I think as long as people think of this in terms of increased passenger car capabilities instead of reduced pickup truck capabilities it makes alot of sense for the general use daily driveable type of small ute.
These types of vehicles I'd push to people who normally drive a regular crossover but haul stuff they really don't want to put in the cargo area of their crossover or SUV...nice you can put messy stuff in the bed of a Santa Cruz or the Ford Maverick, unload it and drive through a car wash or use a garden hose to wash out the bed, can't really do that with an SUV or crossover, at least not without destroying the carpet LOL.
This thing is perfect for me. I don't need a full truck that could tow a house. I just need something I can rely on to not fall off the road when it snows.
@@mikeoxlong3676 Ooh good point, yeah hauling fuel in my Bronco 2 sucks LOL...no matter what you do you end up with the fuel smell in your vehicle and good luck getting rid of the smell, and diesel is the worst LOL.
Cool looking truck. The "off road" test is always welcomed. No AWD is every going to compare to true 4x4 especially with a locker, also most of the cross overs lack ground clearance for true off roading. That being said, if they had decent tires on it will still make a big difference. Lastly, where these AWD systems excel is in snow conditions.
We test drove a Santa Cruz and were really impressed by the whole package. Perfect for city dwellers! Your off road course is great too! Really shows what vehicles can and can't do.
i love how all the videos on this vehicle start at the base price of $26K or so and then test drive the $41K limited version....night and day between the 2 vehicles and i don't think too many are going to get the base model after they see all the options on the SEL and Limited models.....leather seats don't come with anything but the limited which is a downer and Tonneau cover is included in a $3500 options adventure package.....you lose a foot of bed space with the cover...I really wanted to like this vehicle and I do love the look of it but when I see all the options that price it out of the avg driver's budget, i won't be getting it just yet...if the leather seats came with the SEL premium, they might have had me but they cost 3-4K more for that package...you get 20 inch tires with the limited too but such a simple but popular option of leather seats is pretty pricey....too bad Hyundai didn't think about the upper middle buyer for this vehicle because from the outside, it looks fantastic
@@lolotus4borderless yes I know, but he presented the powerful engine with a double clutch, I would've liked to see the powerful engine offered with a traditional trany as well. But most of all I would love & buy an awd PHEV version if they have one in the making.
I don’t think it should be compared to the Ford Maverick. The Maverick is a cheaply made to be inexpensive where the Santa Cruz is a well built and not cheap! The Santa Cruze is like an SUV/ Truck, and the Maverick is just a truck!
Great video as always Ryan! I think it's good that this is distinct to the Maverick in a few ways and gives buyers the option to choose which they like better. It's boring to make vehicles too similar to each other.
The visor mirrors ARE illuminated - the light is in the roof. At least it is on my Ultimate (Limited equivalent in Canada). I love this thing, but agree with you about the touch sensitive console. I'd rather have buttons and knobs. I do find the reverse cross-traffic mitigation stuff WAY too aggressive. I was trying to back out of a parking space in a lot that runs alongside a street (think standard mini/strip mall scenario) and it just SLAMMED the brakes because there were cars on the street way back behind me. Well over a car length back. I commute with this 200km (about 120 miles) every day, and it's a fantastic long-range driver. The semi-autonomous features are really nice, as is the adaptive cruise. Great power for passing on 2-lane roads too. It's precisely what I wanted - small, SUV comfort, great driving characteristics, and does a little bit of truck stuff when I need it. Yeah, it was a bit more expensive than I'd have liked, but worth every penny.
The SEL Premium trim gets you the turbo engine and AWD, with rotary (barrel shaped) controls for audio and tuning, plus tabs for HVAC. No leather though.
I would love to see a test on the base model, a different engine and trany altogether additionally 40k+ feels unlikely to be Hyundai volume sell on the Santa Cruz
Yeah, this vehicle really shines where (for me especially) it'll be spending 99% of it's time - that is - on the road. It's on road manners, and acceleration make it an easy jump from a car. I'd get the ability to haul things when needed, all weather and light off road capability, without sacrificing it all to leaf springs and live axles.
Hmmm…not nearly enough bed area to be practical and yet, also not nearly enough space to make rear seat passengers comfortable…strange hybrid. I think what it has going for it is a single or couple just wanting a unique looking ride pretty much. Long in style, short on practicality
You know what I would love to see manufacturers do with press cars ? Give them in pairs , one top level trim and one mid level . For one most people are going to buy mid level and for two when someone like you gets ahold of it they know it’s going to be tested off road so it would be really interesting to see the difference between the two . I have a feeling a low-mid trim would wipe the floor with the highest trim for most all crossover suv .
@@drivingsports We've been looking for a base SE AWD model, seems virtually zero inventory in the whole country, lol! The ones you can get have big dealer markups on them. :(
Ryan, We just need a return of the Subaru Baja (or Brat) to have a game of bridge with unibody pickups. Let's see how well the Santa Cruz, Maverick and Ridgeline sell when all the hype cools off. A CUV and utility trailer would be so much more useful for so many people for so many reasons. After all, if you really need a truck wouldn't you just buy a truck?
Given that the Ridgeline starts in the high 30s, I think it's going to be hurt the most by the appearance of these lower-cost options. But I do love the idea of a small truck that doesn't drive like a truck.
@@drivingsports It was nice to see a 70s import pickup to be reminded of how small body on frame trucks once were.Time will tell if there really was a demand for these unibodies. One thing is certainly very 'truck authentic' about this Santa Cruz - only 22 Highway mpg.
I use my xt outback like a truck. It can tow more then the 1k i could put in the bed. I just use my truck for firewood work in the woods now. The OB does my paved road work. It tows my boat just fine. Ride and mpg are way better then my truck...But i park the OB when it ice season. It can run chaines... My local roads are dirt and ice up. But its only 5 miles to the state road thats salted plowed.. i can justify a full set of studded tires for the OB for ice seaon.
"if you really need a truck wouldn't you just buy a truck" is exactly the same argument people used to level against crossovers. Look where we are now.
@@ProAlchemist My thoughts exactly. So many people wanted the utility and all season, all road capability of trucks, but didn't want the compromises of body on frame trucks. And so, the suv market exploded.
I have a feeling the standard 2.5L NA and traditional 8-speed auto are better off-road. Dual-clutch transmissions are not designed for crawling on or off road. It wasn't mentioned, but should be noted that the more basic trims of the Santa Cruz don't have that horrible all gloss black center stack with no buttons or knobs. The standard unit has matte black plastic with physical buttons and knobs.
9:40 I’ve been researching this car super extensively the past couple months and out of all the reviews and specs this is the first time I heard it’s a wet clutch transmission, that’s not a bad thing at all but it’s interest that they did this in addition to a turbo charged engine. The oil consumption on this vehicle will probably be a talking point as it goes thru it’s generations.
One of the best reviews I've watched on the Santa Cruz. As a potential buyer/leaser of this vehicle, I've got to say that it did better on that course than I thought it would, particularly given that it's on 20" all seasons. That's more of an off road challenge than I would ever attempt to put my Santa Cruz through come the time I get one.
The whole vehicle is very cheaply made. I checked them out multiple times and test drove but didn't buy. I saw brand new trucks at the dealership with condensation in the lights and other issues clearly visible already. Turns out these trucks are pieces of junk. Transmission and other issues when brand new. People stranded on the sides of highways with breakdowns before they even hit 10k miles.
@@Kodazot you talking about the plastic fenders? If so the Baja already had them and would look good because its an offroad type vehicle. The WRX needs to lose the plastic fenders though.
Barely 20mpg is terrible for a vehicle this new, and for its size. I get 25mpg at 80mph in my 87 Ford Ranger with a 2.9L V6 that doesn't have a turbo, and has a manual transmission...pretty horrible fuel economy in a vehicle this size for today's market...not impressed...and a 2.5L Turbo 4 cylinder seems a larger engine without a turbo would be a better engine choice than what they give you....you underpower an engine, then rely on a turbo you are going to get terrible fuel economy...drop the turbo and put a larger engine in and it'll get better fuel economy.
Sheesh. $40,000 is some serious sticker shock. As a matter of fact when you said the price of the tester I literally made this 😐 face. I think the price ceiling for these kind of trucks should be about $30,000. I see what Hyundai was going for, but the Maverick is a much better execution to me. Overall, if you just need a runabout to do Home Depot runs, I recommend getting a used wagon like an Escort Wagon or an older used truck, like an early 2000’s Ford Ranger.
My 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport AWD was 37.5K . Not too bad if you plan to keep it for years...right now isn't a good time to be buying any new vehicle but used car prices are ridiculous !
I WAS quite interested in BUYING this vehicle ( set up a pre-order ) then it took WAY to long to come up with the price points , when they FINALLY did ... Starting price was ok , But then they came to the limited which I was ONLY interested in and I’m thinking it SHOULD have topped out at the premium level. The limited is OVER PRICED ( my opinion ) and on top of that dealers are GOUGING 5 grand more because it’s been just released and demand is supposed to be there . From what I understand if buy from further out from city it’s possible to get sticker , As of now I’m not as excited as I had been , and I’ll either wait a while or move on to something else !
My knee jerk reaction to the price as tested was complete shock but watching the review it really does include alot. I like the interior design it seems really appropriate for the vehicle without being overly stylized. LOVED the shots with the wind turbine behind the hill!!!
I'd like to check one out, but can't find any Santa Cruz vehicles located anywhere close to where I live in NW Florida, although the Ford dealer has a few Mavericks available. Both of those vehicles are appealing in their own ways, but I want to drive and compare them to each other, so guess I'll continue to wait until local dealers get both of them in stock.
My SEL has a manual volume and channel selector. Just purchased July 23rd, 2022. Never thought my wife would be interested in this truck, but after she visited our local Hyundai dealership, she told me to get my butt over there to sign papers.
😳 This brain dead reviewer literally said that it doesn't seem like a good idea to tow something that weighs more than the tow vehicle! 🤦🏾♂️ A statement never said by any truck owner ever! 🤷🏾♂️
As a Subaru fanboy, I would really like to know how this HTRAC system compares to Subaru for everyday driving. Not many people are going offroad. So how would you rate this HTRAC for everyday driving and/or snow driving during the midwestern winter?
I thought the compact truck would never work here in America is specially after Subaru discontinued their compact truck but now I'm so looking forward to seeing more of them here in America like they are in the rest of the of the world
@@SubuwuCollie this vehicle is not a direct competitor to the ranger. The ranger competes with the Tacoma and other mid sized trucks. The commenter is comparing this vehicle to the old Subaru Baja, which would be a more appropriate comparison. Basically a car masquerading as a truck. This vehicle competes with Ford’s maverick. The maverick is smaller than the ranger.
@@nicholaslee5310 True, but Frozen Peas did say PREVIOUS GEN Ford Ranger, not the current one. The previous model was considerably smaller than the Ranger of today, with some versions even smaller than the new Maverick. I think Frozen Peas was just making the comment that the market in the U.S. for a compact truck has never disappeared, because the previous gen Ranger, (along with compact trucks from other manufacturers), sold well, and is still popular.
Many people and businesses want little trucks like these, and many of these little trucks do far more truck duty work than many full size 1/2 ton and super duty truck owners ever will. A lot of delivery companies, couriers, parts companies, etc. used Rangers, Nissan Frontiers, Dodge Dakotas, Chevy S-10's and the old Tacomas before they became bloated mid-sized trucks. There's a huge market for the compact truck world, its just too bad these automakers keep slapping 4 doors on everything, but it is what it is. Ford should come back with a Courier pickup, just plain jane 2 door with a 6 or 7 foot bed, and offer it in 4WD or some form of AWD and they'd have a winner for many businesses...most businesses that used the old Rangers used them for deliveries of parts, pest and weed control, and stuff like that where they just had a driver, and a bed full of equipment, no need for 4 doors type of chores.
I'd really like to see the Maverick go over this course for comparison with the FX4 package. Great video for seeing some of the basic off road capabilities.
@@jmanned They were the same. But who really even cares? People aren't buying these small trucks for driving over logs. 99.9% of people won't put them through this test.
This vehicle was one of my top options until I saw the interior. The extent of piano black and touchscreen buttons are a hard no in my books. I feel like everyone I talk to feels the same way, so why has this become such a trend?
I’ve been getting around 37 on the highway with my Santa Cruz limited. The 27 hyundai says is extremely low. Even when you’re not trying that hard I can get easily into the 30s on the highway with it.
The Truck Winner Is 🏆Santa Cruz Limited & WHY: MSRP $42,175 usd est with 5000 lb hitch, 7 pin connector, brake controller installed & shipping: 🥇Towing 5000 lbs 🥇Best HP & Torque 🥇Standard Self Leveling Rear Suspension 🥇Liquid Cooled Dual Wet Clutches 🥇Class Leading Safety Features 🥇Best Handling On and Off Road Manners 🥇Class Leading Luxury Features 🥇Exclusive Software Locking Front and Rear Axels Etc. 🥈Available Factory Supplied Dealer Installed 5000 towing Hitch With 7 Pin Connector 🥉Aftermarket Only Trailer Brake Controller 2nd Place Ford Maverick Lariat MSRP $41,820 With Options 🥈Requires Max Tow Package, only rated at 4000 lbs 🥈Requires Luxury Upgrade Package But Still Less Features 🥈Less HP & Torque 🥈Less Available Safety Features 🥈Less Available Traction Adaptation Software Setting Combinations 🥈Bounces Around Like The Old Ford Courier It Replaces 🥇Integrated Trailer Brake Controller 🥇Factory Installed hitch with 7 pin connector 🥇FX4 Package Offers Skid Plates 🥇Slightly Better Fuel Economy
Really like your honest this is good, this not so much approach and your knowledge to know what to test. I am about to buy the SEL Premium which has most of the features of the Limited but 18"wheels (actually better looking rims) and no cute blind spot cameras or adaptive cruise. Most different though is the included 8" info screen on the Premium has scroll knobs for volume and little levers for changing havac temp as well as wireless android auto. It doesn't look as cool but I think it might be a better system. The reason I am buying the Santa Cruz is that it will be fun to drive, and easy to maneuver but still be able to haul a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood from Home Depot not to mention stand up an appliance or haul some firewood. Really fun video btw.
I just realized something...if Jeep made their own version of this, based on the Grand Cherokees construction and 4wd system... This Hyundai would quickly become obsolete lol
Manufacturer tires really hamper these awd systems no matter how good they might be. It felt like watching someone in a Subaru try to drive on ice with all seasons. It doesn't work.
20:16 yes with trailer brakes & subtract the weight of up to 1400lbs of cargo & people in truck. I think this would be a great little truckette, but my wife hates it. Makes me want one so she won't drive it, but might have to compromise with a Santa Fe Turbo AWD, which is only rated to tow 3500 w/trailer brakes. At least it has physical buttons instead of piano black touch pad controls.
I watched this after I already ordered a 2023 Santa Cruz lol as I age, I need something lower to the ground than my Ram 1500. Loking forward to its arrival and thanks for a well done review!
It looks a more modern copy of the Subaru Baja than anything you mentioned. The Baja was never very popular but back then prices of American cars were not that bad plus they were plentiful. These little trucks have come a long way too where as the originals were pretty thin on everything. it's availability is the thing that will make this sell because you can't buy the Maverick and they can't get the production going as planned in Mexico. Buyers give this truck an 8.4 - 8.8 after a year.
7:33 yes we expect this sort of advanced tech at this price point in a Hyundai, but in a more expensive luxury vehicle, this sort of tech is often only available as part of a very expensive option package.
I want to really understand what is going on inside some peoples' heads. You are taking a crossover with what are essentially summer tires on an off road trail. With no 4x4. All it takes is a large rock and it will rip the exhaust system clean off by the rear axle.
The LAW said We can not use the Phone while driving...... But car makers give us a Really BiG phone screen// an X-BOX to Play with... While Driving.... .😂😅🤣
Maybe I missed it, but is the tonneau cover fully removable? I think my mountain bike will fit in the bed (over the tailgate) if I can remove it entirely. Otherwise, it loses a big use case for me.
@@drivingsports Just about 40lbs, but big and awkward. Frees up a foot of bed length vertically, as even fully retracted the last bit sticks out of the box a bit. They come with the SEL Activity Pack, SEL Premium, and SEL Limited by default, but the SE and SEL come without it. If you don't want it, you can resell it easily for big bucks as Hyundai isn't selling it separately and there are no other aftermarket options available right now that I know of.
Auto Journalists: Automakers need smaller trucks, even a ranger is almost as big as an F150 Automaker: here's the Santa Cruz and Maverick. Auto Journalists: This vehicle is too small its making me feel claustrophobic. Claustrophobic? Lol. I guess his never been in the back of an early 2000s ford Ranger.
I grew up riding in Datsun trucks and S10 jump seats. It’s important for buyers to know how comfortable a second row is regardless of the intent of the vehicle.
That's true, but I also noticed that when he got the price points close for AWD models, in the $25k range, the Maverick was equipped with the turbo engine, which is required for AWD, while the Santa Cruz had the base, non-turbo engine.
Why do cars nowaday always come with a big-sized wheel? It is not really practical at all. And a car with too many digital stuff is not as good as a car with an apt combination between mechanical and digital details. I love my Forester so much. Lol
@@drivingsports Seems like super long hair is in again with middle-school and younger kids, and now donks are making a comeback. The fashion cycle repeats!
Must admit I have never heard of "tailgate ajar" warning from other manufacturers, I can see where it could be beneficial vehicle's with side opening tailgates though...
Should turn traction control OFF going down hill when using down hill control. When stuck: Turn traction control OFF, snow mode ON and center diff lock ON (yes I know it’s software).
@@JamesSmith-dn8lb that's because you comparing low power eco hybrid to 80hp stronger turbo 6 ... it starts higher because it has much better interior, tech, ride even in base version... I'm not convincing you to like it, lol, just thanks for Maverick and Santa Cruz we have options
@@drivingsports I wish you would do the Honda Ridgeline as well! I am struggling between the Santa cruz and the Ridgeline. I think I am done with full size trucks for a while
@@nathtcamp Ridgeline is in a larger size class than the Santa Cruz. The Maverick would be more comparable in size to the Santa Cruz. But I don't know what your shopping criteria are, so I don't know which is best for you.
there was a 2021 ridgeline review on this channel about 6 months ago, which i thought was really good. i think for the needs of most people (i.e. those who don't rock-crawl or tow >5000lbs), the ridgeline checks enough boxes. as mentioned by t455, the ridgeline is a class size up.
My 2013 Ford Explorer Limited has those touch capacitive buttons for the climate controls that have the piano black and they are wearing out and have lots of micro scratches so I’m not thinking Hyundai did anything different as far as protectant than Ford.
Styling. The Maverick looks like what a pickup truck would look like if you asked a little kid to draw one. The Santa Cruz is something different. Each has it's merits, traditional and non traditional. As for me, the Santa Cruz is going to lure me out of my car - my 2015 VW GTI. I would not give up that car for the Ford.
As he showed its not that much cheaper. Start checking boxes to get the Mav optioned out to match the SC and price difference disappears. Buy a loaded $38k Mav and your still stuck with that $20k looking interior... its cheaper for a reason. The price is kept down being made in Mexico.
First off, I just want to say that I am a huge fan of your channel. I was wondering if you have any plans this fall or winter to show off the non turbo Santa Cruz. I’d love to see how the standard transmission performs in the wet and snow. I know the wet DCT is improved over other Hyundai models but I live in a state which gets some nasty slick roads, snow and crappy country roads and I don’t think the DCT is optimal for conditions like that, especially which may involve a lot of stop and go. I currently drive a 2020 Kona SEL Plus with the 2.0 NA motor.
Thanks for watching! Unless we buy one, we have to rely on Hyundai putting one into our local press fleet, and as of yet, they haven't shown any interest in doing that.
@@drivingsports Ok. Thank you for the reply! That also may explain why I haven't seen them on other auto channels that I subscribe to. Anyway, your content is awesome and thank you for keeping us informed!
I drove mine in deep snow last winter and I was very impressed. Absolutely LOVE my Santa Cruz! I used to own an Eddie Bauer edition Ford Explorer and I'm 100% Hyundai loyalist today. I also used to like Honda and wouldn't be caught dead in a Ridgeline.
I kinda wish they made a 2-door version of this with the same wheelbase. More like an El Camino or the old 2-door Ford Ranger. That would be a good option for young people in the trades that can't afford an F-150 straight out of trade school. Edit: Also, is that bed cover lockable so their tools don't get stolen?
You can flip the screen to see the truck upside down and it will show you in blue exactly where the power is going to what wheels. If you knew the car better you would know that .
Love this truck but haven’t driven one yet. All seem to be sold by the time they trickle into in the dealer. How did they get the shift lever right but miss the larger issue of the touch screen? It’s not a Tesla. If really an activity vehicle dirty or gloved fingers will repeatedly use the screen and scratch it as you mentioned. The Silicon Valley genre might have made the target age group a little too specific. Since it was Designed in America it should have a good mix of touch and buttons like other Hyundai’s. Also for 40K+ a Ridgeline or Frontier gives better value, this thing should top at 36K like the Tuscon or Maverick.
I have a 2023 Tuscon SEL with the convenience, for that price yes certainly worth it, 30 mpg gallon highway, handles, great, love the Blue link, etc. but for 40 grand i think i would opt for a Tacoma or Ridgeline, bigger bed, etc.
I really prefer the looks of the exterior Maverick over this. I'm probably in the very small minority for this one. . . I prefer the interior of the Maverick too. The Santa Crus is more comfortable, but it felt(is) like a giant copy/paste job from Hyundai. Nothing really sets it apart. It felt just like the Tuscon I was in. No identity. I'm surprised Ford decided to put to much effort into the Maverick's unique interior. Not just a sea of black.
Easy way to check if your gate is open without leaving the vehicle, before driving off quickly pop it into reverse and if the backup camera is facing the ground you will know! 😂
This is basically a 4 door Ute. I’ve always wondered why we didn’t have any Utes in the American market, especially since ford had the ranchero and Chevy had the el Camino. I guess they didn’t stick because of egotistical truck drivers lol. That being said, I’d still buy a ridgeline over the Santa Cruz. I think the Santa Cruz is cool and looks great, but the ridgeline is just a better package. Plus, the ridgeline is far better off road. I plan on taking it down some trails and camping.
