Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Hyundai Santa Cruz Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Hyundai Santa Cruz Model Years (Ranked)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unibody Sport Adventure Vehicle that blends compact-SUV manners with an open pickup bed, launched for the 2022 model year on the same N3 platform as the Tucson. It comes two ways: a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic, or a punchy 2.5L turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Because the Santa Cruz is still young, the differences between model years come down to powertrain refinement, the major 2025 mid-cycle refresh, recall history, and used-market value. This ranking sorts the available years and variants best-first so you can match a Santa Cruz to your budget and risk tolerance.
Direct Answer
The best overall Santa Cruz is the 2025 refreshed model, which brings a redesigned interior with physical climate controls, a larger dual-screen layout, retuned 8-speed dual-clutch behavior, and the smoothest version of the 2.5L turbo powertrain. For shoppers focused on stretching a dollar, the best value is the 2023 SEL Premium with the turbo engine, which delivers nearly identical hardware to a new truck, all-wheel drive, and a loaded feature set at a steep used discount.
Be cautious with very early 2022 dual-clutch examples unless software updates and any recall service are documented. Across the lineup, the turbocharged engine is the one enthusiasts and resale value both reward.
1. 2025 Santa Cruz (Refreshed) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2025 mid-cycle refresh is the Santa Cruz at its best. Hyundai redesigned the front and rear fascias, added a more rugged XRT trim, and overhauled the cabin with a dual 12.3-inch screen layout plus the return of physical climate and volume controls that early owners wanted.
Mechanically it keeps the 2.5L turbo (around 281 hp) and the naturally aspirated 2.5L, but the 8-speed dual-clutch received calibration tweaks for smoother low-speed manners.
As the newest example, it carries the longest remaining factory warranty under Hyundai's 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. If your budget reaches a recent model, this is the Santa Cruz to buy.
2. 2023 SEL Premium Turbo (AWD) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2023 SEL Premium with the turbo engine is the value sweet spot. By its second model year, Hyundai had pushed early dual-clutch software updates into the fleet, so 2023 turbo trucks generally drive more smoothly than launch cars. The 2.5L turbo (281 hp, 311 lb-ft) with standard all-wheel drive delivers genuinely quick acceleration and a 5,000-lb tow rating.
The best value is a 2023 SEL Premium or Limited, which bundles leather, ventilated seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and Hyundai SmartSense safety tech. Because the Santa Cruz depreciated faster than rarer rivals, a clean used 2023 turbo costs thousands less than new while offering nearly the same hardware.
3. 2024 Santa Cruz Turbo
The 2024 model year is the most refined pre-refresh Santa Cruz. It carries forward the 2.5L turbo and 8-speed dual-clutch with the benefit of several years of running software improvements, so the low-speed hesitation that bothered some early owners is largely sorted. Feature content is generous, and the Activity and Night appearance packages added visual personality.
A 2024 turbo splits the difference between the cheaper 2022-2023 trucks and the pricier 2025 refresh. You get standard all-wheel drive, the strong tow rating, and a recent build with plenty of warranty left, all without paying the premium the redesigned 2025 commands. For most buyers it is a smart, low-risk pick.
4. 2025 Santa Cruz XRT
The refreshed lineup introduced the XRT trim, aimed at buyers who want a more capable, outdoorsy look. It adds all-terrain tires, unique exterior styling, increased approach angles, and trim-specific badging on top of the 2.5L turbo and AWD drivetrain. It is not a hardcore off-roader, but it is the most trail-ready Santa Cruz Hyundai has built.
The XRT keeps the refreshed cabin with physical controls and the dual-screen dash. For shoppers who liked the Santa Cruz formula but wanted a tougher stance and better light-trail traction, the XRT is the model to target. Expect a modest price premium over the standard 2025 turbo trims.
5. 2023 SEL Activity (Base 2.5L)
For buyers who do not need the turbo, the 2023 SEL with the naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder (191 hp) and the conventional 8-speed automatic is a sensible, durable choice. The standard automatic avoids the early dual-clutch complaints entirely, trading outright speed for smoother, more predictable shifting and lower running costs.
This configuration can be had with front-wheel drive for maximum value or AWD for traction. The SEL Activity package adds a sliding bed cover, roof rails, and other utility touches. It is slower than the turbo and tows less, but as a low-stress daily driver with light-hauling ability and a clean reliability record, the base 2023 is hard to fault.
6. 2024 Santa Cruz Base 2.5L
The 2024 naturally aspirated Santa Cruz pairs the proven 2.5L engine with the 8-speed torque-converter automatic, making it the most worry-free powertrain in the lineup. It is the value play for buyers who prioritize smooth shifting and lower maintenance complexity over the turbo's straight-line punch.
A 2024 base truck still offers the Santa Cruz's signature lockable bed, available all-wheel drive, and a comfortable, car-like ride. Towing is limited to about 3,500 lb versus the turbo's 5,000 lb, so confirm your hauling needs. For a recent, dependable, easy-to-own small truck with most of the warranty intact, the 2024 base model is a quietly excellent option.
7. 2022 Santa Cruz Limited Turbo (Caution)
The 2022 launch model introduced the Santa Cruz with the full 2.5L turbo and dual-clutch drivetrain in top Limited trim. It is fully featured and quick, but the earliest cars are the ones most associated with dual-clutch low-speed hesitation and jerkiness, which Hyundai addressed through later transmission control software updates.
A 2022 Limited turbo is a strong buy only if the dealer or seller documents that the relevant TCM software updates were applied and any open recalls were cleared. When sorted, it drives like the newer turbos. Bought blind, it carries the most launch-year risk of any Santa Cruz, so insist on service records and a thorough test drive at parking-lot speeds.
8. 2022 Santa Cruz SEL Premium Turbo
The 2022 SEL Premium turbo offers most of the Limited's performance and content at a lower price, making it the value-minded early-build choice. It shares the 281-hp turbo, standard AWD, and SmartSense safety suite, but slots below the Limited on luxury extras like the larger screen and premium audio.
As a first-year car it carries the same caution as other 2022 turbos: verify the dual-clutch software updates and recall completion through the VIN. With that documented, it is an affordable way into a quick, well-equipped Santa Cruz. Its lower entry price partly offsets the launch-year risk, but a 2023 turbo remains the safer pick if your budget allows the step up.
9. 2022 Santa Cruz SE / SEL Base 2.5L
The most affordable way into a Santa Cruz is a 2022 SE or SEL with the naturally aspirated 2.5L and the conventional 8-speed automatic. This configuration neatly sidesteps the early dual-clutch concerns, since it uses the proven torque-converter unit, and it is the cheapest Santa Cruz on the used market.
You give up the turbo's acceleration and the 5,000-lb tow rating, and base 2022 trucks have fewer standard features. But the fundamentals are sound: the lockable bed, available AWD, and the practical SUV-derived cabin all remain. For a budget buyer who wants the Santa Cruz's unique packaging without launch-year powertrain worry, the base 2022 is the smart entry point.
10. 2022 Santa Cruz FWD (Front-Wheel Drive)
The front-wheel-drive Santa Cruz, offered on lower base trims, is the lightest and least expensive variant. It pairs the naturally aspirated 2.5L with the 8-speed automatic and front drive, maximizing fuel economy and minimizing purchase price at the cost of traction and capability.
This is the configuration to choose if you live in a mild climate, rarely venture off pavement, and want the Santa Cruz mostly for its clever bed and compact footprint rather than capability. It still tows modestly and hauls in the lockable bed. For pure value and efficiency, a clean FWD base truck is the bargain of the range, though most buyers will prefer the AWD versions for year-round security.
What to Watch For When Buying
The most important step when buying a used Santa Cruz is to inspect the dual-clutch transmission on turbo models, especially 2022 launch cars. Drive at parking-lot speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for low-speed shudder or hesitation, and confirm any TCM software updates were applied.
- Run the VIN through Hyundai's recall lookup and the NHTSA database; the Santa Cruz has shared recalls with the Tucson over items such as electrical and seat-belt components.
- Choose the conventional 8-speed automatic on naturally aspirated trucks to sidestep dual-clutch concerns entirely.
- Confirm all-wheel drive if you need it; lower trims can be front-wheel drive.
- Verify the towing setup matches your needs (5,000 lb turbo vs. ~3,500 lb base).
- Check the bed and tonneau hardware, the in-bed storage trunk drain, and the lockable cover operation.
- Prioritize documented maintenance over a low sticker price.
How to Choose
Match the Santa Cruz to your priorities. For the best blend of refinement, technology, and features, target the 2025 refresh, which fixes the early interior complaints and smooths the turbo drivetrain. For the best value, a 2023 SEL Premium turbo delivers nearly the same hardware at a used discount.
Buyers who want maximum dependability and simplicity should choose any year with the naturally aspirated 2.5L and conventional automatic, which avoids the dual-clutch entirely. Outdoorsy shoppers should seek the 2025 XRT. Bargain hunters can consider base 2022 trucks, but should verify software updates on any turbo.
In every case, confirm recall completion and favor a clean service history.
FAQ
Which Hyundai Santa Cruz year is the most reliable? The naturally aspirated 2.5L models with the conventional 8-speed automatic are the most worry-free across all years, since they avoid the dual-clutch issues. Among turbos, 2024 and 2025 cars benefit from accumulated software refinements and are the smoothest.
What problems does the Santa Cruz have? The most discussed issue is low-speed hesitation or jerkiness from the dual-clutch transmission on early turbo models, largely addressed by software updates. The Santa Cruz has also shared a handful of recalls with the Tucson, so a VIN check is essential.
Is the turbo or the base engine better? The 2.5L turbo (281 hp) is much quicker and tows up to 5,000 lb, and it holds value well. The base 2.5L (191 hp) is smoother to live with thanks to its conventional automatic and is cheaper to buy. Choose the turbo for performance, the base for simplicity.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a good used buy? Yes. It offers a unique combination of a comfortable SUV-based ride and a usable, lockable pickup bed, with strong warranty coverage and steep depreciation that makes used examples a value. Verify dual-clutch software and recall status before purchase.
Bottom Line
The Santa Cruz is a clever, comfortable small truck whose model-year differences hinge on the 2025 refresh and dual-clutch software maturity. The 2025 refreshed model is the best overall pick, with the improved interior and smoothest turbo, while the 2023 SEL Premium turbo offers the best value.
Across the range, the naturally aspirated 2.5L with the conventional automatic is the lowest-risk powertrain, and any turbo deserves a software-update check. Buy carefully and the Santa Cruz delivers SUV comfort with real pickup utility.
Sources
- Hyundai USA official Santa Cruz model history, trims, and specifications, hyundaiusa.com
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for the Hyundai Santa Cruz, nhtsa.gov
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for Hyundai Santa Cruz by model year, fueleconomy.gov
- Edmunds Hyundai Santa Cruz reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Hyundai Santa Cruz used values by model year, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Hyundai Santa Cruz road tests and specifications, caranddriver.com
- Wikipedia Hyundai Santa Cruz overview and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org