DecodedCars2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2027 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 25 MPG combined, 15% below the 2027 small SUV average of 29.4 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2027 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2027 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.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 15% worse than the 2027 small SUV average of 29.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2027
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2026 Santa Cruz — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2026; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2026 Santa Cruz →
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 / 30 / 25 | -15% | $2,700 | 356 |
| Santa Cruz AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 367 |
| Santa Cruz XRT AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -22% | $3,350 | 435 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2027 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Similar 2027 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Kia Seltos | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Volkswagen Tiguan | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Kia Sportage | 41 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Kia Sorento | 37 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2027 Mitsubishi Outlander | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other Santa Cruz years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 →