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2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Hyundai Santa Cruz highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Comfortable ride
  • Capable enough for most truck buyers
  • Lots of standard tech features

Cons

  • The rear seats are uncomfortable
  • Tough to see out the back
  • Pricier than its main rival

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 25 highway, 22 combined

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The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a truck with few compromises

If modern pickup trucks are too large and unwieldy for your liking, you might want to consider the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz. This compact pickup offers the smooth ride of a modern SUV with the capabilities of a truck.

The Santa Cruz is more than a foot shorter than the Toyota Tacoma but offers enough towing capacity and payload to satisfy many truck buyers. The Santa Cruz can tow between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, allowing you to tow a small trailer or boat.

But the Santa Cruz's main selling point may be its on-road comfort. It offers a smooth ride and comfortable front seats. Many driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, come standard. You'll also get Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard features.

All Hyundai Santa Cruz years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Santa Cruz generation from 2022 to 2026

What is new for the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

  • Trim Added: Premium Sport Edition for enhanced performance and features.
  • Trim Discontinued: Base model no longer available, shifting focus to higher trims.
  • Standard Equipment on all: Now includes advanced safety features such as lane-keeping assist.
  • New Equipment: All models now come with upgraded infotainment system with larger touchscreen.

What We Like 

  • Comfortable ride: The Hyundai Santa Cruz is based on the Hyundai Tucson and has a unibody design, making it more like a car or SUV than a traditional pickup truck. That helps the Santa Cruz deliver a very comfortable ride, free from the jostling that you may find on a Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. 

  • Lots of tech: You get Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard in addition to adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The Santa Cruz also comes with a power-adjustable driver's seat and keyless entry on all but the base SE trim.  

  • Storage and utility: The Santa Cruz has a nifty trunk space inside its bed. That space features a drain that makes it handy for storing wet gear or using it as a cooler. The trunk features a lock on all but the base SE trim.  

 What Needs Improvement 

  • Fuel economy: The Santa Cruz, unlike its rival, the Ford Maverick, is not available as a hybrid. And despite its small size, its fuel economy is not great. The EPA estimates the Santa Cruz will get up to 23 mpg in combined driving, which is closer to the midsize Honda Ridgeline (21 mpg combined) than the non-hybrid Maverick (up to 26 mpg combined).

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

6 customer reviews
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is praised for its stylish design, advanced technology, and smooth ride. Common drawbacks include limited cargo space and interior size, but its handling and dashboard features stand out. Mixed opinions on cabin noise and cost to maintain. Ideal for style-conscious buyers seeking functionality and comfort.

Hyundai Santa Cruz features and specs

Curious how Hyundai Santa Cruz trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SEL 4D Crew Cab 2WD

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Rear View Camera
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Air Conditioning
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Cloth Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Rear Defroster
  • Power Mirrors
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Remote Start
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Auxiliary Audio Input

Optional Features

  • Sunroof(s)
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Tow Hitch
  • Bed Cover
  • Running Boards
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

191

Torque (ft-lbs)

181

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

17.7

Wheelbase

118.3"

Overall length

195.7"

Width

75"

Height

66.7"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 36.5"

Head room

F 40.2"/R 39.6"

Front tires

P245/60HR18

Rear tires

P245/60HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

350/3500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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