergency brakingStandard
  • Blind-spot monitorStandard
  • Lane-keeping assistStandard

Convenience

  • Android AutoStandard
  • Apple CarPlayStandard
  • Keyless entryStandard
  • Push-button startStandard
  • Remote startUnconfirmedStandard
  • Wireless Apple CarPlayUnconfirmedStandard
  • Wireless phone chargingUnconfirmedStandard

Exterior

  • Roof railsUnconfirmedStandard
  • Tow packageUnconfirmedStandard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE45%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING10%
  • SERVICE BRAKES10%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER10%
  • ENGINE5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 20 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

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.