Hi, I just purchased a new Hyundai Santa Cruz. I love it so far I wish it were a little larger in the backseats. I got the SEL model, because it was that or three $3500 for the sports adventure package. I truly enjoy my little truck.
Awesome! Congratulations on your new ride! I definitely agree with you about the backseats, my wife’s Elantra has more rear seat room surprisingly. I love mine as well and I’ve really enjoyed it these past months and almost 4,000 miles!
I plan on buying an SC in the next month or two and this is the best video on RU-vid as you outlined the major and minor differences between the SE and the SEL. I'm attracted to the SE because it's in the $25,000 price range but now I'm considering the SEL based on your review.
I bought the 2023 SE with AWD in September in NY for just under 30k The base engine is fine. I don’t own a boat or camper to tow, and I don’t work in the trades. I don’t need electric seats or heated seats. The little window in the rear only hurts visibility. A moonroof is also something most “truck buyers” don’t need for the extra cost. The rolling tonneau cover on the upper trims is an almost 3K upgrade that takes space away from the bed, when you want to use it. If you really want the tonneau cover, maybe you are better off with an SUV with a hatched interior cargo area. Also, Hyundai is having issues with the Dual Clutch Transmissions on the turbo engine model. The SE does not have the turbo, which are also more susceptible to wear and tear issues, or the dual clutch transmission. While the Hyundai warranty is great, I really rather not have to use it for the power train breaking on a brand new vehicle. When heavy highway driving, I’m getting 25 mph overall. Also, the engine above 50 mph and above on highway speeds performs great, and capable of passing easily.
That isn’t very good mpg for that engine transmission combination. I’ve read that about this vehicle in other reports. It’s a turnoff for me . I currently have a Honda civic si and I easily get over 30mpg at highway speeds . The Santa Cruz seems like a nice vehicle otherwise. I also wonder about long term reliability.
@@TheHuester44 I get about 36-40mpg on mine on the hwy at a stable or cruise control speed. City driving is a different story. My average is about 26-27mpg but I commute mostly about 5-10 miles a day (all city)
nice video, I learned a few things. i just got a used SEL with activity package. the sunroof, rear window with defrost, and upgraded display on the dash was nice. also, about $3200 more than the SEL, but in my opinion it is worth it.
I'd stay far away from any trim that uses a dct or dual clutch transmission bc as I learned in other videos it's not a transmission suited to regular in town driving or really anything outside of a race track. If you've ever driven a Ford Focus long enough to have transmission problems or failure.. well that's a dct transmission.
SE is good, why pay 3000 extra. But issue is with key because you want a small metal key in your packet to open the door then push button to start unless some one need extra functions. Besides this need button to roll windows up or down, lock or unlock door, move side mirror on both sides with power button all that. Lock gas tank is good. Cloth seat are more comfortable and keep price low, one think car maker do not realize is front look which should be simple and normal with head lights at suitable location with one light for low beam and one for high, nothing to creative or aggressive. Have wind shield grill in the middle easy vise. Spare tire is good and necessary for suv or pick ups there is good amount of room under neath the vehicle, roof rack are always good in vans, SUV, pick ups.
Congrats on your purchase, David! Here’s what I know based off my research into the recalls. Some of the DCT transmissions can have serious issues and Hyundai recalled them for an internal fault with the DCT’s high-pressure electric oil pump a loss of power and triggering the vehicle into triggering the fail-safe driving mode. I’ve also heard reports that the Turbo models Turbocharger oil pipes may leak. That then causes the oil supply pipe to the turbocharger to crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment, which in presence of hot surfaces such as the exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire. I hope you never experience any of those issues! Please keep me posted on your journey with your new Santa Cruz and thanks so much for watching!
Dont buy this truck.. AWFUL gas milage. 16mpg city, 19-20 mpg highway, if you stay below 65mph. AWFUL... My full size Dodge truck with a V8 gets better gas milage. The Toyota small truck will be out the end of 2023.. wait for that one.
Funny, I’m at just under 4,000 miles. My lifetime average over those miles is 25.4 as of today. Mostly highway with some city. The SE featured in this video is in the same range as well, and it is nearing 10k miles. Sticking with my SC.
@@cmscms123456 I have a turbo, over 28k miles and 28mpg Acuminated (lifetime) and typical , and regular summer MPG is 32+- Have seen longer trips do high 30's mpg - its the short 4 and 5 mile journeys that are only in the late 20s MPG
@cmscms123456 so I'm wrong, and you are right? OK.. you win. You must be, it is said right here on youtube. If anyone else is interested in an opposing balanced view, it does regularly achieve 30 mpg
I have the SEL with the activity package, and other than being over charged by North Park Hyundai (charged 35k for it) we like the vehicle. We got no training in two long visits there so these videos are very helpful!
It’s a shame that is the case sometimes ! When making such a large purchase you’d expect a through and detailed presentation / delivery. I’m so glad to hear these videos are helpful to you! Thanks for the feedback and also thank you for watching 🙂
I'm in the market to buy one of these within the next month, so the comparison was really nice. However I think one of the big things you missed when talking about the engines, turbocharged or not, is the towing capacity. IF you tow, the standard engine like you and your mom have is a decent 3,500 pound max, while the turbo tops out at 5,000 pounds, which is a huge difference. Having an extra 1,500 pound towing capacity can make a big difference for those who might want to tow an RV or boat.
Agreed, but if you have a mechanical issue with the Turbo Engine(known to be less reliable and burn hotter), or the DCT(known Issues) while towing an RV or Boat, it could ruin your whole day, not mention your wallet. Also the DCT is designed more for sporty vehicles not the best option for off road or towing as it already has issues at slow speed. The extra weight would only exacerbate those issues, along with making the hotter burning turbo even hotter. For that reason if I needed to tow 5000 pounds, I would just get a different vehicle.
Thank you for the SE/SEL comparison. Personally I don't need the extra bells & whistles, but I'd like to know if either trim level is available with the tonneau cover?
Great Video! I think the turn signals on mirrors and indentation on gas cap are irrelevant. Remote Start and heated seats/mirrors are definitely worth it if you live in snow country. SOS/Bluelink, BSM, CTA great for driver safety. Sirius XM makes long trips more enjoyable. Power driver seat is not only convenient, but also safer if you need to make an adjustment while driving. Since I live in wintery Colorado, and think the safety extras alone justify the increased price, the SEL is a no-brainer. The only decision for me to make is on the Activity Package.
Yes! I've watched several videos on the Santa Cruz & no other video explained the difference between the two styles. This was very helpful because my Sel is excellent & I have the Stone Blue as well.
There has to be a way to turn off the lock horn. It's annoying. You can hear when the lock function is activated. I turned it off in my 2018 Lattitude.
SEL doesn’t add very much for $3200. Heated seats in Texas use probably one day a year. You called the exclamation mark lane departure warning it’s actually blind spot warning and that is a big deal. But other than that. Blue link remote start Sirius xm I don’t use often at all
Great video!!. Question:: all the Santa Cruz truck are AWD or you pay extra for that option ?. And how much was the total cost for the SEL?. Thanks. I tried to buy a maverick, but dealer men want to take a lot of money...
I was relieved when you said you didn't get the dct transmission in your SEL! Until you said that I was getting ready to say your mom's will last longer than yours
I have a 2022 Sel with the adventure package and you will find out that you really can’t control your heater/ac with the blue link feature. You’ll have to leave the heater on to enjoy a pre heated vehicle. You have to upgrade to the premium package with dual zone system to get true control with you phone. Found this out last winter even went to the dealer to get some schooling and got the enfo I needed. My wife’s 2022 Tucson has the premium package with dual zone control and is controllable with our phones (apple i phones).
I have had some issues with my pin number in the app sometimes not signing me on. That is the main trouble I’ve had with the app, when it does sign me in I have been able to control the climate without issue… that is when the app lets me in!
here's a question. how's the a/c when it is 100 degrees outside? My mom has a 2016 Kia Sportage and the a/c in that thing is total crap and they claim there's nothing wrong with it. A vehicle isn't worth anything in the deep south without good a/c
No need to pay for it if you aren't going to use it though. I don't listen to any regular radio so what good would it do me to have to pay extra to have all that built in only to not use it at all. And yes they do charge you for the extra components needed such as the sat receiver even if they don't tell you they do.
I dont see that button to disable the start/stop feature that stops the engine at a red light? My 2023 Tuscon has one I have a home in Quinwood BTW so going down rt 64 or up plenty of transmission shifting and braking on my Tuscon SEL AWD with the convenience package
I have the one below the the turbo love this truck car are what ever its is. I put a 2 in. Lift and two size bigger bf Goodrich TA tires .off road it is great snow no problem . The one thing I don't like is sometimes the windows will go down buy themselves completely unnecessary all and all great truck car what ever it is
rear vent? I googled and it says it has rear vent but I did not see them in your video. Or it is equipped only in 2.5 T version? What is the towing capacity of 2.5 and 2.5 T?
This was interesting to see what your version entail for basic and best? In Canada we only have 2 models (there is one that a person can almost make a 3rd model but not really. We are picking up our "Ultimate" model which has so much more than you are describing, too. I noticed ours has the heated and vented seats, 20" wheels and a host of minor and major differences. I bet if you built in online using Hyundai Canada site and compare. Maybe you may want to come up north here to get one to drive it home. Thanks for the video as well.
You can set the lane assist to be warning only and use the actual steering assist when you want assistance. 16:25 Fun fact: holding that button will turn the lane assist off/on.
THANKS FOR THE WALK AROUND, I GET TWO WHEEL DRIVE NEXT MONTH ITS A BARGAIN I DONT LIKE THE BIGGER PRICE IS A RIGHT FOR DUDE TRUCK.THE SE IS FOR ME SAME RESALE IN FIVE YEARS. EVERYBODY LOVES A TRUCK.
I forget where you are in the states. But wouldnt it be nice to do a comparison with all three of our trucks together. I think my trim level is different than your sel. Would be even better to get all three compared. I am in Pennsylvania.
I think both trucks are great choices and would love to have either one but If I had a choice I'd pick the sel. Thanks to you and your mom for this excellent comparison video. Enjoy your beautiful Santa Cruz trucks and congratulations.
Is this a Canadian version? I ask because my front blinkers are totally different. Granted I have the SEL PREMIUM with all the goodies minus leather seats (as I hate leather seating) so maybe that is the difference?
I don’t $3K is worth power seats, heated seats, a few driving safety perks, and remote start. (I live in a warmer climate area) All I need/want is an SE with all weather rubber mats and AWD.
For those of you who don't need the extra engine Power I strongly recommend the SE. for two main reasons , the wheel size is smaller being 18inches rather then 20 like in the premium for rough road and off road conditions this provides better traction control. The SE also has a standard auto rather then a dual clutch , which is also better for traction and traveling . Hyundai's dual clutch has been failing pretty bad leading to recalls and repairs . another thing i've noticed is the rear dff on all of the models is pretty bad and you'll loose traction in rough road conditions pretty quickly. So if your looking for a car with safety in rough conditions , and doesn't need all the fancy bells and whistles that's the model I recommend.
I just picked up my 2022 SEL last Friday and researched it pretty good I thought but you taught me some things. Like the locking fuel door I did not know that either but it's cool. Thanks for sharing!
2023 SEL Activity pkg. 2 weeks ago. I learned things in this review also. The learning curve on the features is steep. One thing I miss from my Sonata though, heated steering wheel.
Hi JoAnn! Glad you found my video helpful. In order to turn the radio off you push the button that you use on the left bottom corner of the touch screen to turn the volume up and down.
