2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz — Carivo review 2022 model shown
Truck

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $23,495–$29,761
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Truck
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleTruck
Base Price$23,495–$29,761

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz earns a Recommended rating among the trucks we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.3/10, while Performance at 7.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.2/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.3/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.4/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $23,495–$29,761, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Santa Cruz sits in the budget-friendly tier of the truck market. The 8.3/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this truck delivers more than most of the class. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: Think of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Trucks

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranks #16 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,495 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 33%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $25k →

Which Santa Cruz Year Should You Buy?

Across the Santa Cruz model years we've scored, the 2022 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.0/10$25,744 Read review →
2025 8.0/10$25,744 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$24,995 Read review →
2023 7.9/10$24,245 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.9/10$23,495

Pros & Cons — 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz (4 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Gasoline / Turbo/supercharger
28/03/2022 · 22V197000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Santa Fe and Santa Cruz vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Power train / Automatic transmission
06/10/2022 · 22V746000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump…
Structure / Body / Roof and pillars
31/01/2023 · 23V038000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.
Trailer hitches
17/03/2023 · 23V181000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in HEV and Santa Cruz vehicles potentially equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

We rate the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz's reliability 8.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz worth buying?

It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #16 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 97% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost?

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $23,495 and ranges up to $29,761 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Hyundai Santa Cruz

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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