How much is a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Cruz?
As of the 2024–2025 model years, a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Cruz typically lists around $40,000 to $46,000 before taxes and destination charges. With the standard destination fee (about $1,200–$1,500) and local taxes, the out-the-door price commonly lands in the roughly $41,000 to $48,000 range. Prices vary by region, dealer, and exact option mix.
What makes a Santa Cruz “fully loaded”?
In practice, the phrase refers to the top trim equipped with the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and a full slate of premium interior and technology features. The Santa Cruz is a compact pickup, and a fully equipped version blends utility with upscale comforts and advanced safety tech.
Powertrain and performance
The Santa Cruz offers a 2.5-liter engine as the base option and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine for higher trims. The turbo AWD configuration tends to be the focus of the fully loaded setup and adds to the price.
Interior and technology
Top trims typically include leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a large digital instrument cluster, a high-end infotainment system, navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system, often complemented by features like a panoramic sunroof and advanced driver assists.
Pricing by trim and configuration (approximate ranges)
These figures reflect current U.S. MSRPs for the 2024–2025 Santa Cruz lineup and exclude destination charges. Actual prices vary by region, dealer incentives, and added options.
- Base SE (2.5L) — roughly $25,000 to $29,000
- SEL (2.5L, AWD option available) — roughly $30,000 to $37,000
- SEL Premium / Limited (turbo, premium features) — roughly $38,000 to $42,000
- Turbo AWD top trim (fully loaded) — roughly $40,000 to $46,000
Prices are sensitive to market conditions, color choices, and optional equipment; always verify with a local Hyundai dealer for a precise quote.
Other costs that affect the out-the-door price
In addition to the sticker price, buyers should anticipate several charges and optional packages that can push the total higher.
- Destination charge — about $1,200 to $1,500 (varies by region)
- Documentation fees, taxes, and registration
- Protection plans, extended warranties, and dealer-installed options
- Premium packages tied to leather, top-tier audio, larger wheels, or advanced safety tech
When budgeting, include these items to determine the final out-the-door price rather than the pre-tax MSRP.
Summary
For buyers seeking the most equipped Hyundai Santa Cruz, expect a price in the low-to-mid $40,000s, often approaching the mid-$40,000s. The final figure depends on trim choice, engine, options, and where you buy, with destination and taxes adding on top. Always verify current pricing at Hyundai’s official site and with local dealers for the exact price in your area.
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz a good vehicle?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a good vehicle for those who want a smaller, car-like truck with comfortable handling and an upscale interior, but it is not ideal for heavy-duty work or those who prioritize maximum cargo space. It's a versatile lifestyle vehicle that offers SUV-like driving dynamics with the utility of a small pickup bed, though some drivers find the seats flat, rear legroom limited, and fuel economy mediocre.
This video discusses the pros and cons of the Hyundai Santa Cruz's design and utility: 57sCars With SteveYouTube · Sep 13, 2025
Pros
- Comfortable and agile handling: Its unibody construction, similar to an SUV, provides a comfortable ride with minimal body roll and agile handling that is superior to traditional pickup trucks.
- Upscale interior: The cabin feels more like an SUV, with available luxury features and a comfortable, well-equipped interior.
- Versatile utility: The bed is smaller than a mid-size truck's, but it offers more practicality than an enclosed SUV for certain cargo, with features like an in-bed trunk for storage.
- Good power: The available turbocharged engine option provides ample power for daily driving and light towing.
- Advanced technology and safety: It comes standard with several modern tech and safety features, with more available on higher trims.
Cons
- Limited rear legroom: Some reviewers note limited space in the rear seats.
- Mediocre fuel economy: Gas mileage is not a strong point for this vehicle.
- Compromised visibility: Rear visibility can be limited, especially in some configurations.
- Small bed: While useful, the bed is not as large as traditional pickup truck beds, and storage options can be limited depending on the accessories chosen.
- Higher cost: The Santa Cruz can be more expensive than other compact trucks on the market.
This video focuses on the driving experience of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, including handling and comfort: 51sBrian MakseYouTube · Sep 28, 2025
How much does a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Cruz cost?
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $30,245 and goes up to $44,245 depending on the trim and options. The XRT is the trim that we think is the one to get.
Which truck is better, Maverick or Santa Cruz?
The biggest difference is powertrain availability: the Maverick offers a fuel-efficient hybrid option (up to 42 mpg city) that the Santa Cruz lacks entirely. Towing capacity also separates them significantly—the Santa Cruz can pull up to 5000 pounds with its turbocharged engine versus the Maverick's 4000-pound maximum.
What is the most expensive Hyundai you can buy?
The most expensive Hyundai is the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a large, luxurious, three-row electric SUV that can cost around $120,000$ 120 comma 000$120,000. It features a luxurious interior, long-range battery, and dual electric motors, positioning it as Hyundai's most expensive and premium model to date. Another expensive model is the high-performance Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, priced at over $78,000$ 78 comma 000$78,000 in some markets.
This video provides a review of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, highlighting its features and discussing its high price point: 58sThe Right Car?YouTube · Aug 7, 2025
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
- Price: Approximately $120,000$ 120 comma 000$120,000 before on-road costs in some markets, as reported by www.drive.com.au.
- Features: This is Hyundai's largest and most luxurious SUV, with a spacious interior, advanced technology like a panoramic curved display, and high-end options.
- Powertrain: It has dual electric motors, a 110110110 kWh battery, and is built for a long driving range.
Other expensive models
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: This high-performance electric crossover is also one of Hyundai's most expensive vehicles, with prices over $78,000$ 78 comma 000$78,000 in some areas, notes Le Guide de l'auto.
- Genesis G90: As the luxury brand of the Hyundai Motor Company, the Genesis G90 is also considered one of the most expensive Hyundai vehicles, with prices exceeding $70,000$ 70 comma 000$70,000 in some markets, according to Spinny.
