Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Reliable?

Overall, the Hyundai Santa Cruz appears to be a reasonably reliable compact pickup/crossover so far, with average-to-above-average reliability in early data, solid powertrains, and relatively few major complaints, but its long-term durability is still being proven because the model is new (launched for 2022).

What We Know So Far About Santa Cruz Reliability

The Hyundai Santa Cruz entered the U.S. market for the 2022 model year, blending a Tucson-based unibody crossover platform with a small pickup bed. Because it has only a few model years of real-world use, there is not yet a deep reliability history like you’d find for a Toyota Tacoma or Honda Ridgeline. However, early indicators from owner surveys, recall records, and independent testing suggest the Santa Cruz is performing respectably, especially in its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter form.

Reliability Data from Major Sources

Consumer and Expert Ratings

Independent data sources track Santa Cruz reliability using owner reports, shop visits, and testing. While details and scoring methods differ, the broad picture is cautiously positive but still developing.

• J.D. Power: Early model years (2022–2023) typically post “average” to “better-than-average” scores in quality & reliability, helped by shared components with the Hyundai Tucson.
• Consumer Reports (where available): Predicted reliability is usually rated around average, with decent marks for engine and transmission and typical scores for body hardware and in-car electronics—areas where many brands struggle.
• Owner forums and user reviews: Most discussions highlight minor issues and software quirks rather than major mechanical failures, though some turbo owners report drivability concerns or intermittent check-engine lights.

Taken together, these sources indicate that while the Santa Cruz has not yet established a bulletproof reputation, it is not emerging as a problem-prone outlier; it fits squarely in the “modern Hyundai” pattern of generally solid hardware with occasional tech and trim niggles.

Recall History and Technical Service Bulletins

Recalls and service bulletins provide a clearer look at any systemic problems Hyundai has identified and addressed in the Santa Cruz lineup so far.

• Airbag/seatbelt-related recalls: Some early Santa Cruz units have been subject to recalls affecting airbag or seatbelt components, usually related to sensors or control modules rather than structural defects.
• Software and control-module updates: Several manufacturer communications have focused on updating engine or transmission software, or fixing infotainment glitches—typical of newer models introducing fresh tech.
• Brake and safety-system checks: Limited campaigns in certain production runs have checked or replaced ABS/ESC-related components or sensors to ensure proper crash-avoidance performance.

Most of these actions are preventive or corrective in nature rather than signs of fundamental design failures, and Hyundai has generally coordinated dealer fixes at no cost to owners once a recall is issued.

Powertrain Reliability: Engines and Transmissions

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine (Base Engine)

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is closely related to the unit found in the Tucson and other Hyundai/Kia models, and it has built a decent record for everyday reliability when maintained properly.

• Design and stress levels: The naturally aspirated engine is relatively simple compared with the turbo version, running lower internal pressures and avoiding the extra thermal and mechanical stress of forced induction.
• Real-world issues: Owners largely report normal wear-and-tear concerns—such as occasional sensor replacements or oil-seepage repairs—rather than catastrophic failures.
• Maintenance sensitivity: Regular oil changes with the correct grade and adhering to Hyundai’s recommended service intervals are important; skipping maintenance increases the risk of long-term sludge, timing component wear, and carbon buildup.

For buyers prioritizing reliability and low operating anxiety over performance, this base engine is generally the safer, more conservative choice.

2.5L Turbocharged Engine (Optional Engine)

The available 2.5-liter turbo engine delivers significantly more power and towing capability, but as with most turbocharged units, it introduces additional complexity and potential repair costs down the line.

• Performance vs. longevity: The turbo motor is strong and smooth, but turbo, intercooler plumbing, and higher combustion pressures inherently add more potential failure points than the base engine.
• Reported issues: Some owners have noted occasional hesitation, check-engine lights, or rough shifting that are often tied to software calibration or sensor problems rather than core engine failures.
• Heat and oil quality: Turbocharged engines are especially sensitive to oil quality and change intervals; consistent, high-quality oil changes are crucial to prevent turbo wear and internal varnish.

While there’s no widespread evidence of serious design flaws in the turbo engine, long-term durability data is still limited, so risk-averse buyers may lean toward the base engine for peace of mind.

Transmission Reliability: Automatic and Dual-Clutch Units

The Santa Cruz uses different transmissions depending on the powertrain and trim, and their reliability profiles are not identical.

• 8-speed conventional automatic (paired with base 2.5L): This torque-converter automatic has a comparatively stable reputation across Hyundai models, with relatively few pattern failures reported.
• 8-speed dual-clutch transmission / wet-clutch design (paired with turbo engine): Offers quick shifts and efficiency but can be more complex and sensitive to stop-and-go driving, heat, and maintenance.
• Owner experiences: Some turbo/DCT owners report occasional low-speed shudder, hesitation, or “hunting” for gears, commonly associated with DCT behavior; software updates often improve drivability.

Those prioritizing smooth, predictable operation and simplicity will usually be better served by the standard automatic, while the DCT appeals more to drivers who want sharper performance and accept slightly higher complexity.

Commonly Reported Issues and Irritations

Electronics and Infotainment

Like most modern vehicles, the Santa Cruz packs in a large amount of software and digital features, which can introduce minor reliability headaches even when the core mechanical systems are sound.

• Infotainment glitches: Frozen screens, Bluetooth pairing hiccups, and intermittent CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects are among the most frequent minor complaints.
• Camera and sensor behavior: Backup camera delays, intermittent blind-spot alerts, or parking sensor false alarms occasionally come up, though many are resolved via software updates.
• Over-the-air updates and dealer flashes: Several improvements are delivered via updated software, so keeping the system current helps mitigate many electronics annoyances.

These issues tend to be irritating rather than dangerous or hugely expensive, but they do influence owners’ perceived reliability scores and satisfaction ratings.

Build Quality, Interior, and Body Hardware

Most Santa Cruz owners report that materials and assembly match or exceed expectations for the segment, but no vehicle is free of small complaints about trim and hardware.

• Interior squeaks and rattles: Some owners note minor noises from the dash, door panels, or rear cab area—particularly in colder weather or on rough roads.
• Bed and tailgate components: The composite bed and tailgate hardware generally hold up well, though isolated reports mention misaligned tailgates or bed cover adjustments.
• Weather seals and wind noise: A few drivers report wind noise around mirrors or door seals at highway speeds, typically addressable with dealer adjustments.

These concerns usually fall into the category of refinement rather than reliability, but they can affect how “solid” the vehicle feels over time.

How the Santa Cruz Compares to Rivals

Versus the Ford Maverick

The compact pickup trend is defined largely by two main players: the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick. Reliability comparisons are still evolving, but several points already stand out.

• Santa Cruz: Generally viewed as slightly more refined in ride and cabin quality, with strong warranty backing and decent reliability; no glaring systemic defect has yet emerged.
• Ford Maverick: Praised for its practicality and value but has seen more recalls and quality-control complaints in some model years, especially around hybrid components and early build issues.
• Perceived durability: Both trucks are too new for definitive 10-year verdicts, but early signals suggest the Santa Cruz may have a small edge in fit-and-finish consistency, while Maverick owners benefit from a larger dealer network and parts ecosystem.

Shoppers focused specifically on reliability will need to watch future model-year data, but right now neither model is dramatically better or worse; they simply have different strengths and tradeoffs.

Versus Traditional Body-on-Frame Pickups

Compared with established midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, or Nissan Frontier, the Santa Cruz occupies a different space that also affects how we think about reliability.

• Mechanical simplicity: Traditional pickups often use older, proven platforms and engines that can rack up high mileage with rugged use, but can also feel less refined and fuel-efficient.
• Santa Cruz’s unibody design: Shares architecture with the Tucson SUV, prioritizing ride comfort, handling, and efficiency over extreme off-road toughness and heavy-duty towing.
• Use-case reliability: For light-duty commuting, road trips, and occasional hauling, the Santa Cruz may prove just as (or more) dependable in daily living; for frequent heavy towing or off-roading, a body-on-frame truck is still the safer long-term bet.

In other words, the Santa Cruz’s emerging reliability should be judged relative to crossovers and compact lifestyle trucks rather than against the most overbuilt traditional pickups.

Hyundai’s Warranty and Ownership Costs

Warranty Coverage as a Reliability Safety Net

Hyundai’s warranty remains one of the strongest value propositions and partially offsets the risk of buying a newer model with limited long-term data.

• Powertrain warranty (U.S.): Typically 10 years/100,000 miles for the original owner, covering major engine and transmission components.
• Bumper-to-bumper warranty: Roughly 5 years/60,000 miles, addressing many electrical and mechanical components beyond normal wear-and-tear items.
• Roadside assistance: Often 5 years/unlimited miles, adding peace of mind during early ownership.

This comprehensive coverage means that, for most buyers who keep the Santa Cruz within the first 5–10 years and reasonable mileage, many significant problems would be handled with limited out-of-pocket cost, reducing the practical impact of unforeseen reliability issues.

Maintenance, Repairs, and Running Costs

Routine maintenance and repair costs also shape the real-world reliability picture, since a vehicle that’s cheap and straightforward to maintain can feel more dependable even if it has occasional minor flaws.

• Scheduled maintenance: Oil changes, filters, and fluid services are generally in line with other compact crossovers, with no exotic or high-cost routine procedures.
• Parts availability: Shared components with the Tucson and other Hyundai models help availability and pricing of common parts like brakes, sensors, and suspension pieces.
• Insurance and fuel: Insurance rates and fuel economy are generally competitive for the segment, with the base engine offering better efficiency and the turbo sacrificing some mpg for stronger performance.

For most owners, total operating costs—when combined with the strong warranty—should feel manageable and predictable, further supporting the Santa Cruz’s reputation as a sensible, modern daily driver.

Who Should—and Should Not—Choose the Santa Cruz

Best Fit for the Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz’s reliability profile aligns well with certain types of drivers and usage patterns.

• Suburban and urban drivers: Those who mainly commute, run errands, and occasionally haul bikes, furniture, or home-improvement materials.
• Buyers who value comfort over brute strength: People who want crossover-like ride quality and tech but appreciate bed utility.
• Warranty-focused shoppers: Owners planning to keep the vehicle within Hyundai’s generous warranty window to minimize risk and costs.

For these users, the Santa Cruz’s blend of comfort, capability, and early reliability signals makes it a logical option in the compact truck space.

When Another Truck Might Be Better

There are also situations where another vehicle may be a more reliably proven fit.

• Heavy towing and payload needs: Frequent towing near maximum capacity or carrying substantial loads may be better served by a traditional midsize or full-size truck.
• Long-term, high-mileage ownership plans: Drivers who expect to keep a truck for 15–20 years or 250,000+ miles may feel more comfortable with platforms that already have decades of durability data.
• Minimal electronics preference: Those who dislike modern infotainment and safety tech may prefer older or simpler truck models with fewer potential electronic failure points.

In these cases, the Santa Cruz’s relatively short track record and crossover-based design may not align with the most rugged or minimalist expectations.

Summary

The Hyundai Santa Cruz, introduced for 2022, has not existed long enough to earn a definitive long-term reliability reputation, but all current evidence places it in the “solidly average to slightly above average” category. The base 2.5-liter engine with a conventional 8-speed automatic appears to be the most conservative and reliability-friendly configuration, while the 2.5-liter turbo and dual-clutch transmission add performance and complexity without, so far, revealing systemic weaknesses.

Most reported issues center on electronics, software, and minor build-quality quirks, rather than severe mechanical defects, and Hyundai’s long powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties provide a strong safety net during the years when most owners will have the truck. Compared with rivals, the Santa Cruz stacks up well in early reliability indications, particularly against other new-to-market compact pickups.

For buyers seeking a comfortable, versatile, and warranty-backed small truck for everyday use, the Santa Cruz is a reasonable and increasingly popular choice. Those needing a proven, heavy-duty workhorse for high-mileage or extreme use may still prefer traditional body-on-frame pickups with well-established durability records.

Does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz have transmission problems?

Hyundai announce recall of more than 42000 vehicles due to wiring issue that can cause them to roll The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Hyundai Tucson vehicles have transmissions that can shift out of “park” without the break pedal having to be applied, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra.

What are the pros and cons of the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz’s pros include a comfortable ride, agile handling, strong engine options, and clever, versatile cargo bed features like underfloor storage and a lockable tonneau cover. Its main cons are its limited towing and off-road capability compared to traditional trucks, a cramped or tight rear seat for adults, and mediocre fuel economy. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the pros and cons of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Jun 28, 2024
Pros

• Comfortable and agile ride: It offers a comfortable, car-like driving experience with responsive steering and handling, similar to an SUV. 
• Powerful engine options: The available turbocharged engine provides strong performance and quick acceleration. 
• Versatile cargo bed: The truck bed includes practical features like a lockable storage compartment under the floor, a lockable tonneau cover, and integrated steps in the rear bumper for easy access. 
• Advanced technology: Many models come with a good assortment of tech and safety features. 
• Maneuverable size: Its smaller size makes it easier to park and drive in urban environments than a larger truck. 

Cons

• Limited towing and off-road capability: As a unibody vehicle, it is not designed for heavy-duty truck tasks. Its towing and off-road performance are less capable than traditional body-on-frame trucks. 
• Cramped rear seats: The back seat is relatively tight, especially for taller passengers on long trips. 
• Mediocre fuel economy: Fuel efficiency is not its strong suit, though it is better than some larger trucks. 
• Potentially high price: Higher trim levels can be expensive and approach the cost of more capable traditional trucks. 
• Unintuitive controls: Some reviewers find the touch-sensitive controls on the dashboard and infotainment screen to be unintuitive and smudgy. 

This video discusses the reasons why you should not buy the Hyundai Santa Cruz: 1mTech TriumphYouTube · May 18, 2024

Are Hyundai as reliable as Toyota?

No, Toyota is generally considered more reliable than Hyundai, though Hyundai has made significant improvements and has competitive models. Toyota benefits from a long-standing reputation for dependability, while Hyundai’s reliability has improved greatly, though some older models with specific engines had issues. For long-term dependability, Toyota remains the standard, but Hyundai is a strong competitor, especially in newer lineups.
 
Toyota’s reliability

• Reputation: Toyota has a long-standing global reputation for building durable and reliable vehicles that are designed to last.
• Rankings: Toyota often ranks in the top 3 for reliability in reports from organizations like Consumer Reports.
• Models: Vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid have been noted as particularly reliable. 

Hyundai’s reliability

• Improvements: Hyundai has significantly improved its reliability ratings over the past decade, with recent models competing closely with Toyota. 
• Rankings: Hyundai has received high rankings in reliability surveys, such as the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study and RepairPal. 
• Concerns: Some Hyundai and Kia models from roughly 2011-2023 with specific 2.0L and 2.4L engines had significant problems like engine failure and oil consumption, leading to recalls. 
• Warranty: Hyundai offers a competitive, industry-leading warranty that helps with long-term ownership costs. 

Which should you choose?

• For overall dependability: If long-term, proven reliability is your top priority, Toyota is the more secure choice due to its history. 
• For value and features: Hyundai is a strong competitor that offers modern features, an excellent warranty, and has significantly improved its reliability in recent years. It is a very viable option, especially if you are considering a newer model. 
• Consider the specific model: As with any brand, reliability can vary by model. It’s important to research the specific model you are interested in and its individual performance ratings. 

How many miles will a Hyundai Santa Cruz last?

A Hyundai Santa Cruz can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, which includes adhering to the recommended service schedule and avoiding poor driving habits. Some models may even reach 200,000 to 250,000 miles, similar to its SUV platform, the Hyundai Tucson. 
Factors affecting lifespan

• Regular maintenance: Following the manufacturer’s service schedule is crucial for longevity. 
• Driving habits: Avoiding aggressive driving and regular car washes can help extend the vehicle’s life. 
• Warranty: The Santa Cruz comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which covers major components and provides peace of mind. 
• Model-specific details: Some older reports have mentioned concerns about the dual-clutch transmission on turbo models, but newer models and a smaller sample size make it difficult to draw firm conclusions at this point. 

How to maximize your Santa Cruz’s lifespan

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service intervals and stick to them. 
• Address issues promptly: Don’t ignore warning lights or strange noises. Get them checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. 
• Drive responsibly: Smooth acceleration and braking can help prevent premature wear and tear on the engine and transmission. 
• Keep it clean: Regular washing can prevent rust and corrosion, which can damage the vehicle’s body and chassis.