2022 model shown
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $23,495–$29,761 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 |
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.
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).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
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.
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