2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz: real cost in California
See the Santa Cruz on Hyundai's US site ↗US prices read 2026-11-09
Cheapest trim, SE · California · age 35–59 · 6 years · 13,500 mi a yearChange
Sticker$30,300the advertised price
Drive away$34,915with fees and tax
Loan payment$510/mo72-month loan at 7%, $5,000 down
True cost$1,059/moeverything, after resale
$34,915 to drive away + $57,319 to run it for 6 years − $15,956 back at resale = $76,277, or $1,059 a month.
Where the money goes
Drive away$34,915
Running it, 6 yrs+$57,319
Back at resale−$15,956
Sticker pricethe advertised MSRP
+$30,300Feesfreight $1,650 · doc fee $85 (typical)
+$1,735Sales and use tax, 8.99%California
+$2,880Fuel13,500 mi a year at 25 MPG
+$18,621Insuranceestimate, age 35–59, California
+$16,905Lost return on your money5% a year on the down payment and each payment
+$7,554Loan interest7% over 72 months
+$6,807Maintenanceestimate
+$4,587Title, registration and plates6 years in California, incl. 0.65% value tax a year
+$2,846Resale after 6 years53% of MSRP, you get this back
−$15,956True cost $76,277 ÷ 72 months$1,059 a month
The car
Size and space
BodySUV195.7–195.9 in long
Seats5
Cargo52.1" bed
Engine and fuel
Engine191–281 hp gas, FWD, AWD
0–60 mph6.2–8.2 sour estimate from power and weight
Fuel economy20–25 MPGEPA combined
TowingUp to 5,000 lb
Safety and cover
Crash testNot rated yet
Highway assistSteers and brakeshands on the wheel · every trim
Warranty5 yrspowertrain 5 yrs
Resale at 6 years53% of MSRPaverage for its type
Every trim
All trims: 5 seats.| SE FWD | $30,300 | $34,915 | $76,277 | ✓ $1,059/mo | 3,500 | 25 MPG | — No | — No | — No | — No |
| SE AWD | $31,800 | $36,550 | $78,924 | $1,096/mo | 3,500 | 24 MPG | — No | — No | — No | ✓ Yes |
| SEL Activity FWD | $34,700 | $39,711 | $81,798 | $1,136/mo | 3,500 | 25 MPG | — No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | — No |
| SEL Activity AWD | $36,200 | $41,345 | $84,518 | $1,174/mo | 3,500 | 24 MPG | — No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| XRT | $42,775 | $48,511 | $96,577 | $1,341/mo | 5,000 | 20 MPG | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
SEFWD
✓ $1,059/mo
True cost
SEAWD
$1,096/mo
True cost
SEL ActivityFWD
$1,136/mo
True cost
SEL ActivityAWD
$1,174/mo
True cost
XRT
$1,341/mo
True cost
Features, trim by trim
Cheapest on the left. Each bar starts at the trim that adds it. + $ is the cheapest factory option or package that adds it (hover for its name).Feature
SE FWD$30,300
SE AWD$31,800
SEL Activity FWD$34,700
SEL Activity AWD$36,200
XRT$42,775
Safety and driver assist
Automatic braking
✓ Every trim
Blind-spot monitor
✓ Every trim
Rear cross-traffic alert
✓ Every trim
Adaptive cruise
✓ from XRT
Lane centering
✓ Every trim
360° camera
✓ from XRT
Comfort
Heated seats
✓ from SEL Activity FWD
Heated steering wheel
✓ from XRT
Dual-zone climate
✓ from SEL Activity FWD
Convenience
Push-button start
✓ Every trim
Remote start
✓ Every trim
Wireless phone charging
✓ from SEL Activity FWD
Power driver's seat
✓ from SEL Activity FWD
Tech and audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
✓ Every trim
Wireless CarPlay
✓ Every trim
Built-in navigation
✓ from XRT
Premium sound system
✓ from XRT
Large touchscreen (12 in+)
✓ Every trim
Capability and looks
AWD or 4WD
✓
✓ from SEL Activity AWD
Tow hitch included
+ $620 on every trim
Sunroof
✓ from SEL Activity FWD
LED headlights
✓ Every trim
Not listed on any trimHands-free drivingParking sensorsCooled seatsHeated rear seatsMassaging seatsPower liftgateMemory seatHead-up displayPanoramic roof
Full standard equipment on the SE SE FWD (26 items)
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Driver Attention Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Front, Front Side, Side-Curtain, & Rear Side Airbags
- Immobilizer
- Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rearview Camera
- Safe Exit Warning
- 12.3" Audio w/ AM/FM/HD Radio(TM)
- Bluelink+ All-inclusive Connected Services (enrollment required)
- Front & Rear USB Ports
- H-Tex Trimmed Seats
- Not Available in AK & HI
- Proximity Key w/ Push Button Start
- SiriusXM Radio (w/ 90-day trial subscription);
- Wireless Android Auto(TM) & Apple CarPlay
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Automatic LED Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED Tail Lamps
- Rear Bumper Side Steps
- Sheet Molded Composite Bed
- Under-Bed & Sidewall Storage Compartments
- 8-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC
- Smartstream 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine
Recalls
4 NHTSA recalls for 2025 to 2027 Santa Cruz models. Dealers fix them free; a new car should have them done before delivery. Ask the dealer to check the VIN.
Forward collision avoidance2025, 2026 · 423,062 vehicles
Software in the front cameras may cause the forward collision avoidance system to activate prematurely and unexpectedly apply the brakes.Recall 26V316000 at NHTSA ↗Electrical system2026 · 41,651 vehicles
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."Recall 26V047000 at NHTSA ↗Air bags2025, 2026 · 258 vehicles
The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.Recall 25V809000 at NHTSA ↗Electrical system2025 · 42,465 vehicles
The console extension wiring assembly may be routed improperly, allowing the transmission to be shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal.Recall 24V877000 at NHTSA ↗Quick answers
- How much is a 2027 Santa Cruz in California?
- $34,915 to drive away for the SE, from a $30,300 sticker.
- What does it cost a month?
- A $510 loan payment, about $1,107 a month with insurance, fuel and upkeep ($5,000 down); about $1,059 a month all in, after resale.
- How much can it tow?
- 5,000 lb for the XRT; 3,500 lb for every other trim.
Colors
Sage Gray+$500Phantom BlackBlue Stone+$500Atlas WhiteHampton Gray
Similar pickups
US prices in US dollars from Hyundai's US website, read 2026-11-09; destination as the brand lists it. Taxes, registration and the dealer doc fee follow your state. Insurance and maintenance are estimates. How we count.