Here’s What I Love AND Hate about the Hyundai Santa Cruz Compact Truck After Driving It For a Year!
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- čas přidán 26. 04. 2023
- ( www.alltfl.com/) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! After a year and a commuter-friendly 12,000 miles on the clock, did we fall in love with our Hyundai Santa Cruz? Andre and Roman cover the high and low points in this long-term wrap-up!
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#hyundai #truck #review - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Compact/midsize trucks should have a midgate and backseat that fold flat with the bed.
Nah that would require seals that leak over time then you have a mold truck.
just get an avalanche
We own 2, I have the XRT and have put just over 10k miles on it since August. I work as a field service tech for injection molding and have about 700 pounds of tools in it. My PACKOUT boxes fit great and I have had zero issues so far. Love it so far.
It’s a great truck for what it is. The prices are getting out of hand. 10k less and it would take the market by storm.
I was Blessed! I bought my Blue SEL Premium turbo with activity package in August of 21 , At West Broad Hyundai in Richmond Va They Don't Sale over MSRP! So my sticker was 31,325 and they gave me extra 25 k warranty and free Synthetic Oil changes for life. God is Faithful! My home Dealer Sold a White full Loaded limited wile we were still driving it. And Jacked price up. 3k
@@rusty383You did not get the Premium Turbo + activity package then for that price. Stop.
@@rusty383
I call bs. That truck MSRPs for $37k.
@@dillonh321 it’s crazy to see the Colorado Zr2 (highest Trim) have a 4 cylinder sell for 45k
@@nogamblinge2671
To be fair it’s a fairly advanced, powerful and heavy built 4 cylinder but yeah it should be at least $15k less. In fact the whole truck market should be dropped by at least $15k IMO.
I think you guys are brilliant because I own one with the base engine and 8 speed. Very smooth, easily exceeds 30 mpg on the highway, and isn't as slow as some people claim. The best phrase to describe the power is, "more than adequate." 18,000 trouble free miles so far.
Hi Buddy. I put the new K&N filter in mine. It really made a great difference! With the Cat it has 3 Mufflers. I am a retired Professional Driver. I have to have sound to hear everything in that little Hot Rod Turbo. I took that monster heavy last Muffler off and added 2 Beautiful twin Stanless cut outlets and it's the perfect mellow Sound like a 325i BMW and it looks stock. They have choses single iodized Black or stainless and same in twins. Now it sounds like it looks. Beautiful. Every thing
Would it be fair to say then that the turbo model would not be worth the extra money?
@@rogermoreno1152 It depends on how fast you want to go and how much you're willing to spend. For my needs the base engine has been great. Zero regrets.
What's is best way carry 2 mountain bikes on this Santa cruz?
I feel it’s safe to assume Nathan has no issue with the headrest pulling his hair!
Nah, this comment is vile!😂
savage! I actually wish Nathan would have been in this video as well. It's one thing to have this truck (sorry) in the TFL fleet for a year, but probably a lot more insightful to drive it every day? (plus, he has better taste in music :P)
😂
I just picked up a Hampton Grey Night Edition. LOVE IT!!! Looks amazing, drives great, and hauls my ATV on a trailer perfectly. It's quicker than it looks. Passing is just a push of the gas and blinker away. So glad the compact trucks are back!
I just bought the exact same NE truck, same color. It’s been fantastic so far. The ride is very refined, quiet and smooth. Way more refined than I expected. The power is great. The transmission hasn’t been an issue but it’s early. And the back seat is perfectly fine for normal sized adults. Mine is a 2023 and has physical buttons for the climate control. I think the Night Edition in Hampton Gray is the best looking example of this truck.
In Australia we call them 'Ute's'. Ute is a shortening of Utility because they are literally Utility Vehicles.
A truck is a commercial vehicle here in Australia.
It’s a cool little truck. I will have to consider this, when getting a newer truck!
Turn traction control off, select snow, center lock on, manually put in first gear and definitely install top brand all terrain tires.
The payload is exactly the same as my Maverick 1,411, I also have a recall on the trailer hitch wiring
Man you guys had me laughing with the hair attraction to the head rests. Most thorough reviews on the internet.
Would love to see a video comparison of Nathan Santa Cruz vs. Andre Colorado on size difference.
great review! i also 100% agree. i had ordered the 2023 Maverick hybrid on one of the about 7 days the ordering banks were open. i liked the looks and ride of this one much better (the Maverick is to plastic and cheap feeling, tho i liked the milage better on the Ford. i found a used 2022 SEL w/ activity package in the color i wanted with only 11K. i ended getting that the same month my Maverick had come in. i cannot be happier GREAT LITTLE TRUCK!! and i paid 8K less than i would have paid for the Maverick. it also rides and feels so much better.
Using an anti-static polymer will keep the dust down in the plastics and fabric seats. DuPont and Monsanto developed these polymers in the 1980s, I using them in our textile and molded products for decades.
My 16 Tacoma with cloth seat was pulling my hair too when it got too long (from buzz cut). You need to test drive more cloth seats / base models! 🤪
The Tires were good in the Sand in Nags Head NC. We have a Blast on the Beach.
Great review! considering this bad boy. I rented the Toyota Tacamo and dont like the weeble wooble ride and a bit too high for me.
I have owned one for 2 years now and love it. I have the turbo and believe me it’s fast. It is not too big and prefer for someone who doesn’t need a gas guzzling enormous pick up.
35,000 miles on my 2.5L 8 speed. Only one recall which was a trailer hitch harness thing. Averaging combined MPG at 27.5. It has done everything well and been comfortable doing it. Have not, nor will i ever, try and tear a vehicle up off-road, so that is not part of this review. But here is the real surprise after having huge rust issues with Toyotas and other vehicles. No rust. And we are in the Upper Penisula of Michigan. The Santa Cruz is built with lots of high-quality metal.
Love this truck, and I heard that the seats on the Canyon & Colorado are actually more comfortable than the seats on the GM half-tons.
They’re ok from Colorado ‘22 ownerAll mid size trucks would shine on versatility if the rear cab was 3in further back it could accommodate so many more passengers without knee pressing into seats
I love the idea of these things. The beds too short for my use.
I love mine. Favorite vehicle i've owned so far.
My Hyundai Veloster had Dual clutch and at times it seemed confused on what to do in 1 & 2 sometimes it would pause and almost feel like neutral then start slowly ..hard to describe but not all the time once in a while , someone told me it was normal under certain situations?
You and your crew keep inspiring us. Please keep going!
I love when you guys make videos on the santa Cruz
Yes to Roman's comment about the fabric on headrests grabbing hair. The fabric they're using in vehicles these days looks cheap, feels nasty, and grabs hair.
Has Hyundai improved the dual clutch transmission and made it more reliable for 2024? I'm considering buying the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruze, however concerned with their dual clutch transmission. What is the warrant on this transmission?
That under storage compartment is ideal for winter and emergency stuff. Throw some sand, de-icer, tow rope, and jumper cables in there or possibly under the back seats. I also would not call it a truck. It’s an SUV with a bed, even a truck bed but the way it drives, parks and size makes it more car, although one that can really pull a load. I am thinking of getting one and towing a camper.
I love my SC ! For those that got that paint tone I believe it has been discontinued so that color is rare already !
Good one.. Is the DCT reliable? Thanks
I tried buying the base SE when it came out 2021, and still try in 2024 and they're just not in the dealerships! It's sounding like a 2023 SE with tow and go package installed is just the sort of "dumb" crossover I'd drive into the 150K's miles. But I can't find one here. Dealers here want to sell the 40K trim. Maybe it can be done when the plant opens in Savannah?
It might not be a popular opinion but I really like the design of this truck.
I like it too youre not alone haha
Definitely polarizing lol. I love the way it looks, very odd but still cool. I have one used to work with a bunch of trucksexual machinists, welders, etc., and a bunch of them loved it😂 Even the "square body or it's not a truck" guys kind of had their interest piqued. Made them feel things and they didn't like it lol.
thought it was ugly until i actually saw it on the road in person
It's a really eye-catching design, very modern and pleasing to look at.
Design is good, but the price sent me to Ford.
Would love to see this one vs Nathan's off-road in a video
Just installed leather seats on one of these yesterday, I really enjoyed driving it, I also have driven the maverick, I must say I like the look of the maverick more but I like the driving feel of the Santa Cruz. Glad I’m not in the market for either because it would be a tough choice.
Hyundai did a great on the Santa Cruz. It’s a big market for small trucks and they made a better looking truck than expected. I had my doubts when they announced it, but I see the appeal. I’m a ford guy but if my job made me drive a Santa Cruz i
Wouldn’t mind.
Roman. AS a pro detailer I can attest to the fact that NO ONE likes piano black! There a few interior detailer products that have anti static properties that help tremendously.
Its a pretty cool looking truck but for $40k the Ridgeline is leaps and bounds the better vehicle. I put 297k miles on my 07 Ridgeline. And that was towing a camper, a landscape trailer, and hauling various materials. All that with a smooth SUV ride and comfort. Like others have said, nicely equipped at like $25-28k would make way more sense.
You guys didn't even mention the technology aspect of this vehicle, and I think it's very much worth taking into consideration when making a decision on this one. The drive assist, the 360-view cameras especially. This thing is loaded with technology at good price compared to other vehicles with the same technology.
Not to mention the ability to use a USB cord to operate it if you lose your keys!
Does anyone know if you can pull the backseats forward on these?
Why would you race a Santa Cruz against a full size raptor? If you wanted to race something why didn't you race it versus a maverick or a tacoma? Wouldn't it make more sense to compare the roominess of the interior and speed versus a Ford Maverick?
Is it good for long road trip?
From what I have read the non turbo engine and 8 speed is the way to go !
Please retry test with it in sport shift and just shift with paddles steering wheel.
I had a 2022 sel premium sage green for a year6100 miles, dealer did the soft wear update shifted better than new no issues, just had no use for the bed in the back, graded it in for my 2023 mini countryman all 4 s no looking back don’t miss it.
So you got a new vehicle? Very hard to follow what you wrote.
❤TFL. Awesomeness: Verifiable data facts presented with entertaining informative real world data one can use to make educated purchasing decisions like no others!
What is the best way to carry two mountain bikes with the Santa Fe?
I really want to see a midsize truck from Hyundai.
i love all your videos keep up the great work. The Santa Cruz is a better looking small truck than the Ford.
Some reason it reminds me of El Camino...Ranchero.. Rampage.. half car half truck..in this case half truck half SUV 🤔 maybe
DCTs really hate being launched by brake-torquing. I have a Kona N with the same exact transmission as the Santa Cruz, and it does the same thing when you brake-torque it - it severely lags.
All supercars launch fine with their DCTs, even new Mini Cooper lauches fine with DCT. Obviously the issue is not with DCT but who made it
@@Mark-rt6fy, it's all about the software control of the DCT. A few years back, I was able to do some driving of a very small Mercedes (GLA) with a DCT. It was pretty quick, no significant lag beyond the bi-turbo spooling up. It was well-designed, yes, but I imagine that Mercedes put serious effort into ensuring the software was able to control that DCT properly.
I'm curious about the dual clutch transmission. I've had three different friends have serious issues with the DC transmission (two of them waited MONTHS to get replacements). I'm curious why Hyundai thought that was the 'best' solution for a small truck.
many people do not understand/know how to properly drive a DCT which often causes failure quickly. It isnt as bad forwet DCT but kia and hyundai are cheap and use DRY dct. There is a certain way to drive a DCT. They need "babied". I suggest you have your friends do some research on DCT so they can start driving them correctly. They are kind of like manuals trans.. Its super odd. DCT really need babied in city driving. They are just not made for stop and go traffic well. I personally would not get a DCT because I just don't want to add all that extra stress and focus into the vehicle when driving. If i wanted that id get a manual trands. DCTs are odd and if you don not drive them properly things can get bad quickly. Kia nd Hyundai seem to be putting dry DCTs in a lot of their vehicles.
@@johnj6306 The 2023 Santa Cruz uses a wet DCT, not a dry, I own the Night Edition. It definitely needs to be driven with how it shifts in mind, but overall this seems to be a good transmission for rural driving. I do a lot of back roads and highways, not a lot of city driving. First time I've ever bought a Hyundai. Only time will tell on how it holds up. I'm only planning on keeping it 5-7 years and no more than 100k miles. I will do all services reccomneded by the manufacturer. Hopefully it holds up.
Like the Ridgeline, it needs a new truck like front bumper/fender
I kinda like this and the Ford Maverick. But I’d prefer a midsize or a full size truck.
The prices are joining just absurd though
I have a 2023 Tuscon SEL AWD with the convenience package, i get 30 mpg strictly highway, some people dislike the DSG, mine is the standard 8 speed. I have Michelin Primacy and when i visit my hideaway in WV in the winter no problems climbing ices and snowy roads
Hyundai knows how to make a well handling winter vehicle. My 08 Veracruz went over Snoqualmie in a Blizzard without issue. I saw monster trucks give up on the side of the road while I confidently passed them. Bought a 24 Santa Cruze yesterday with the turbo 2.5. Beautiful "truck/car"
Dodge should re introduce the Rampage, it would probably sell great today!
As a 2 door, it wouldn't fit into that market. A Dakota, yes. Rampage was like a Ranchero El Camino on a K car platform.
Any oil consumption issues? I’m just worried about that class action lawsuit.
Maverick makes more sense. If I wanted to spend that kind of money on a unibody pickup, I'd go Ridgeline every time.
Comments bullied me out of considering a ridge line lmao but reviewers rave about ridge lines.
I want to like the Santa Cruz, but I worry about the durability or the turbo+dct drivetrain. In a lighter car that isn't made to carry loads in the bed, I wouldn't be as concerend about the engine/transmission.
Looks great maybe wait for the ‘24
Best warranty in the world so I wouldn't worry about that at all
I went with the base model and glad I did. The non turbo has enough power for me and the conventional transmission works great and is proven. Also prefer the interior controls with real knobs and buttons for the climate control. Wanted as much bed space as possible so the retractable bed cover was a no go for me. Was difficult to find a base model. Most dealers had mainly loaded ones which were 10K more and would of given me the features I specifically did not want.
@@8020Alive Well, I wouldn't say don't worry about that at all. Sometimes there is a wait time for parts, sometimes the problem isn't fixed the first time, the inconvenience of getting service.
Watch car care nut video review on this vehicle its more info he even has the car on the lift can view underneath the car, engine, Head to toe and underneath review.
Hey guys 28k on mine now.! Still Love seeing it in my Drive way. It makes me Smile every time I hit the button
Thx guys. Best review yet. I have owned two Hyundais ans ever any trouble. I’m very excited about the Santa Cruz!
Can we get it Right Hand Drive yet?
Love it😊
Yes ! It sucks. It picks up your body dandruff. Showering before you drive really helps.
I am a Ridgeline owner. I like the Santa Cruz but feel it is $4k over-priced. The Santa Cruz is a useful vehicle, and nice size. For now, the Maverick is a better deal. The Ridgeline costs a little more but offers much more.
I waited years for the Santa Cruz and was a bit disappointed. Mostly, I wanted more room…more backseat space, more bed space.
The compact size of the Santa Cruz has pushed me toward the Ridgeline. That vehicle just seems to be a perfect mix of “truck” things without being “over-trucked.” It’s so practical.
Just stick with your Ridgeline. It better than Cruz in every aspect. Especially around the same price for high trim.
@@g7003041 Agree 👍
I’d spend the extra money and get the Ridgeline.
@@linhunnicutt6556 That is why I think the Santa Cruz is over priced.
4:17 Roman talking about payload, "the Gladiator only has a thousand"!?
Maybe you're referring to the Toyota Gladiator 😂
Or one that has a lot of options on it, which would add weight…
Just bought a brand new 2023 Santa Cruz Limited California Sand. Only thing I agree with you guys on is the gloss piano black. My Limited DOES NOT have the hesitation or the herky jerk dct issue. I own a 21 MB G63 AMG and I prefer driving this Ute over that these days😅 .
"My Limited DOES NOT have the hesitation or the herky jerk dct"
Give it some time...
The ridgline is king in this segment decent bed back seat just lacking some technical things some things I like about the Santa Cruze just a little small for me
I think not being the same size as the Ridgeline is a good thing. For the people that want fwd pick up but live in the city it's nice to have an option.
Yeah, the Ridgeline offers more in size and comfort, for a little more cost!
Your man card has officially been revoked 😂
@@9663mu my wife would agree with you 😪
If you care about backseat spacing maybe don't go for a truck. Why not a minivan or a big SUV? And they're cheaper usually.
I feel like Roman has a pet peeve with anything piano black, including piano's!
You notice the sheet metal is super flimsy? My hood looks like it shakes, rattles and rolls, almost opening, at speeds above 70.
Not to mention I put 2 huge dents in my roof by accident trying to load kayaks.
I’ve had the same experience with mileage. 22 SEL Premium, and I’ve done several multi-day road-trips, and the fuel range display is HORRIBLY wrong. Like 100 miles wrong. At 65-70mph I can log 430-450 miles.
It’s the 85% solution. I genuinely think there’s no better ‘all-rounder’ than the SC.
Do you have the turbo or n/a model? I’ve decided the Santa Cruz is definitely my next vehicle but can’t decide if I want the n/a or turbo… I’m glad you can get AWD with either engine though, I’m definitely getting one with that option
Yes, please, no more piano black! I agree!
And real buttons, not capacitive touch stuff!
Recorded horizontally:)
went into the dealer here in Des Moines and told hi I wanted a simple base model, mostly he said they couldnt get any and walked away, off to the Toyota dealer to look at Tacoma,s
use high octane it actually works better in this turbo and try sport mode if you speed...
No. The manual says 87 gas is what the engine prefers.
which gasoline is better for the turbo engine ???
93
I don't consider the Santa Cruz to be an off-road vehicle at all. I do consider it to be a rough road vehicle. So, those who would like a car, but don't want to tear one up on rural roads, the SC might be a good choice, with proper tires on it.
Great review and thanks for sharing the info on the transmission. I prefer the 8-speed, so I'll be looking for one of those.
I got almost 50k on stock KUMHO’s
Hyundai said its not a truck it listed as cuv. Just because they put a bed in the back don't make it a truck "El Camino "
Actually they call it an SAV - sport adventure vehicle
@@edsgarage001 yes I stand corrected
It really needs 2 pistons calipers in front.
I’m gonna buy base model as soon as Hyundai will introduce it in Canada. I’m not interested in Turbo / DTC. It looks like too much headache
Naturally aspirated is tried and true
A year already??
Ok Ive had my SEL premium (same as pictured) over a year and these clowns really didnt actually give a helpful video about living with it for a year. Yes my dual clutch is jerky but change the drive mode to smart and it smooths it a lot. Launching? Sport mode in manual shift and it takes off very well. I cant take it to car washes (tonneu cover damage/running lamp housings collecting water) so I wash myself. Very well built, gas mileage is good but mpg callibration (as in every Hyundai) is poor. Piano black interior near controls and shifter is IMPOSSIBLE to keep clean. Wiper blades DONT raise so you gotta let that windshield fully de-ice before using. Autonomous rear braking is far too sensitive, stops the car from backing out when a car coming (in the far lane, no threat to me) is coming. Very annoying can be adjusted but not really. Those are some of the things people here might be interested in knowing. Oh and if you push anything up against that tonneu cover box it could shift the cover its not really placed in there solidly.
There's a lot here but wiper blades not raising is actually deranged
They do raise... Turn the car on, turn it off, and then hold the wiper stalk down and they will raise and stay.
I have a maverick and honestly this looks like so much better quality on so many levels. I also love the design much more, it looks like something from Halo to me. My concern though is the reliability for the Santa cruz. Is Hyundai a reliable brand?
Not quite up to Toyonda level, but better than Ford. Maverick has more recalls.
@@ThisGuyRides Hyundai comes with a great warranty as well. 5 year 60k miles Basic, 10 year 100k mile powertrain.
You didn't show your usage of the vehicle.. only a photo of skiing stuff
The color looks like paint primer.
We’re going to pump you up….
I use mine for surf fishing. Totally awesome for drinks all day . GLAD I GOT MY TOW PACKAGE AWAY FROM DEALER AND A PROFESSIONAL TOWING SERVICE. SAVED OVER 400 DOLLARS. IN STEAD OF DEALER
Which one do you Surf Fish with
The NA AWD
The NA FWD
East Coast sand
West Coast sand
Gulf Coast sand
Mine kicks Ass
Me: Did he say “sex” wax ?
Friend: I don’t… I don’t know what you’re talking about
I get 34 mpg but but Only with Synthetic Oil. I cought my Dealer putting Cheap oil in my Santa Cruz. Really pissed me off.
@DevilDog53 Synthetic Especially when it has a turbo! I called Hyundai about it too ! They are supposed to call the dealer
Base truck is perfect for me, just like all Hyundai they hit a perfect stride at 10 years, people trade em in and I pick them up for basically free and drive them till at minimum 250k+. Hyundai are super simple to work on and parts are really cheap. Kia same as well plus since the whole care stealing issue they are so inexpensive
I love the idea of the DCT, being a guy who loves the disappearing Manuals but I can no longer easily drive one. However . . . . Nathan's rig is the better version of the Santa Cruz.
You can't "load up" a dual clutch, meaning: floor it with the brake on...
Cost way too much. My 2022 canyon at4 was 42k. And that gets you a real body on frame pick up.
Base equipment Santa Cruz is only $27,000 and much better than the featured car.
do they come with fire extinguishing systems nowdays? between them & kia, you may as well be driving around in a huge molotov cocktail.
I thought I was in the Maverick/Santa Cruz market. Then the new Colorado Trail Boss arrived.
Go for it. I don’t think you could wrong with any choice.
Homestly you are better off with an outback or even a cross trek for the money.
Cactus?! Y'all that car is beige.
Just a truck Roman. Calling it something else isn’t cool or trendy, it’s just an immature attempt at pleasing the minority. They are not designed to be the “typical” truck, but a truck, nonetheless.
These are pretty nice small trucks. The Hyundai truck here in Canada is just expensive!! We only get the Turbo models her. I have yet to find a Hyundai dealer in my area yet that aren’t jerks. They add $800 in accessories and ask fir $4999 on top of MSRP. It’s a scan Kia & Hyundai have been fined and censured by the provincial body that regulates all car dealerships here in Alberta. My wife wants one, but we will buy a used one because the dealerships are all so terrible! Idid find one dealership that is fair if you special order one but they won’t commit to a final price until the vehicle arrives. They actually say it’s in case the market allows for additional up pricing. I just can’t deal with a company like that!!
We had the Maverick and loved it, but the niece needed a new vehicle and was having troubles getting one so we cold it to her & carried the financing. The Maverick has been without any issues and been driven over 40,000 km (25,000+) already. The niece hasn’t missed a payment yet and we don’t ever see her missing one. She is prepaid by $2500 already!! Kids (20 years old in her case) are great these days!
I can’t believe it’s so much money. It could dominate the market streamlining the trims and taking 10k off the top. Hyundai is supposed to be bang for the buck. Tacoma and Colorado sales going through the roof are throwing off the price meter of these competitors listings.
@@nogamblinge2671 - Absolutely!