DecodedCars2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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 · 22 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,101 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 16% below the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 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 (22 city / 27 highway), 16% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2023
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Santa Cruz →
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 | 22 / 26 / 23 | -16% | $2,900 | 381 |
| Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 390 |
| Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 402 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz PU/CC AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz PU/CC FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Not every 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 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 — 25 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 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 2023 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 |
| 2022 Santa Cruz | 23 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 185 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →