The Ford Maverick and this vehicle show folks want vehicles like this. Since the Subaru's are built on their global platform, they need to bring back the Baja.
Car based utes were around before Subaru released the baja, and before that Subaru's own Brat. Remember the Ford Ranchero, and Chevrolet El Camino. Also Volkswagen sold a pickup version of the Rabbit in the 80's. But to Subaru's credit, their offerings were more off road focused/capable than this vehicle is. I think I saw a video on YT that indicated Subaru might be considering bringing the Baja back.
I love my 18-year-old Subaru Baja, but am in the market to replace it in 2025. I'm really hoping that a new Baja will come out with a hybrid option, as that would far and away almost certainly be my top choice over Hyundai, Ford, Honda, or a Toyota Stout (if that makes it to market).
I have this exact vehicle right down to the color. Generally agree with you except… I got mine for $38k when Ford dealerships were demanding $5k over msrp on Maverick. I got more for the money. 4x8 sheets sit nicely with the gate at the partial setting. I don’t agree with you that it drives tight. It’s a light duty truck. Carries tools and small equipment just fine. Bed lights are really nice. Has nice bed steps. Rear seat is for the dog. She loves the side steps for getting in and out. I use them too. Agree it’s not for off road.
I just don't understand why car companies make these off-road trims, claim the vehicle is off-road ready, yet don't increase ground clearance/ approach angle/ include all-terrain tires.
@@drivingsports the naturally aspirated version with the regular transmission without dct/dual glutch is better off road the all wheel drive system doesnt overheat as easy as the crappy dct.TFL STUDIOS had videos on it
It's because they use marketing to the average consumer to get them to think it can do all these things and it works. Especially because most people just want the look, so it's a good vehicle for them.
I mean subaru with the wilderness trims will increase ground clearance, at tires as standard and underbody protection with redesigned front and rear end for better approach angles which is.. drastically different from the other trims
So Hyundai’s “off road” package is basically aesthetic, but with lower ground clearance than the non off road Sante Fe. Oh those crazy marketing execs 😄
Was looking at tremor on ford website and price was comparable with less features. Specifically no ventilated seat in maverick. That s/b standard on a vehicle as high trim as the lariat
You know, I think the Hyundai Santa Cruz cross over is excellent for what they were initially intended to be marketed for. But I like that Hyundai has answered the call for a more off-road oriented version with the XRT trim. People have actually built them into Over-land vehicles. So that just goes to show that a platform to work with is a platform to work with. The reason why I commented though was because the vehicle is actually being done a disservice by the testers turning traction control off. It will have the most capability when using the TPO lock mode if traction control is left on. With it off, it's more like 4wd with no lockers or limited slip diffs. The traction control works in place of limited slip diffs. Minute 15. If I were shopping for a cross over, the Santa Cruz would be on my list for considerations. It would work excellent for me and could even go further that what many people expect. I would like one for fishing or camping, also taking them to trail heads for Mountain biking, but they also have the nice utility for people that have homes. In America, many of us think that if you don't have a truck, when you purchase a home, it is the right time to have one. So, the Santa Cruz provides that utility.
I pre-ordered in '21 and have zero regrets. I did wait until Ford announced the Maverick to see how it stacked up. I mainly agree with you - if you want a small TRUCK, get the Maverick. If you mainly want/need an SUV but also need a truck bed now and then, like I did, the Cruz is more comfortable and way more fun to drive. Also, although subjective, the Hyundai just flat out looks better. The Maverick is just kind of inoffensive and boring. 3 years later, I still just like to stop and stare at my little trucklet. Also agree about the side steps being absolutely ridiculous on the Cruz and that the 18 inch wheels ride nicer. I have the 20s and bought 18s for my winter tires ... they are much smoother, but the 20s do handle a little crisper.
Looks fine for maintained dirt roads, snow, and parking in muddy grass fields after a rainstorm. Pulling a boat off a slippery or rural boat launch, using forest roads, and using it on rough construction sites? Not so much. Not a fan of $40K cars having plastic park bench interiors.
These sidesteps might be a good protection for doors and side sills. Ofc it depends on how rigid their points of attachment are but steel tubes gonna eat impacts with rough terrain better then plastic cladding.
You gave a good example of light off-roading that does tax the system quickly. The terrain is different around the country. I would like to see how it performs on sandy dunes, unimproved roads, or two-track trails. I would still consider this vehicle even though 90% of my time would be spent on pavement.
Looking into this as a replacement for my Kia Stinger. My girlfriend says this is "not a truck" and i agree with her. That being said I justify it by saying its a "ute" an aussie term for car/truck hybrid like an el camino or a subaru baja
Side steps are not only to step in and out the car, if you were a surfer you would probably understand the use of them. I have the Tucson and I wish I had some steps when I’m using my cross bars.
Anyone that off roads knows that those steps are the first thing you would remove if you actually used the truck. It's very obvious that it was added by the marketing team. People that like the idea of off road, but don't actually know anything about it.
Can’t believe this “off roader” has so poor ground clearance. Also the lack of an off road tire package. Hope next years model steps up as you mentioned. Thanks for the excellent review.
And the Hyundai would eat the Mav alive at race track(on-road) lol this car isn't supposed to be an off-road vehicle. They have their own pros and cons. These are 2 vehicles in different categories.
@@anthonylim2428 But it doesn't. Thing is there are Mavericks already on racetracks. Autocross, drags, nurburgring even. We got Mavericks in the 11s in the quarter mile Ford parts and basic bolt ones. We got coilovers for track and trail from multiple companies.
Love the thorough and honest review. *no sidesteps were harmed in the making of this 😂 For that price I'd definitely go with a Subaru Outback or Forester. There is just so much more in those for the money, AND they get the job done!
@BoopSnoot Subaru's Outback Wilderness, and even the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness are serious forces to be reckoned with. Quite capable, and have a long proven history in the off road field.
@@RRr-yl8zr I had read in an article where a GM official stated that they would NOT be building a compact unibody truck for the American market because they feel it wouldn't serve the average American. According to gm of it's not body on frame then it doesn't count. If I can find the article I'll try and post it here
They have the Chevy Montana everyhwhere else. but upon my research looks like it's just to small and weak for the us/canada market. I don't understand why they don't make it the same size as the maverick with a stronger engine and sell it here?
No, they need to step up the clutches, otherwise it remains awd pavement queen, i beleive TFL had same experience, i actually wonder if Nathan is happy with his in this regard
I like that Hyundai removed the worse-than-useless side steps for the '25 XRT. I would also have preferred that they switch from 18" to 17" wheels/tires, DCT to a "standard" automatic transmission, and added real, physical knobs and buttons for certain controls in a moving vehicle. While I'm no fan of *either* company, for a small "truck," I'd choose a Ford Maverick.
Your conclusion is right on. Seems like the Hyundai products are just not cut out for any type of off-road driving. I suspect this vehicle would immediately overheat or shut off if you took it on your test hill.👎
Love the look of this vehicle trim from Hyundai, but I cannot get past those red center caps on the wheels. They stand out like Rudolph the red nose reindeer. Those have got to go. Otherwise, cool truck.
who's going to be the first reviewer to critique an off-roader with sporty pretentions on a track? And then complain about the tires and high center of gravity?
I think the Santa Cruz is super sharp but the Interior is really disappointing. I've never driven a 2.5 so im curious about what you guys think? The 1.6 engine is the bessstttt but Kia/Hyundai transmissions are just so weird. Both my Soul and my gf's are TERRIBLE in stop and go traffic with the dual clutch and shiftronic transmissions. That being said, I probably wouldn't buy Kia/Hyundai ICE again /:
2025 gets a new interior. I've driven the 2.5. It has enough power, its direct and port injected so should stay clean of carbon, it seems reliable, its mated to an 8-speed torque converter instead of a DCT, it tows 3500lbs, but... its rated 24mpg combined, when for the exact same power output the hybrid in the Maverick will get you high 30s. Efficiency is its only real flaw. :(
None of this is true. Turbo engines have lower compression ratios to compensate for the turbo boost compared to higher compression ratio naturally aspirated engines, or they have variable compression ratios like on some Nissan turbos. Virtually all non-luxury turbocharged engines are designed to run on 87 octane, including this Hyundai. Most naturally aspirated engines are also direct injected for emissions/fuel economy reasons, but this Hyundai if you research is both direct and port injected to avoid carbon buildup. @@RRr-yl8zr
Its not a typo, you're on the internet google it, virtually all modern engines are direct injected. Some engines are direct AND port injected, it switches as needed to avoid carbon buildup while keeping fuel economy high and emissions low. @@RRr-yl8zr
@@RRr-yl8zr damn that's really good to know, both of my cars have turbos and I definitely put cheaper gas into them. We do maintain them really well, but anything I can do to create longevity, I'll do because you can't always trust other people to have your best interest in your car. I really like their 1.6 engines, BUT I have noticed rough starts with the Kona and it's a freakin 2021 model so there you go -____-
@@BoopSnoot I'd really like to test the 8 speed transmission on the highway and stop'n'go traffic. The DCT on my Kona is TERRIBLE in slow traffic, it shutters and jolts. It's a fun little car on hills and mountain roads and I love the little car, but idk that it's gonna last that long /: Good to know their 2.5 is better in reliability over time for sure!
I'm 6' and found the Santa Cruz very tight up front. I was waist rubbing the b-pillar getting in and out because of a vehicle parked beside, my head was about 1/2" from the headliner, and legs very close to the steering wheel. I can't see many people 5'10 or taller owning a Santa Cruz. I figure this is why the modern compact truck segment hasn't taken off; they don't have enough space with a 4 door cab and no one wants 2 door/access cab anymore, the bed is shallow and not long. The midsize class has a lot more front cabin space and feels more open comparatively.
I'm 5'11, 240lbs. have bulky body becasue I do weight lifting a lot but I have no issue with front seat. Also, I did not have any issue even when I had Golf GTI (mk.7) and Subaru Outback. FYI, the new Toyota Tacoma have less legrom(rear seat) than Satna Cruz. If you prefer more room, yeah you can go with Colorado or Ranger. Don't forget. It's a compact truck. Not everyone needs big full size truck.
Do some careful research on Hyundai/Kia, over 4 million defective engines and counting with current Class Action lawsuit in both CAN/USA. Literally every engine they’ve made is defective, except v6. My Sorento and wife’s Elantra…boom. You know the game “6 degrees of Kevin Bacon”, try asking people if they know anyone with defective Hyundai/Kia engine, it’s eye opening.
It's like the 2011s-2016s, you're usually good after 2018. Elantras are notoriously bad at reliability, engine and transmission problems. I have a 2018 with the 1.6 and I LOVEE the engine but the transmission.... It's a lot to be desired.
@@Lalaafastroliit’s totally a thing, have YOU done any research? My boss just bought a telluride and the trans blew up at 10k miles. I know tons of people that had engines blow on their Kia/Hyundais too.
@@drivingsports Great! I am very interested in your review of that vehicle and the AWD with the Dual Clutch transmission. There is a lot of discussion about the use of that transmission. Thanks
Rear seat is a prison sentence. The seat backs don’t even recline ! I tried it at my local dealer sitting in back. Claustrophobic dark black fake leather 😅😅😅😅
@@RRr-yl8zr The main advantage of USB C is the speed of transfer of data and power. And actually the walls of the USBC connector are a lot more thick. USBA plugs can easily flatten out. The last advantage to USBC to me is that it plugs in the same way both sides. You don't have to flip it to get it to plug in correctly :)
I wouldn't trust Hyundai or Kia cars. They have issued so many recalls it is hard to keep track. Even on brand-new vehicles. Recently they recalled 147K brand new electric vehicles for damaged charging units. They recently issued another recall of 1.7 million vehicles for rollaway risks. Not to mention last year's recalls where they recalled 6.4 million cars due to fire risk. It just seems that they make badly made cars that don't work correctly. You pay $40k and have to live in fear the car may burn down your house. It's ridiculous. They also steal designs all the time from other companies. The new Santa Fe for example looks like a Chinese company knockoff car of a Landrover Defender. Their Genesis SUV is a knockoff of Bentley's. Not to mention the immobilizer lawsuit where they failed to fit modern anti-theft safety features in their cars. They are more headaches than they are worth and I think you are better off spending a bit more and getting a Toyota, Honda, Subaru, or Mazda. They are cheaper than rivals for a reason, and I think bad engineering is that reason
as usual, Hyundai is a joke when it attempted to build an outdoor vehicle vibe and try to trick customer with that. And people may not know how bad the dealership experience will be when their vehicle became an old vehicle. I tried so many Hyundai dealerships in Houston area and almost all of them are bad experience. Lacking transparency and integrity.
Not in the USA. The American branch specifically says it’s pronounced like Sunday. If we were talking about Canadian or Korean models, yes, it would have the extra syllable.
@@drivingsports Incorrect, I worked and sold hy-un-die cars for years, they had the South Korean executives come out and visit us several times and I asked the question, what I said is correct.
@@jasonswift7098Hyundai made a Super Bowl ad in 2009, spending probably $3M, to tell people to pronounce it like this in the USA: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xKfU_5jgupo.htmlsi=HHMH1LmelniZSZdj
You rarely see a Hyundai/ Kia on the road that is a 5 year old model. It’s unreliable. But driving review channels won’t tell you that. Because they don’t own them
Seems the designers are really stupid. The dual clutch is beyond dumb. Piano black, really. Overpriced piece of junk. Why would anyone buy this version of the Santa Cruz for that price. Get a ridgeline or really anything else
