Archived model-year dossier
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's FuelEconomy.gov record holds 4 EPA certification records across 3 model/option labels (Santa Cruz AWD, Santa Cruz FWD, +1 more), spanning All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive drivetrains and Regular fuel type across 1 engine (2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFI). EPA classifies it under Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD vehicle classes, built on Conventional powertrain technology. Across those configurations, expect combined efficiency of 21–25 MPG/MPGe, an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500–$2,950/yr. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 19 owner complaints for this model year. The site covers 4 model years of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2023 through 2027, and this is the 2025.
Configurations4
Model/option labels3
Combined efficiency21–25 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers7
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SEL | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SEL Activity | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Shiftronic | AWD | 191 | 181 | 21 / 29 / 24 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| XRT | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Shiftronic | AWD | 281 | 311 | 18 / 26 / 21 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Limited | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | Automatic, 8-Spd DCT w/Shiftronic | AWD | 281 | 311 | 19 / 27 / 22 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 3,921 lb | 195.7 in | 66.7 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | P245/60R18 |
| SEL | 3,936 lb | 195.7 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 3,500 lb | P245/60R18 |
| SEL Activity | 4,049 lb | 195.7 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 38.2 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | P245/60R18 |
| XRT | 4,228 lb | 195.9 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 40.2 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | P245/60R18 |
| Limited | 4,237 lb | 195.7 in | 66.9 in | 118.3 in | 8.6 in | 39.6 ft | 17.7 gal | 38.2 in | 41.4 in | 5,000 lb | P245/50R20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SE | SEL | SEL Activity | XRT | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | – | – |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | – | – |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Dual-clutch automatic transmission | – | – | – | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48266Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 21 | 29 | 24 | N/A |
| 48267Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S8) | Regular | 19 | 27 | 22 | N/A |
| 48257Santa Cruz FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Regular | 22 | 30 | 25 | N/A |
| 48270Santa Cruz XRT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI & PFIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S8) | Regular | 18 | 26 | 21 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
7 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz versus the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Model year
Against the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Model/option labels added: Santa Cruz XRT AWD. Certification records went from 3 to 4. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 22.5 to 23.0 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 1 for the 2024 to 3 for the 2025.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02Is scheduled maintenance included with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Ownership cost
Yes. Kelley Blue Book lists 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What size wheels does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz have?
Wheels and tires
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the SE, SEL, SEL Activity and XRT and 20 inches on the Limited. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims differ from one another?
Trims
The SEL has front and rear climate zones, heated front seats, heated mirrors and 2 more as standard equipment over the SE. The XRT has 281 hp against 191 and forward collision warning, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and 2 more as standard equipment over the SEL Activity. The Limited has power front seats for driver and passenger, a heated steering wheel, an integrated garage-door opener and 3 more as standard equipment over the XRT.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost across its trims?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz run from $30,245 for the SE to $44,245 for the Limited, across 5 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q06What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz use?
Maintenance
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz owner's manual names DOT 4 brake fluid and R-1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant. Source: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz owner's manual. The 2024 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q07How long is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's cargo bed?
Capability
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's cargo bed length is 4 feet on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2024 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
This model year’s federal safety record
3 federal recall campaigns are on file for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Federal filings for the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz name electrical system, airbags, forward collision system. These are the systems cited in recall documents for this model year specifically, not a survey of every fault owners report, and not a statement that any individual 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is affected.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries 1 recall campaign and 35 owner complaints, against 18 here: 2 fewer recalls than the 2025.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API; NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API.
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Hyundai Santa Cruz across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Driver assistance and infotainmentFactory remote start does not workRoutine →Towing and traileringWhen a weight-distribution hitch is requiredRoutine →Diesel ownershipDiesel is hard to start in cold weatherSoon →Body, water and noiseWater collects on the front passenger floorSoon →Body, water and noiseMusty smell when the climate system startsSoon →Seasonal and storageRoad-salt underbody washing and corrosion checksRoutine →