Auto Guide
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Used

Review and specifications

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Based on the Tucson, the Santa Cruz melds a small SUV and pickup truck into one vehicle. It is similar in concept to the Honda Ridgeline, albeit smaller. The base engine is a rather strained 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Uplevel models come with a powerful turbo engine, making this trucklet quick. Front- or all-wheel drive versions are available. The Santa Cruz drives like a car with responsive handling, comfortable ride and easy maneuverability. But rear visibility is hampered due to the small rear window and thick rear pillar. Maximum tow capacity is 5,000 lbs. The short 52-inch bed has a handy hidden trunk and turbo versions come with a built-in lockable tonneau cover. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection are standard. BSW and RCTW became standard beginning with the 2023 model year. The Santa Cruz received a refresh for 2025 that includes new front and rear bumpers, along with an updated interior that includes a standard 12.3-inch display.

Market value
$20,588
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
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Model year 2022
Owner rating 4/5
Reliability 2/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
crew cab
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-speed
Category
Small pickup trucks
Generation began
2022

Pricing

Current retail median
$20,588
Retail value range
$17,375 - $24,700
Original MSRP range
$24,440 - $40,170
Trade-in range
$13,650 - $21,950

Ratings

Road test score
77/100
Owner satisfaction
4/5
Would buy again
65%
Reliability
2/5

Fuel economy

EPA city
21 MPG
EPA highway
27 MPG
EPA combined
23 MPG
Tested city
16 MPG
Tested highway
34 MPG
Tested overall
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,630
Cruising range
425 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
2.6 sec
0-60 mph
6.6 sec
60-0 mph braking
132 ft
Avoidance speed
51.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
196 in
Width
75 in
Height
67 in
Wheelbase
118 in
Weight
4,045 lb
Maximum load
1,410 lb
Towing capacity
5,000 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5.5 in
Front leg room
42.5 in
Rear head room
5.5 in
Rear leg room
26 in

Owner feedback

Comfort
4/5
Driving
5/5
Styling
5/5
Value
1/5

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
5/10
Greenhouse gas score
5/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Hyundai

From low-cost sedans to three-row EV SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ Reliability and Owner Satisfaction ratings. Individual models and years vary widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost subcompacts like the Elantra, and midsized sedans like the Sonata. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsize Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer three-row seating. Many models are available as hybrids or plug-in hybrids. In our testing, most Hyundai models benefit from a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness in addition to improving fuel economy. Hyundai’s EVs are some of the best values among electric cars. The Ioniq models are high-tech, well designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.

Vehicle ID: 22064 First published: April 15, 2021 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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