I just bought the 2023 Night Edition and I absolutely love the thing. My phone charger works flawlessly. I mostly got it because of your vids so thank you for introducing it to me.
I have the sel with regular transmission and totally love the vehicle. Same color, has pretty enough power for me. Comparing it to the tacoma 4 cylinder , i love the santa cruz much better. better gas milage , more comfortable especially back seat. At 68 years old, it is all the truck i need. Also, great dealership , fantastic warranty, and even road side service. This one is going to be hard to beat.
I bought one thanks to your previous Santa Cruz video reviews... but waited for the '23 year model, due to all the stories about the transmission issues that people were having with the '22 model. After 8K miles, still liking it a lot. Only issue I've had so far was the airbag warning light kept coming on due to a loose connector...But that was taken care of with a new airbag replacement. The versatility of this truck is great, just the right size for what I need at this stage of my life... using it for fun outings and the occasional Home Depot run....No longer need a truck the size of the Tundra that I used to have.
I'm glad the videos helped in your decision making, Bill! Smart move, I to wait. I had the issue with the slippery road warning chime coming on and staying on but seems like all the glitches are software related and easily fixed. Fingers crossed!
I bought the 22’ SEL Pre, currently 65k miles, absolutely love it. I agree, still to this day when I walk out to jump in it I think to myself, this truck looks slick! I’ve had no issues at all with mine. Everything still works the same as it did when I drove off lot with 25 miles on it. Only complaint I have and it’s not with the truck itself is the black color gets dirty so quick, I’m at the car was every other day. Amazing truck, love showing it off when ppl ask me about it.
Love the updated review Terry. Im at 8 months and 11,400 miles on my 23 limited. Only issue i had - rock chip on radiator caused it to leak not covered on warranty. Had to fix that and install a protective screen to prevent it from happening again ! Love the truck in atlas white like i have but that blue stone really shines. Carry on !
i have put about 3k on mine after the trans was replaced with no problems. Of course I have not yet used the paddles or shifted manually but I have used the sport mode to some extent just for fun. But all in all, I love my Hampton Grey Ghost and plan on keeping it for a long while or at least till the 10 years warranty expires. Keep on vloggin...
I bought a 2022 Santa Cruz SE in Sept of 2021. Put 37,000 problem-free miles on the vehicle. I hauled motorcycles, plywood, concrete and tons of remodeling materials. My personal philosophy has been to buy base-model new cars every two years. Over the life of the car, averaged 27.5 mpg (lots of highway miles in this calculation). Perhaps because I had the non--turbo base engine w/o the problematic DCT, I found the Santa Cruz to be a wonderful choice for my needs. In a fit of insanity, I traded the Santa Cruz for a 2022 Mustang Ecoboost Premium. Drove it about three months and came away full unimpressed by Ford. So two weeks ago, back to another Santa Cruz SE (2024). Even though I live in the midwest now, I don't "NEED" four-wheel-drive to get through the winter. Comparing base model Ford Maverick to base model Santa Cruz, the Hyundai product remains a clear winner in my book.
I have the 2022 Ice white SEL Santa Cruz just turned over 19,000 miles in 2 years . I absolutely love my truck only have 2 recalls so far . I have the factory installed trailer hitch and just got recall notice on the wiring harness , made appointment for it to be checked . I have the same issue as you with my phone charger . I have no regrets about buying my Hyundai Santa Cruz ❤
Have the 2023 Night Edition 285 HP ….I love this vehicle.. been driving Mercedes ML 350 SUVs and a Dodge Dakota for last 18 years,and I enjoy driving the Santa Cruz much more..your videos are enjoyable , and you really cover just about every feature of the Santa Cruz. The most impressive thing to me is that this vehicle handles and performs more like a sports car, than a SUV&TRUCK. I like the dual clutch because we get maximum power to the wheels for acceleration, and engine breaking just like a manual transmission. Replaced my truck and suv with a Santa Cruz, and what I will save on insurance by owning only one vehicle over 10 years should pay for a third of the Santa Cruz purchase price. Look forward to next video JB
I bought 2023 SEL and I love it so far I’ve driven about 5k miles on it and I have had no problems. It has the 2.5 n/a engine and the 8 speed auto and I think that’s a winning combo if Hyundai would pair the 2.5T with a better automatic transmission and adjust the compression ratio to minimize wear and tear I think these trucks would sell faster than they can build them
So glad you stuck it out with blue iguana! You had a previous video where you weren't sure if you were gonna keep it due to some issue it was having. I think it was engine related. I've had mine for 7months just hit 6000km and you're channel inspired me to document my uses of the Santa cruz. I've got the stone grey. His name is gray gorrila!
I have had the 2023 limited model for a little over a year now at 20,000 miles. And for the record, black Santa Cruz's attract dirt like the console does. Other than that, I love mine. Had a weird freak issue that would happen periodically where my sound would stop working completely (audible car noises, hands free phone, radio, everything). No sound would play and it would not be corrected until I opened the hood and disconnected the battery lead then put it back on. Hyundai finally replaced a fuse under the chair and so far (fingers crossed), no more issues. I replaced a Chevy Colorado with this truck. I love it. Best vehicle I've ever owned. It has the comfort of an SUV and I can still haul things in back. Almost everytime I go to get in my truck at a public place, someone is asking me about it. I've never gotten so much positive feedback about any vehicle of mine. Like you, I'm happy with my purchase. (No recalls on mine yet).
Just purchased a brand new 2024 Limited. I had a 2003 Subaru Baja that I drove until it just wore out, then sold it and someone else spent the money and now they drive it. It has over 345 thousand miles on it currently and is still going strong. I tried to buy it back and they said no way. lol The Santa Cruz is the closest thing I could find to it and I love it. Traded my BMW in on it last week. No Regrets !!
I’m in Toronto and my lease just came up for my 2021 Tucson. I decided to stay with Hyundai and ordered a 2024 Tucson in black. Very reliable and a 4cyl.
I have the SEL w/Activity package and I feel it is the best of both worlds, with the reliability of the 8-speed transmission with some of the perks/creature comforts of the higher trims like sunroof, AWD, etc. I have it in Ice White but plan on either painting/wrapping it into red/black scheme or trade it in for a hybrid/electric version of the Santa Cruz if they come out with one in the future.
Owning my Sage grey Santa Cruz Limited for a year in a half and I'm still in love with it. It may not be a super truck/car but people look at it and it really stands out in the road full of boring black and white SUVs and large trucks. Wish it got slightly better gas mileage. Agreed about the DCT. Hyundai put it in there to make it feel more sporty in how it drives. Though in Sports mode you can hardly feel the DCT lag, albeit with worse fuel efficiency. Cheers!
I have the 2023 Tucson Hybrid (with 1.6L Turbo+Elec engine)... as you probably know, the Tucson and the Santa Cruz are sister cars... I haven't had a single recall and I'm blessed with a 6-speed Automatic Transmission... I've had mine for a year and absolutely love it.
Got my black active package Santa Cruz in aug of 21 had no problems, any recalls were not an issue! Was there for service in may of 23 an they had the sage gray limited turbo, the one I originally ordered but never came in, needless to say I left with the sage gray an I love it❤ the turbo an bigger tires make the ride different, smoother. Also be leave it or not I got $30 for a vehicle that I paid $ 33 for and they took off my trailer hitch an running boards off the black one an put it on the new one!!! Needless to say I love my Santa Cruze!! Thanks for continuing the videos hope u continue
Thank you for the informational videos on this great looking SAV/truck. It's on my 'wish list' for my next vehicle but I'm still enjoying my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo at 207,000 miles. 😀
Picked up the 2023 Night edition just before July 4th weekend, love the blue iguana color but had to get the all black! Loving every second I get to drive it
Welcome back glad to hear from you ,you have great videos on the SC,I have a sage Grey 2023 SC and I absolutely love it 5000 miles on it NP thank God.Thanks for your update on your beautiful Blue SC .
I have a 2023 sel activity package with about 4000. I have had a rattle in the passenger door and needed the roll up cover completely replaced due to not closeing right. All warranty but I love my sage gray (green) Santa Cruz. I can say it’s my favorite vehicle I have had and I have had about 10 different vehicles. Your right. It has been some headaches but at the end of the day all was covered under warranty and it runs great with the small regular engine. Getting on average 27 mpg combined is also nice for a truck. On a trip I actually got 33 mpg with cruise control on. Thank you for the video and I always look forward to your adventures in the blue iguana.
I have the pickup bed fence. Lower the back gate and flip it over for extra 2 feet of bed space. Then flip it back and close the gate when not using it. Only drawback is that the bed of the truck is pretty much useless when the fence is folded back into the bed. When I drove across the country a few months ago, I removed the fence so I could store all the luggage in the bed since I also have the tonneau cover. Will probably leave it out and only use when needed. Also removed the roof rack which I’ll never use. Although I think it looks cool, I’ve heard that it adversely affects the gas mileage which makes sense. Especially when you’re hauling across the country.
It's called a _bed extender_ ;not a "fence". 😅 And, it's t's a _tailgate_ ;not a "backgate" lol. This must be some foreign vernacular. And I don't mean Canada, because they know what trucks are properly referred to there.
Was wondering how you've been doing with it, glad you roughed it out. First model year with majority of new models is the "Iron out the bugs" year. I got a 2022 SEL Premium (same colour, Stone Blue but with grey interior) in late August of that year. Only had one recall, the trailer hitch ( which I did get) but I have the non affected connector. No tranny issues, I believe by then most of that was ironed out , affecting earlier models. BTW , named mine ....The Blue Gecko! LOL Happy motoring!
For the wireless charger, make sure you place your phone in bottom end first, your battery is at the bottom half of your phone. I see you put it in top end first. I never have problems with my wireless charger working. Also, won't charge if the driver door is open
Unfortunately Hyundai service is terrible. I've been waiting 5 months for them to fix the AWD that keeps turning off in mine. Horrible. Not worth it. I'll never even think about getting another Hyundai.
Remove the jack and tools from the styrofoam. Use a strap, tie or place in a small flexible bag and tuck away underneath front passenger seat. There is plenty of room to talk underneath and will not hinder back rear passengers feet.
the SF has been on my radar since launch. I’m not in the market but when the time comes in maybe 2-3 years I hope there’s at least a hybrid version out.
Thanks Danny! Funny thing when I first saw the color online I was like, oh no...Then the more I looked at it the more I was like...oh yes! LOL And I love it
I had to have a new transmission put in my truck at 19,000 miles! Free of charge, really unhappy about it. I still love it! Will trade next year for a 2025. I hear its really going to be updated!! I had a trailer hitch added...i bought it all from Uhaul, so much cheaper!!
I wouldn't let some recalls bother you. You got it when it was a new model, a couple of recalls would be expected. The dodge ram 2016, had I believe 14 recalls, in one year, which is expected because Chrysler fiat ram jeep are garbage. I really like the Santa Cruz. My 18 Elantra has 124k on it. The only thing I did to it was a wheel bearing. I take really good care of it... been a great car.
That thing is a clone of subaru's 80s Bratt for 50k and transmission issues will get you sooner or later but not after your warranty expires on the 10 year or 100.000 miles as they said 😂😂😂
Great review Terry. I love the color. I did buy the Maverick but still like the Santa Cruz. It is a cool truck. Love to meet up and take a picture of our trucks together ❤️ I am in Fort Myers
We bought a 22 Tuscon chipping HEV, and that glossy tint paint is doing the same, ours is doing it on lower bumper, not yet on the grille, definitely from rocks, and auto or even manual car wash doesn't help any lol.
November will be 1 year with my 23 limited, I have 12k on it and so far all is well. It is Sage Grey(green), I call it, The Grasshopper. And I love it. 😄
Hi Terry, I'm glad the Santa Cruz is working out for you. Recalls are OK because they check out problems before they become a major problem for you. My Nissan Rouge has a CVT transmission but software makes it feel like a normal geared transmission but according to the reviews it is the weakest link. I used to drive about 25-30K a year but since retirement I barely do 10K per year. My best car ever was a 2000 BMW X5 SUV. Drove it 275K only minor repairs needed until the end.
Cool thanks for sharing Arnie! I always liked those X5's very nice SUV but didn't realize they were so dependable. 275K wow that's a lot of miles brother
I would much rather have a vehicle where the manufacturer issues recalls to ensure the vehicle is up to par than one where they do nothing until it becomes a huge issue. You get a recall for a trailer hitch you don't have. Would it be better to have a hitch that is flawed and no one says anything until it has become an issue? I will take pre-emptive over reactive any day.
Its a beautiful truck, it is a car that I would love to own, a recall is not a bad thing i have a Lexus, and it have its problem and don't come with all the bells and whistle like yours.
ok, i bought a used SEL with Activity Package, and so far, i love it. i had Maverick Hybrid, that had shipped. i wanted it, and i had a good dealer. but, this truck had all the things the Maverick was missing, i bought a used ' 2022 SEL with activity package with 9K from a dealer, i had to jump on it. this truck had everything i was missing in the b Maverick. rom a dealer, i had to jump on it. this truck had everything i was missing, the "T" shift, the rear window deftest, and but fore the love the gas milage love it!e milage
I’m not a Hyundai person but they do make beautiful cars and yours is no exception. That color and the gray one are my favorites 👍 You can put a tarp in the back and dump some ice and beer in it…
The Sage Gray (green) is also a color that seems to hide the dirt really well - I echo your comment about having to wash it far less often than my other cars... I did try to negotiate a hitch receiver when I purchased mine but I took delivery in Aug of 2021 same as you and they didn't have the hitch available from the parts guy then - they did give me another $500 off (I actually purchased mine at around $2500 off of MSRP, which for the time, was unheard of) - I still don't have a hitch but will likely add on in the next couple of months. Around the DCT - mine was just fine UNTIL they started updating software and making changes over the past 3 recalls - the latest one I "waited out" for a good 6-8 months to monitor what was going on in the Santa Cruz forums - after not seeing a ton of negative feedback/reports I decided to let them do the thing - sorry to say that now I "hear things" especially when it's cool (not cold) outside - no performance or real drivability issues. And with a possible travel trailer in my future (a smaller one, well under the GVWR for this truck) I'm not too sure if I'll chance it - if I do get a travel trailer I'll likely buy a new 1/2 ton pickup and get rid of my Santa Cruz - the 2.5l non-turbo with the torque converter transmission is just too close towing capacity wise so that's really not an option. The "black chrome" finish on the lower facia especially looks like it's been hit with a sandblaster on mine and while I live in the midwest it doesn't see a ton of miles and really no "off road" use - I just think it was a poor choice of materials/finish. I would have preferred a satin black that could be repainted. I'll likely have the entire grill repainted at some point when it really starts to bother me. When people ask me about mine I still say I love it - which I really do! After 10 years or 100k miles I may feel different but likely would have a new truck by then anyhow. That pad-tai looked great - I would have gotten combination or just shrimp - extra hot with no peanuts ;-)
Great info Scotty! I agree with the chrome finish. Too 1980's for my taste lol. Painting it black is definitely the way to go. Wow you must be some negotiator. I got mine $500 under sticker and I thought that was unheard of! Great job brother
I just purchased a 2024 Santa Cruz SEL with activity package. I 🩶IT. It took 2 months to find my preference of color choice(Hampton grey), nonturbo, 2 Wheel Dr … but was definitely worth the wait.
Wow, exactly what I was afraid of Pat! Not something you expect with a new vehicle. Hopefully it didn't happen too far from home. Let me know how it goes my friend.
@@kirkmooneyham Hi, any dealership recommendation is called a “sales pitch”. I was very interested in the SC but have decided to be patient; maybe Hyundai scraps the DCT for a 6 speed. Rear seats appear criminal, maybe that improves . Otherwise nice looking pseudo-truck, apparently fun to drive, trunk is right size for golf equipment, etc. Test drove a Maverick; also considering Mazda products. 73 yrs, retired .
It was so nice to learn about your Santa Cruz truck. I found it all to be very interesting. I am so glad that you decided to keep it after your recall on the transmission. This truck and you go together perfectly. And I absolutely love the color. I wish you many more years of fun adventures with the Santa Cruz. Also your humor is refreshing as always. Thank you for showing us all the details, as well. Onward and Upward!
I got the same 22 model year but only a SEL Premium bought in August. Only recall for mine has been the grailer hitch one. Otherwise been solid through and through. DCT even has been great, though i get to not do much slow crawling with it.
I bought the Tucson. I specifically got the SEL with convenience package because I didn’t want the duel clutch transmission. 2023. Also to me a turbo is just something to break but with the warranty that not a big issue. I don’t keep cars 10 years.
I love the design. I wish they made these damn vehicles reliable. This is the reason why I’m afraid to buy one and won’t. I’ll just stick to Honda or Toyota.
I have the 2023 limited model as well, this comment is in regards to the cell phone charger. , I actually have to flip mine face down so it won't charge because it's on point every time.
@@BarefootVlogger oh I apologize, I did not realize. I believe it still may be the iPhone versus the Android. I've heard iPhone users having the same issue
I heard that to protect the dct you have to flush the transmission oil every 20 or 30 thousand miles depending on use. The high maintenance cost of a dct made me choose the ordinary eight speed automatic transmission of the santa cruz. just fyi.
Smart move I don't blame you one bit. I also read that the tranny oil replacement better be the same exact oil originally used or it's gonna have big problems
@@BarefootVlogger that is why I only do the transmission oil at the dealer. God bless you and may you stay safe and happy always. hope to visit florida one of these days...been there in tampa several years ago.....
I think it's very incredible looking vehicle, Those that say that are conditioned to the suv look a likes. Do you notice that every suv all look the same? This vehicle stands apart I'm tempted to either get the unlimited or Toyota Tacoma trailer hunter. I will put my own custom look into what ever one I end up with. But this is really a fantastic suv/truck in so many ways!
Well, this is my story. I have a SEL 2022 that I bought new. The paint started peeling on it, but they told me it was rocks that hit it even though the primer underneath is still there. I use this vehicle for personal and I deliver with it to. After 2 years and 80 thousand miles, the thermostat went out, and then one of the injectors went out. Then after this the gas cap wouldn't seal and if that's not enough the left side blinker lites burn out every 2 months. I actually like the truck but the quality for long term is not there. Also the transmission is starting to act up. Never again. Just my story. P.S. they did say that they would give me 16 thousand for it on trade. That tells you everything you need to know. They know its not reliable either.
Just got a transmission control system warning, engine light came on and it told me to hit the SOS button for road assistance. I'm pretty close to done. Hopefully I make it to the dealer tomorrow.
Terry, I agree with you that it's a pretty vehicle. Nice review of the Santa Cruz. Hyundai should be paying you to market their car, or is it a truck? Pick up truck maybe. Whatever they want to label it...I think it's a nice vehicle.
Just watched the video. It was good. I commented or your first video about the Blue Iguana 2 yrs ago. I had also bought the vehicle, possibly a week before you did. A 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz limited phantom Gray,. it was the first Santa Cruz sold in the state of Indiana, according to the dealer. purchased Aug. 13th 2021. That day alone was an omen of the year to come. Fast forward to June 13th 2022, morning of, about 10:30, dropping wife off for her eye dr appt. Boom, Transmission out. Finally get it to the dealer. A week later they tell me that is was catastrophic transmission failure. :( , I did not get the vehicle back until July 27th. I walked into the service dept, got my key to the vehicle and went straight out their front door and bought a new car and traded in the Santa Cruz. The transmission was the last straw. I had 2 previous incidents which were minor and dealt with quickly. the transmission failure was the 3rd and that was it. I did not have faith in that there may be more incidents to come. I just was unlucky and bought a lemon. Now would I buy again. yes. Several years have passed since the first models came out. There were several factors, in my opinion , that may have contributed to the first year vehicle issues besides being a first year model. The world was still going thru the throes of Covid, Which hampered assembly of the vehicles as well as chips and parts for thee vehicles. Possibly causing reliability issues. Which were still causing delays in service a year later when I took the vehicle in. I really miss driving the Cruz. It was quick and fun to drive as well as looked sharp on the road. (at least i think so). I may get another one again next year.
My 2022 SC turned off at 45 mph in torrential rain...2 fuel injectors replaced...I slid through 2 lanes of traffic with no steering, power or brakes...came to a stop on the side of the road. I've taken it in several times same symptoms and they "couldn't duplicate ". No warning lights or anything-complete engine failure and was told it caused no ther damage. I saw white smoke under hood and later under tailpipe. I am pissed. This makes 3 times I almost wrecked. I just got it back after they had it 7 weeks. Oh, and my seat heater in both front seats had bad wiring assembly so they replaced those. I have whip lash and a concussion from this last event so I am not ok with just going home like nothing happened. After 81 days in service with no diagnosis i just get... we can't duplicate. Now i have to eat that cost? The cost of the catscan is already enough! Someone HELP!!
Looking into a new vehicle. Where I’m at is I definitely need and would benefit from a bed and 4WD/AWD but I don’t need a 6ft bed full size truck. Been looking at mid sized trucks and came across this which seems so practical for what I need. How has the reliability been? I’ve heard good and bad things.