For the 2026 model year, Hyundai dropped the Santa Cruz's dual-clutch transmission and replaced it with a traditional torque converter automatic. No fanfare. No press release calling out a failure. They just quietly switched.
That switch is the single most important thing you need to know before buying a used Santa Cruz. The dual-clutch eight-speed, fitted to every turbocharged AWD trim from 2022 through 2025, is the source of nearly all serious owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The naturally aspirated front-wheel-drive models? A completely different ownership experience.
This guide tells you which one to buy.
This Generation at a Glance
The Santa Cruz launched for the 2022 model year on Hyundai's NXT platform, shared with the fourth-generation Tucson. It's a unibody pickup, four-door only, with a 4.3-foot composite bed and a lockable underbed storage compartment. Hyundai calls it a pickup truck. Competitors call it a compact sport activity vehicle with a bed. Buyers call it the most practical small truck you can buy under $35,000 used.
A mid-cycle refresh arrived for the 2025 model year. The front end got a new fascia with redesigned LED daytime running lights, the interior went from a single screen to a curved dual 12.3-inch display, and physical climate controls returned after owners spent two years complaining about the all-touch system. The XRT trim (all-terrain tires, front tow hooks, 115V bed outlet) replaced the N Line.
| Powertrain | Years Available | HP / TQ | Transmission | Drive | EPA Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L NA 4-cyl | 2022–present | 191 hp / 181 lb-ft | 8-speed AT | FWD | 25 mpg |
| 2.5T Turbo 4-cyl | 2022–present | 281 hp / 311 lb-ft | 8-speed wet DCT | AWD | 22 mpg |
Both engines are the same 2.5-liter block. The similarity ends there. The naturally aspirated version breathes through a port-and-direct injection setup and pairs with a conventional hydraulic automatic. The turbocharged version pairs exclusively with a wet dual-clutch transmission — and that transmission is the story.
Powertrain and Trim Breakdown
2.5L Naturally Aspirated (SE, SEL, SEL Activity)
The base engine does the job without drama. 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque is enough for daily driving, light hauling, and 1,500-lb towing. It won't excite you, and it won't strand you.
This is the engine in the SE and SEL trims (FWD configuration). The SEL can be optioned with the turbocharged AWD package, but the base FWD SEL sticks with the naturally aspirated motor. The 2025 SEL Activity is also NA/FWD.
What owners say: Forum consensus on santacruzforums.com is that the naturally aspirated feels underpowered at highway on-ramps and struggles fully loaded. Owners who commute daily with light loads report zero mechanical complaints. The engine does not appear in NHTSA complaint filings at any significant volume.
Known issues: No generation-specific mechanical failure pattern. The engine cooling concerns flagged by Consumer Reports for 2023 models (thermostat failures, coolant level drops) appear in isolated forum threads but are not the widespread pattern that DCT failures are. If you see a 2023 NA model with any history of overheating, get the coolant system inspected before buying.
Recalls on this powertrain:
- Roof molding detachment (2022-2023): NHTSA 23V038000. Molding may separate at highway speeds.
- Tow hitch fire risk (2022-2023): Both powertrains. Water can accumulate on the tow hitch PCB and cause an electrical short leading to fire. Affects equipped vehicles only.
Verdict on the NA: If you need a practical, versatile small truck and don't care about AWD or strong acceleration, the naturally aspirated SE or SEL is the Santa Cruz you want. It sidesteps every headline problem this generation carries.
2.5T Turbocharged (SEL Turbo Package, SEL Premium, N Line, Limited, XRT)
The turbocharged 2.5T delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft — enough to make this feel like a legitimately quick vehicle. AWD is standard. So is the eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
That DCT is the reason NHTSA has 171 complaints on file for the 2022 Santa Cruz and why Consumer Reports flagged the transmission as a particularly bad trouble area.
The DCT problem, in detail:
The wet dual-clutch uses an electric oil pump to maintain clutch engagement. In 2022 models built between June 22, 2021 and March 25, 2022, that oil pump can fault internally. When it does, the transmission logs error codes, illuminates multiple warning lights, forces the vehicle into a "fail-safe" limited-mobility mode, and then — after roughly 20 to 30 seconds of impaired power — drops all drive entirely. You are coasting on a freeway with no throttle response.
Hyundai issued recall 22V-746 (Hyundai campaign 236) for this specific fault, affecting 9,142 vehicles. The fix: replace the transmission and update the TCU software.
The recall covers 2022 builds before March 2022. But owners on santacruzforums.com have filed thread after thread about DCT failures in 2023 and 2024 models — shuddering from dead stops, lurching at low speeds, hesitation when pulling away from a light. One owner traded in their 2023 after 11,000 miles because the DCT lurched every time they crept through a parking lot. Another reported complete DCT failure at 18,000 miles. Fluid leaks from the DCT have appeared in 2024 threads as well.
The 2026 Santa Cruz drops the DCT across all trims and replaces it with a conventional eight-speed torque converter automatic. Hyundai has not characterized this as a response to DCT complaints. The timing speaks for itself.
What the DCT failure costs out of warranty: Hyundai owners quoting extended warranty pricing on the forum have cited the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty at $4,485 — which implies Hyundai prices DCT failure risk high enough to justify that premium. A DCT replacement at an independent shop typically runs $3,500 to $7,000 depending on part availability and labor. Dealer pricing runs higher.
The N Line: The 2022-2024 N Line brought sport-tuned suspension, unique styling, and no mechanical changes to the powertrain. The chassis tuning is a genuine improvement over the standard Turbo trims — better body control, flatter cornering. The DCT is identical. Some forum members passed on reserved N Lines after test drives revealed DCT shudder; the thread is titled exactly that.
Engine-specific recall on turbocharged models:
- Turbocharger oil supply pipe (2022 only): NHTSA 22V-197000. The oil supply line feeding the turbocharger can crack at the eye joint, causing an oil leak into the engine compartment. Oil near hot exhaust components is a fire risk. Affected 16 vehicles; remedy is pipe replacement. If buying a 2022 turbo model, confirm this recall was completed.
Verdict on the Turbo: The power is real. The DCT risk is also real. If you're buying a turbocharged Santa Cruz used, the model year and the DCT recall status matter more than any other single factor. A 2024 Turbo with documented transmission service history and confirmed recall completion is a different proposition than a 2022 Turbo with unknown history.
Trim-Specific Notes
SE: The entry point. FWD, NA engine, 17-inch wheels, cloth seats, seven-inch display (pre-2025) or 12.3-inch (2025+). No frills, no drama. Underbed storage and the composite bed liner are standard across all trims.
SEL: Adds a bigger infotainment screen, heated front seats, blind spot monitoring. Available as FWD/NA or AWD/Turbo/DCT depending on option package. The FWD SEL is the sweet spot for buyers who want more features without the DCT gamble.
SEL Premium (2022-2024): Turbo/AWD/DCT standard. Added a 10.25-inch display, leather seating, remote start, dual-zone climate. More features, same DCT exposure.
N Line (2022-2024): Turbo/AWD/DCT. Sport suspension, unique bumpers, 20-inch wheels, N-branded interior. The sport suspension is a legitimate improvement. The DCT is the same unit.
XRT (2025+): Replaced the N Line. Turbo/AWD/DCT, all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks, 115V bed outlet, surround-view camera. The off-road positioning is marketing more than capability — ground clearance is 8.3 inches — but the all-terrain tires and additional tie-downs are practical. The 2026 XRT gets the new torque converter AT.
Limited: The top trim. Turbo/AWD/DCT with leather seating, ventilated front seats, 12-way power driver's seat, Bose audio, digital instrument cluster. The luxury finishes (piano black trim, gloss chrome) are impractical on a truck-use vehicle. Piano black scratches from normal loading.
Which Model Years to Target Within This Gen
| Year | Recalls | NHTSA Complaints | Key Notes | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 171 | First-year problems; DCT recall; turbo pipe recall | Avoid |
| 2023 | 2 | 73 | Engine cooling issues added; no DCT recall despite complaints | Caution |
| 2024 | 1 | 30 | MDPS power steering recall; CR ranks it #1 small truck | Best value |
| 2025 | TBD | Low | Mid-cycle refresh; physical controls back; XRT added | Best if refreshed interior matters |
2022: Four recalls and 171 NHTSA complaints is not a first-year learning curve. It's a rough launch. The DCT recall alone required dealers to replace transmissions. If you're considering a 2022 turbo model, confirm the build date. Units built after March 25, 2022 weren't part of the DCT recall pool, though owners of those trucks still report DCT behavior issues.
2023: Two recalls, 73 complaints — better, not fixed. Consumer Reports tracked engine cooling as an emerging problem area this year. The DCT complaints continued filing despite no formal recall. The 2023 is not a bad truck; it's a cautious buy requiring careful pre-purchase inspection.
2024: The right call for most used buyers. Consumer Reports ranked it the top small truck in its segment, ahead of the Ford Maverick. One recall (MDPS power steering, campaign 261) — the electric power pack circuit board can short, causing loss of power steering assist. Dealers replaced the power pack free of charge. Confirm it was done on any 2024 you consider.
2025: Better-equipped and better-looking inside, with the same DCT risk on turbo trims until 2026 resolved it. The dual-screen interior and physical climate controls are a meaningful improvement. If you want those upgrades and can find a 2025 with good DCT history, it's a solid choice.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
All models:
- Check the roof molding. Run your hand along the full length of the roofline. Any lifting, cracking, or loose edges means the molding recall (23V038000) was either not completed or the replacement is failing.
- Confirm tow hitch recall. If the truck has the tow package, ask the dealer or seller to pull up service records showing NHTSA campaign 244 was completed. This is a fire-risk recall.
- Open and close the tonneau cover (if equipped). Water infiltration between the cover and the tailgate is a common owner complaint. Check the tailgate interior for water stains or rust.
- Test all four AC vents cold. Left-side vent issues have appeared in forum threads.
Turbocharged AWD models (N Line, SEL Premium, SEL Turbo, Limited, XRT):
- Pull the vehicle history report and look specifically for any transmission service, transmission replacement, or drivetrain warranty claims.
- Start the truck cold. From a dead stop, pull away slowly, then accelerate normally. The DCT should engage without shuddering or hesitation. A shudder that comes and goes at low speeds points to DCT wear or failure.
- At 5-10 mph, make a tight parking-lot turn at light throttle. Note any vibration or clunking through the steering wheel. Some vibration from the DCT under load is reported at low speed; anything that feels mechanical and rhythmic warrants further inspection.
- Ask specifically about any warning lights, fail-safe modes, or instances where the truck lost power. Owners know when this happens.
- If the truck is a 2022 turbo model built before April 2022, ask for documentation that the DCT was replaced under recall 22V-746. If that documentation doesn't exist, walk away.
- If it's a 2024, confirm the MDPS power steering recall (NHTSA 24V412000) is complete.
2022 turbo models only:
- Confirm the turbocharger oil supply pipe recall (NHTSA 22V-197000) is complete. The fix is a pipe replacement and it's straightforward. Missing paperwork isn't a deal-breaker if the truck was dealer-maintained; missing paperwork plus no dealer service history is.
Run every VIN through a recall check before you go look at the truck. Show up knowing which campaigns are open.
Running Costs
| Powertrain | EPA MPG | Oil Spec / Interval | Key Maintenance | Annual Repair Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L NA (FWD) | 25 combined | Full synthetic, 7,500 mi, 6.1 qt | Standard intervals | Low ($300-600 typical) |
| 2.5T Turbo (AWD) | 22 combined | 0W-30 full synthetic, 7,500 mi, 6.1 qt | DCT fluid service; turbo care | Moderate-high ($500-1,200+; DCT failure risk adds open-ended exposure) |
Both engines hold 6.1 quarts with filter. The turbocharged model requires 0W-30 specifically — don't let a quick-lube shop substitute a thicker weight. Severe driving conditions (short trips, heavy towing, stop-and-go) drop the recommended oil interval to 5,000 miles on the turbo.
DCT fluid service is not in the standard maintenance schedule but is recommended by forum members who've avoided failures. If buying a used Turbo model with no DCT fluid service on record, budget for it.
The Hyundai powertrain warranty is 10 years/100,000 miles, transferable to subsequent owners with a deductible. A used turbo Santa Cruz still within that window has meaningful protection. Check the coverage status before any used purchase — this warranty changes the risk calculus on Turbo trims significantly.
FAQ
Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable? The naturally aspirated FWD trims (SE, SEL) are reliable. The turbocharged AWD trims (SEL Premium, N Line, Limited) are not — the 2022 has 171 NHTSA complaints and four recalls, with the dual-clutch transmission being the primary failure mode. The 2024 improved dramatically: 30 complaints and Consumer Reports' top small truck ranking.
Which Hyundai Santa Cruz years to avoid? Avoid the 2022. It's the first model year, carries the most recalls (four), the most NHTSA complaints (171), and the DCT recall affected thousands of trucks with complete transmission replacements. The 2023 is a caution. The 2024 and 2025 are safe buys.
Is the Santa Cruz dual-clutch transmission a problem? Yes, and Hyundai's own engineering team confirmed it by switching all 2026 Santa Cruz models to a traditional torque converter automatic. Owner forums document shuddering, lurching, and outright DCT failure dating back to launch. If you buy a turbocharged Santa Cruz, check DCT history and confirm the 2022 recall is complete.
What is the Santa Cruz's towing capacity? The naturally aspirated FWD model tows 1,500 lbs. The turbocharged AWD tows 5,000 lbs. That 5,000-lb rating requires the tow package. If you're buying for towing, the turbo is the only practical choice — and the tow hitch fire recall (check that it's complete) becomes relevant.
How long does a Hyundai Santa Cruz last? Insufficient long-term data exists for this generation — the 2022 is only four years old. The Hyundai Smartstream 2.5-liter engine family has generally proven durable in the Tucson and Sonata platforms. The DCT is the unknown; a Santa Cruz that avoids DCT failure should have a long service life. Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty provides some baseline coverage.
Bottom Line
The 2024 Santa Cruz is the sweet spot: best reliability in the generation, Consumer Reports' top small truck, and enough used inventory to be choosy about history.
If you want the naturally aspirated model for daily duty without AWD or towing, the NA/FWD SE or SEL is worry-free regardless of year. The 2023 and 2024 are both fine picks; avoid the 2022.
If you want the turbocharged AWD — and the 281-horsepower argument for it is real — buy the 2024. Confirm the power steering recall is complete. Confirm DCT history. Keep the Hyundai warranty status front of mind.
One non-negotiable regardless of trim: run the VIN through a recall check before you sign anything. Three of the four 2022 recalls involve fire risk or sudden loss of power. Those are not items to discover after purchase.
CarScout members can track specific Santa Cruz trims and years at usecarscout.com, including price alerts on 2024 Turbo models with service history.
Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from santacruzforums.com, r/HyundaiSantaCruz, Consumer Reports, and owner complaint filings. See the full Hyundai Santa Cruz market data for current pricing and inventory.