Used 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz cost?

Prices have softened 8.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,651 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $27,289.91, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz a good car?

Generally — 4.25/5 from owners and 7.83/10 from experts, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a strong fit if you want truck utility in a compact, distinctive package. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

The Santa Cruz’s appeal comes from its useful small-bed layout, peppy powertrain, and stylish design, and Hyundai’s warranty adds to the value proposition. It also feels well suited to city use thanks to its reduced footprint and easy maneuverability.

The trade-offs are just as clear: poor fuel economy and a cramped back seat. If you care more about character, usefulness, and a compact footprint than maximum efficiency or rear-seat space, this is the kind of trucklet that makes sense.

Good and great deals account for 31.1% of listings, so you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz reliable?

Owners rate it 4.25/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Santa Cruz’s reliability case is helped by Hyundai’s strong warranty coverage and free maintenance, which reduce early ownership risk. The expert assessment also points to a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with package that does the basics well while delivering good on-road manners.

Its powertrain is described as peppy and smooth, and the truck is presented as a great runabout for weekend use and light adventure. That said, the poor fuel economy means your long-term running costs may be higher than you’d like if you rack up a lot of miles.

What should I look for when buying a used 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 90.9% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage truck or one that may have seen rough use. Focus on overall condition, because the Santa Cruz’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained and whether the cabin and exterior still feel fresh.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The SE, SEL, Night, XRT, and Limited trims differ meaningfully in equipment, with the base trims offering the simpler setup and the upper trims adding more comfort and convenience features. If you want the most complete feature set, the Limited is the most fully equipped choice.
• Powertrain: Lower trims use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged setup raises output to 282 hp and 311 lb-ft and feels much more responsive.
• Safety package: All trims get forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. XRT and above add adaptive cruise control and forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian-, cyclist-, and junction-turning detection.
• Infotainment: SE and SEL trims use an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while upper trims get a 10.25-inch display with wired smartphone compatibility. Wireless charging is standard on the top three trims and available on the SEL, but not on the base SE.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD tester is rated at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, and it averaged 23.3 mpg over 589 miles.

Which 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz trim should I buy?

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is offered in 5 trim levels: SE, SEL, Night, XRT, Limited.

Here's the short version:

• SE: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable with the simpler equipment. It gets the core Santa Cruz formula, but you’ll miss some of the nicer convenience and tech upgrades found higher up.
• SEL: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful everyday usability without pushing you all the way to the top of the range. It also gets the 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, which is a practical advantage.
• Night: Choose this if you want a more distinctive appearance and a step up in presentation without going to the most expensive trim. It sits above the mainstream trims and adds more visual flair.
• XRT: This is the trim to consider if you want the more adventurous character and the added driver-assistance content that comes with it. It also marks the point where more advanced safety tech becomes standard.
• Limited: This is the fully loaded choice, and it’s the one to buy if you want the most comfort, convenience, and tech. It’s the best fit if you plan to keep the truck a long time and want the most complete version of the Santa Cruz.

The safety package is broad across the lineup, but XRT and above add more advanced collision-avoidance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,651 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.63% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 90.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,289.91, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz's resale value?

The current average of $27,287 sits slightly below last year's $29,865.

That price movement suggests the Santa Cruz has already absorbed some depreciation, which can be helpful if you’re buying now and planning to sell later. A softer market today can also mean less downside if you choose a well-kept example at a competitive price.

For future resale, the strongest protection comes from buying a trim and condition level that broadens appeal. A clean, well-equipped Santa Cruz should be easier to move than one with visible wear or a weak service history.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.25/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz safe?

It earns five-star ratings in front crash and four-star ratings in rollover from NHTSA.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Hyundai gives the Santa Cruz a comprehensive driver-assistance suite, including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. XRT and above add adaptive cruise control and forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian-, cyclist-, and junction-turning detection.

The Limited trim goes further with Highway Drive Assist and a blind-spot view monitor, while the adaptive cruise system can also slow for curves using navigation data. One caveat is that the system is hands-on and requires your attention at all times.

Should I buy a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2024 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2024 if:

• 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 90.9% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.25/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It blends truck utility with a compact footprint and a peppy powertrain.

Consider the 2025 if:

• At $29,812, the 2025 costs more than the current year's $27,287 average.
• It adds new tech, styling updates, and off-roading enhancements.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2024 is the smarter buy because prices are softer and inventory is healthy. If you’re willing to pay more for the newer model’s updates, the 2025 is the better secondary path for buyers who want the latest version.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.