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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Hyundai
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact, car-based "sport adventure vehicle" that blurs the line between crossover and pickup, and it was designed first and foremost for North America.
Model profile
The Santa Cruz launched for the 2022 model year as an all-new model, sharing its foundations with the fourth-generation Tucson. It received a mid-cycle refresh later in its run that updated the front-end styling, interior layout and technology, including a revised dashboard and larger screens.
Powertrain and equipment
Two petrol engines are offered. The standard 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces around 191 hp and drives through an 8-speed automatic.
There is a single body style: a four-door crew cab with a compact bed, around 1.3 metres long, plus the signature under-bed storage.
Vehicle selection
Because the Santa Cruz is recent and popular, US used supply is steady and skews toward newer, low-mileage cars, many still within their US warranty period. Turbo Limited and XRT examples are the most sought-after. As always, sourcing from milder, drier regions helps preserve condition.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Typical US-spec figure: Compact unibody crew-cab pickup |
|---|---|
| Bed length | Typical US-spec figure: approx. 1,32 m (52 in) |
| Length | Typical US-spec figure: approx. 4,970 mm |
| Wheelbase | Typical US-spec figure: approx. 3,005 mm |
| Seating | Typical US-spec figure: 5 |
| Base engine | Typical US-spec figure: 2.5 L NA I4 |
|---|---|
| Power (2.5 NA) | Typical US-spec figure: approx. 191 hp |
| Top engine | Typical US-spec figure: 2.5 L turbo I4 |
| Power (2.5T) | Typical US-spec figure: approx. 281 hp |
| Torque (2.5T) | Typical US-spec figure: approx. 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) |
| Transmission | Typical US-spec figure: 8-speed auto / 8-speed DCT (turbo) |
| Drivetrain | Typical US-spec figure: FWD or HTRAC AWD |
| Fuel | Typical US-spec figure: Petrol |
| Generation | Typical US-spec figure: First generation (2022-) |
|---|---|
| Max towing (2.5T) | Typical US-spec figure: approx. 2,270 kg (5,000 lb) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The Santa Cruz shares its mechanicals with the Tucson, which gives it a broadly solid reliability outlook, but a few Santa Cruz common problems are worth flagging. The turbo model's 8-speed dual-clutch transmission can feel hesitant or jerky at low speeds and in stop-start traffic, which is characteristic rather than a fault, though software updates improved it.
Germany and Europe
US cars use amber side markers, US-spec headlights, mph instruments and North American infotainment and connected-services bands. Some driver-assist calibrations and speed-sign recognition are set for US roads.
Expect the usual headlight conversion to European beam pattern, addition of a rear fog lamp, and confirmation that the cluster reads in km/h (many Hyundai clusters can switch units).
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
Because it is largely unavailable new in Europe. The US is the source market, offering low-mileage, well-equipped used examples across the trim range.
The 2.5-litre turbo with AWD is the one to seek: markedly stronger, better to tow with, and tied to the higher trims.
Broadly yes, sharing Tucson mechanicals. The main talking points are dual-clutch low-speed manners and normal turbo-GDI oil discipline.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
It is a unibody, car-based pickup, so it drives like an SUV with a useful short bed rather than being a heavy-duty body-on-frame truck.
The turbo model is rated up to around 2,270 kg (5,000 lb); the non-turbo is rated considerably lower.
Yes, via individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with lighting conversion and a rear fog lamp, as with other US imports.
No. We are an independent broker and intermediary for used US vehicles, with no dealer margin and no manufacturer partnership.
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