DecodedCars2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Pickup
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,101 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 13% below the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,101 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 13% worse than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Pickup | 195.7 in | 75.2 in | 66.5 in | 118.5 in | 64.6 / 65 in | 4,101 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -13% | $2,900 | 385 |
| Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -6% | $2,900 | 382 |
| Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -10% | $3,050 | 403 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | Not rated | 25 |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2022 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Trailer Hitches · Mar 17, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V181000 · 584,784 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 accessory through a Hyundai dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 244. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-633.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 31, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V038000 · 16,104 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2022 Tucson and 2022-2023 Santa Cruz vehicles. The roof moldings may detach.
- Risk
- A detached roof molding could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace, or secure the roof moldings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 241.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 56,148 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pipes, Hoses, And Fittings · Mar 28, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V197000 · 16 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall 222.
Not every 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Power Train — 89 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 51 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 21 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Cruz years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Cruz | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Cruz | 25 | – | Not rated | 3 | 5 |
| 2025 Santa Cruz | 25 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 21 |
| 2024 Santa Cruz | 23 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 35 |
| 2023 Santa Cruz | 23 | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 79 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →