Starts at $26,900
FAST FACTS
MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.
Scroll to:
The four-cylinder engine in the non-turbo Santa Cruz has the same displacement (2.5 liters) as the turbocharged four, but it's much less powerful. That would be fine if the turbo were an easy option to specify, but in fact, the turbo Santa Cruz commands a premium of over $11k versus the non-turbo lineup. The turbocharged Ford Maverick, which is available for less than the non-turbo Santa Cruz's starting price, would like a word.
If you have to deal with crummy winter weather, we get the appeal of all-wheel drive, but it adds both cost and weight — and the base non-turbo engine struggles to accelerate anyway, so more weight is the last thing it needs.
The Santa Cruz's turbo engine is obviously the one to have, as it only docks you a single mile per gallon while adding 1,500 pounds of towing capacity and nearly 100 horsepower. Trouble is, you have to pony up for at least the Night trim to get that engine, which means a starting price of $38k-plus. Meanwhile, the turbocharged Maverick AWD starts at $26k (you can't get a turbocharged 2024 Santa Cruz without all-wheel drive, although Ford will sell you a front-drive Maverick turbo).
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
Latest Reviews
Let's make it official!Be a good donkey and we'll deliver delicious car news straight to your inbox, spam-free forever.