The Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the most unusual vehicles on sale in the US. It looks like a pickup, drives like a crossover, and has a short bed with a built in tonneau cover. Some buyers love it, some do not understand it, and now there is a new twist: Hyundai is winding it down.
This guide explains what the Santa Cruz costs, how it performs, how much it can tow, how reliable it is by model year, whether there is a Santa Cruz N, and what the end of production means for you as a buyer.
Prices, specs, and production plans change quickly. Details below reflect reports available in late October 2026. Confirm current information with a Hyundai dealer before you buy.
The Short Answer
- What it is: A compact, unibody pickup based on the Hyundai Tucson, sold since the 2022 model year.
- Price: The 2027 model starts at about $31,950 including freight, and the range tops out around $44,000 for the XRT.
- Engines: A 191 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder, or a 281 horsepower turbocharged 2.5 liter with 311 pound feet of torque.
- Towing: 3,500 pounds with the base engine and up to 5,000 pounds with the turbo.
- Reliability: Early model years had more issues, while 2024 and newer have scored better.
- Big news: Reports say Hyundai is ending Santa Cruz production early and replacing it with a midsize body on frame truck by the end of the decade.
What Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Hyundai calls it a Sport Adventure Vehicle. It shares its platform with the Tucson and offers a four door crew cab with a bed about four feet long. The bed includes lockable underfloor storage, and a retractable cover is available.
The idea was to give active buyers a vehicle that is easier to park and more comfortable than a regular pickup, while still carrying bikes, camping gear, or a dog.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Being Discontinued?
Yes, according to multiple reports. In January 2026, Automotive News reported that Hyundai will end Santa Cruz production earlier than planned, after one generation. Production had been expected to run through the second quarter of 2027. Reasons cited include weak sales and high dealer inventory, with nearly five months of unsold trucks at the end of 2025. Hyundai sold about 25,500 Santa Cruz pickups in the US in 2025, down from a peak of about 36,700 in 2023.
Hyundai is not leaving the pickup market. It has confirmed a midsize, body on frame truck for the US, and showed the Boulder Concept in 2026, with production reportedly targeted around 2029.
Still, a 2027 Santa Cruz has been announced, with pricing released in July. What matters for buyers: Hyundai will still support the vehicles with parts and warranty, but resale value and long term availability are less certain.
How Much Is a Hyundai Santa Cruz?
For the 2027 model year, Hyundai’s pricing lists:
- SE: about $31,950 including freight
- SEL Activity: about $36,350 including freight
- XRT (turbo, all wheel drive): about $44,425 including freight
Reports say the SEL and Limited trims were dropped for 2027, leaving three trims. For the 2026 model year, prices ran from roughly $31,000 for an SE up to about $45,000 for a Limited, with the XRT around $42,000 to $43,000. Figures vary by source and by whether destination is included.
Taxes, options, and dealer fees are extra, and with large inventory, some buyers are paying below sticker.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims and Engines
- SE and SEL Activity: 2.5 liter four cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 pound feet of torque, front wheel drive standard, with all wheel drive available.
- XRT: 2.5 liter turbo four cylinder with 281 horsepower and 311 pound feet of torque, with HTRAC all wheel drive. The XRT is the off road styled trim, with more rugged looks and, for 2026, new terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand.
- Limited (2026 and earlier): The top luxury trim, with the turbo engine.
Fuel economy is roughly 21 to 22 mpg city and 29 to 30 mpg highway for the base engine, and about 18 city and 25 highway for the turbo.
2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz: What Changed?
- 2024: Added the XRT trim and more standard features. Starting price rose near $30,000.
- 2025: A midcycle refresh with a new grille, eight large daytime running lights, a new dashboard and screens from the Tucson, and a more rugged XRT. The Night trim was replaced by the SEL Activity. Turbo trims used an 8 speed dual clutch transmission.
- 2026: Light changes. The turbo XRT and Limited switched to a conventional 8 speed automatic and the XRT got Terrain Mode Select.
- 2027: Fewer trims, more equipment on the XRT (reportedly including a sunroof, Bose audio, heated steering wheel, and rear armrest), and both engines use an 8 speed torque converter automatic.
The transmission change matters. If you want a turbo model, a 2026 or newer truck avoids the dual clutch unit that some owners found less smooth.
How Much Can a Hyundai Santa Cruz Tow?
- 191 horsepower models: 3,500 pounds with proper equipment
- Turbo XRT and Limited: up to 5,000 pounds with HTRAC all wheel drive
Hyundai does not publish a conventional bed payload rating. Instead, it lists a maximum vehicle load limit of about 1,411 pounds, which includes passengers and cargo. That means it suits camping and sports gear better than heavy loads like gravel or mulch. Always check the door sticker and your trailer’s tongue weight before towing.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliable?
The answer depends on the model year.
- 2022 and 2023: Consumer Reports rated reliability below average, with transmission and climate control issues, and some engine cooling complaints. J.D. Power rated 2022 as average and 2023 higher. Recalls included a trailer hitch wiring harness that could allow water intrusion and fire risk, and roof moldings that could detach.
- 2024 and 2025: Scores improved. Consumer Reports owner surveys rated the 2024 model more reliable than most cars of its year, and J.D. Power rated 2023 through 2025 as Great. A 2024 recall involved a power steering circuit board shared with the Tucson.
- 2026: Early data is limited, with a couple of recalls on file.
Common owner complaints across years include infotainment screens freezing, and some transmission behavior complaints on turbo dual clutch models. Hyundai’s factory warranty helps reduce risk, but always run the VIN through the NHTSA recall tool.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a Good Vehicle?
For the right buyer, yes.
Strengths:
- A comfortable, car like ride
- A strong turbo engine option
- A flexible bed with lockable storage
- Easy to park and drive in the city
- Tucson based interior and technology
Weaknesses:
- The bed is only about four feet long
- No conventional payload rating
- Lower tow limits than midsize trucks
- The turbo XRT costs a lot for a small pickup
- The model is ending, so long term resale is uncertain
It is best for people who want a stylish, comfortable vehicle for weekend gear, not a work truck.
Is There a Hyundai Santa Cruz N?
No. Hyundai has not built a factory Santa Cruz N, despite renderings and fan interest. The closest thing is the turbo XRT with 281 horsepower. Hyundai’s performance N brand has focused on cars and crossovers, and the company’s next truck is the larger body on frame model shown as the Boulder Concept.
The Santa Cruz Wind Down Buyer Scorecard (What Most Guides Skip)
Most guides treat the Santa Cruz as a normal model. Because it is ending, score each deal on these six points:
- Discount. Is the dealer offering a real closeout price below MSRP?
- Warranty. Is the factory warranty in force, and how long does it last?
- Parts and service. Hyundai is expected to support the model, but ask the dealer about parts availability.
- Resale risk. Discontinued vehicles often lose value faster, so avoid overpaying.
- Fit for use. Does the bed, tow rating, and payload fit your actual needs?
- Transmission. For a turbo, prefer a 2026 or newer truck with the conventional automatic.
If a deal scores well on at least four of the six, it is worth considering.
Hyundai Santa Cruz for Sale: New and Used Buying Tips
New: With high inventory, you may find discounts or incentives. Compare quotes from several dealers, and ask about the exact trim and model year, since 2026 and 2027 trucks differ.
Used:
- Choose 2024 or newer if reliability matters most.
- Run a vehicle history report and NHTSA recall check.
- Confirm any hitch wiring recall work is complete.
- Test the infotainment screen and connectivity.
- Test drive at low speed to feel the transmission, especially on a 2022 to 2025 turbo.
- Check the bed, tonneau cover, and underfloor storage for wear.
- Get a pre purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a clever, comfortable vehicle that never quite found a big audience. If you want a stylish small truck for weekend gear, it can still be a good buy, especially now that production is winding down and discounts are available. Choose a newer model year, prefer the conventional automatic on turbo trims, and think carefully about resale. If you need real truck capability, look at the midsize competition or wait for Hyundai’s body on frame pickup.
FAQ
How much is a Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The 2027 model starts at about $31,950 including freight, and the XRT is about $44,425. Prices vary by trim and dealer.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?
Early years had more problems, while 2024 and newer have scored better. Check recalls and service history.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a good vehicle?
Yes, for buyers who want comfort and a flexible bed. It is less suited for heavy work.
How much can a Hyundai Santa Cruz tow?
Up to 3,500 pounds with the base engine and 5,000 pounds with the turbo.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz being discontinued?
Reports say production will end earlier than planned, and Hyundai has confirmed a midsize body on frame truck as a replacement.
What engines does the Santa Cruz have?
A 191 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder, and a 281 horsepower turbocharged 2.5 liter four cylinder.
Is there a Santa Cruz N?
No. Hyundai has not announced a Santa Cruz N.
Which Santa Cruz model year is best?
A 2024 or newer model, and for turbo buyers, a 2026 or newer with the conventional 8 speed automatic.