It's Time to SELL My Two-Year-Old Hyundai Santa Cruz...So Am I Happy or Heartbroken? 

I thought you were going to say you were leaving TFL. I was going to be so upset! I’m glad to hear that isn’t the case and I’m glad to see you have thick skin. I like that little pickup. I don’t think I’d ever own that one, but I do like the size absolutely. I hope you have a safe trip to California when the time does come.

Jeez….don’t people have something better to do than whine and complain? All the Best with your move to CA, Nathan!

As a former Maverick owner, now in a Canyon, I can say while I loved the Maverick, Ford has some very concerning quality and design issues with it. I was rear-ended at low speed, yet the impact was enough to bend the frame rails and total the truck. This is on top of the three safety recalls I had in only 8 months of ownership. I'm rooting for the compact truck segment to really take off, because those vehicles are really the right size for a lot of people.

You Sir were one of the first ones to buy this on you tube,I’m sure many have learned a lot from the owner experience videos good luck on the new venture 💪🏼💯

Safe travels and good luck with the move, Nathan. Glad to hear you're heading up the Cali branch of TFL. Looking forward to your reviews and thoughts on your new locale.

I'm kinda sad that Nate is branching off from the main TFL, I like seeing him and the other guys interacting.

Great honest vid from an owners perspective. Good luck with the sale and the move. Wishing you well.

Congratulations on the new Gig and best of luck on the move. I am sure it will be great. I feel you gave this vehicle a proper shake down over your ownership and got almost exactly what you wanted out of it. I take it you wish it was more of a tow vehicle then it is but it gets decent gas mileage, low entry cost, and you've thrown everything at the bed with no issues hauling. Thanks for the great review of the BFG Trail Terrain tire. They were fairly new when I put tires on my Grand Cherokee last time so I went with the Falken Wildpeak which have been very good. When its time to put tires on my smaller Cherokee I will probably use these BFG's.

Three years after they go out of production they’ll suddenly become sought after ,buyers paying over the odds for a clean example and in ten years TFL will buy a used one and tell us what a useful pickup this is and they can’t understand why Hyundai stopped making ‘em

Only think I’d miss is more updates on what you’re doing with it and how you like it. End of the day, it’s enough of a pickup for the vast majority of people that think about buying a ‘truck’… I’m no different. I’m fully aware mine will spend 90% of its life on pavement. A fire road leading to a trail head might be the worst road it sees. It’s a good product for what it is, I’d only wish they had a better 8 or 9 speed torque converter automatic available for it. It’s the only thing that truly holds this vehicle back.

That's funny just had family move from CA to MI and they love the fishing here and the clean air and owning a large lake front home for the price of a small condo in CA!!

Drive what you like to drive. The people that don't like it don't need to drive/buy one. Good luck in California.

Good luck with the new TFL branch in Cali Nathan! Can’t wait to follow and subscribe

I love your attitude, always have ! Good luck on the move to Cali.

Welcome back to California Nathan!! And good luck with the new TFL branch! Hope to meet you one day.

Good luck with your move mate. Looking forward to seeng the TFL California videos. 👍

Good luck in California Nathan. I hope the move goes smoothly and I look forward to many more videos from you!

It's disgraceful that Hyundai can't replace a harness in a year. They should reimburse you the cost of the tow package. As for California location, bring us some beach and mountain driving. Tired of TFL Moab. I understand proximity dictates things sometimes but if you're driving 5+ hours there's more than Moab.

I'm feeling like Hyundai should have offered a refund on the towing package if you had to have it disconnecte4d.

Hello Nate. It was cool to see you with it at DADS Disposal the other day before selling it. And I’m glad I was successful at bringing back some of your youth with the words I used in my answer when you asked what I thought of my Red Alert 2022 Nissan Frontier! Haha. Cheers and best of luck to you at the new TFL Studio opening in California! -Jim Richards

I want to see 0-60 comparison of the same car in colorado vs. california. Good luck with the new branch, that's cool.

How exciting! Congratulations on the life changes Nathan!

Come on, man... people need to relax. We all know TFL is where it is in part because of their great reviews but also because of the people chosen to make those reviews. Nathan man Good luck in SoCal and keep on making great reviews.

I got the 2024 Santa Cruz, didn't bother with the dealer installed tow package, as they wanted $1500 for it with only the 4 pin wiring, and I was able to do it aftermarket with 7pin for about $600. In Canada we only get the turbo AWD version, that comes standard with the upgraded cooling package.

I thought you were leaving TFL! I’m so thankful you’re not! As for the Santa Cruz, I’m surprised to hear your positive feedback. I’d send that it Meet your expectations in nearly everything you through at it and Hyundai corporate failed you regarding the harness. Enjoy the Expedition and have a safe move to California. Looking forward to the next Nathan vid.

Good luck on your move! Wishing you and your family the very best.

I am glad you are staying with TFL. I wish you all the best with your new venture.

I did A/T tires on my GMC Terrain too and it was a great upgrade. With AWD I get to go everywhere at any type of weather in the east coast!

Thank you for your reviews of this vehicle. I appreciated that you did not buy a full sized pickup when one wasn't needed (or desired). I'm sorry you had to endure the BS comments, too. Some people just let can't other people be happy.

22 SEL with activities package here. (TN). Hyundai did contact me, after a year, about 7 weeks ago. I had heard on a forum that a fix does exist for the 4 pin wiring recall. I immediately contacted the good dealer in the area and made an appointment. The only aggrivation other than Hyundai taking over a year to come up with a solution, was that it took 2 visits to the dealership to get the job done. Otherwise very happy with my truck and glad to finally see more of them on the road

You’re awesome Nathan! Hope to continue to get lots of content from you after you move to California. Gonna miss you and Andrey teaming up. Hyundais are surprisingly good vehicles and you get a lot of bang for you buck!

You are correct Nathan, Andre is wrong again (laughing)...

we will miss you Nate on TFL. Just one thing , it’s expensive to live here in Ca. But you may have considered that. Good luck Hope to see you soon on the new channel.

I own the exact same truck with the exception that mine is awd. I love my truck and live in California. Only issue was my roll up cover had a defect. Hyundai replaced it and now it’s great. Good luck with the move.

Wishing you a great move! Looking forward to the new content in California.

Trail-terrain tires are EXCELLENT. 10/10 for a small truck or SUV. I have them on my Honda CRV and living in Utah, I have done much of the same of what you’ve done to your Santa Cruz.

At least you will get a great Uhaul deal. They are desperate to get some back as most are leaving Ca for Co not the other way around.

I wanted Two years for a backup camera replacement in a Ford Flex which went out with less than 2 months left on my extended warranty. The good news is it is a much clearer picture than the original. Cameras are jut better now. As for joining me in California, I’m looking to get out😂

Nathan, you are wonderful. Love TFL. Wish you the best. I think the Santa Cruz was a great choice. We are buying a midsize truck to tow our small camper (2,900 lbs) and to haul camping gear. The Honda Ridgeline is the pickup TRUCK that is our benchmark given our needs and wants. Not sure what we will end up buying, but I would be perfectly happy with a Ridgeline (TrailSport).

A new studio in California! I have said that for some time now! I said it for the TFLbike channel specifically, because you get a lot more year long weather to review bikes. As well as other new vehicles. This is an excellent move. IMO. Cannot wait for this change. Good luck out there Nathan! Wishing you the best!

You rock Nathan. Keep up the good and honest reviews 👍 👌

love my santa cruz does everything i need and more as a homeowner. remember big trucks are the most repoed vehicles and the hardest hit after 2008 recession. those who can’t drive even afford their vehicles have meaningless opinions

Nathan i was right behind you on 225 south a few months ago. Didnt realize you lived in Aurora!

Thanks Nate!

I have the SE and I love it. Are the tires the same size as the stock tires?

There’s off-roaring opportunities in southern CA too 😏 Btw, that tow/4 connector pin issue is a pretty big problem.

B4 the engine goes How did Roman talk you into moving to CA…hope you got a massive raise.

Good to hear you liked your car Nathan.

Will the expedition get through emission in California?

So glad your NOT leaving TFL. Wish you had been able to get a Maverick, I LOVE my Xlt Hybrid luxury pack.

Don't worry about the negative comments. It's a free country. Buy and drive what works for you.

I too traded my Santa Cruz after about 18 months. Great little truck, but i wanted more interior and bed space, so i went back to a Honda Ridgeline. I miss the technology of the Hyundai, but the Ridgeline is a great midsize. Good luck in California!

Santa Cruz is closer to the old Ranchero or El Camino, though more capable. I think there is a place for it in the market. It is better than the Maverick in some respects. I would not criticize someone for choosing it.

I agree about it being more of a Ute rather than a truck. Great at pick up duty, if they can ever sort out the wiring harness for towing, it'd be a decent tow vehicle, OR do what they did with the Tucson, and ditch the dual clutch in the turbo for the normal 8 speed and it'd be perfect for most people. I do like the updates they're making, but it needs a few tweaks to be better still. Look forward to seeing what you're getting next for a daily, so you can keep listening to Boneyard on the satellite radio, lol.

Love mine. It gets compliments ALL. THE. TIME. and has hauled and or pulled everthing me, my family and my best friend have needed it to without issue. I'd miss it if I sold it, but it's [just] a vehicle, and it wouldn't be the end of the world. Priorities are what they are. Good luck in your new opportunity!

Looking forward to seeing what your transition brings to the channel, Nathan! It sounds very exciting to have a studio for TFL in Southern California! Best wishes on your move and transition and love your responses to owning the hyundai. Lol! I found the Maverick to be cheaper in terms of cost of ownership and sticker price, which is why I went with one of those. Have had similar responses but I absolutely love the vehicle. Could care less what other people think as everybody has an opinion. The 2025 Santa Cruz looks like a worthy update as well. The 2025 Maverick is getting refreshed already, and I don't want to trade, but I am very curious to see the changes. Apparently they will be getting the updated large screen as well. Best to you and looking forward to seeing you and content from Southern California!

There are still 10 million things that will fit in that bed that will never fit in an suv or car !!!!! Don’t feel bad for owning it!

Congrats on the big move Nathan! Btw, my friend has the same Santa Fe and loves it! It is kinda cool looking with the hard bed cover and roof rack. ✌️

So shocked you did not get the 2.5 liter Turbo.

Good luck!

As somebody who recently moved from Southern California, I think you made a mistake in getting rid of the Hyundai for an Expedition. Parking spots are narrow, and fuel costs a fortune. While living in Southern California I had (and still have) a 2020 Silverado. There were many times when I wished I had a smaller vehicle and had bought my truck with a more fuel efficient engine like the 3.0 Duramax. You're going to miss your Hyundai when you get to Southern California.

Good luck in CA! Ever since I’ve first started watching TFL it has been Roman Nathan and Andre as a core group. It’ll be different, not having Nathan around all the time! I love all of the content from TFL hope and this works well for you!

I would never tow with a 2.5 liter four cylinder. Especailly over 3,000 lbs. NO way. Perhaps with a 3.8 v-6 motor.

Best of the best to you Nathan..

I have those tires on my Colorado and have put 45k miles on them and they are like you said great in all situations. Still have good amount of life left on them also.

I was born and raised in Cali and still live here. You BETTER be getting paid a LOT more or get a side job because the price of living here is INSANE, especially fuel. Colorado has one of the higher costs of living in the nation as well but it's cheap cheap compared to Cali. The fuel prices I see in your videos make me mad and jealous 😂 Either way, good luck Nathan!

Sir, you are doing a great job . Ignore does negative comments 😊

Congrats on the growth, TFL!

I like these little guys. So versatile. 😊

Nathan must’ve gotten tired of the traffic from Denver to Boulder so he’s moving to LA. Good luck, Nathan! I’ll see you around here in Nevada from time to time I’m sure.

good video , thanks

Nat better do more reviews and videos. But I hope there gonna be road trips to and from each studios

Good luck with your move, Nathan. I hope you settle into your new home quickly and like it there. Glad to hear you're not leaving TFL. You're a valuable asset to your TFL audience.

The truck and off roading crowds can be among the worst for gatekeeping. What matters isn’t what a vehicle is but rather what it is able to do for your needs. My favorite are comments on near any videos with off road tests. With the way people talk, I guess it ain’t off-roading unless you’re driving vertically up the side of Matterhorn.

Happy you're not leaving TFL! You'd be sorely missed if you had. Best wishes to you and your family on your move to California.

Yup lol, me pushing my 2015 frontier to do tons of work while my friend has a 6in lifted f250 just to put his dirt bike in it 😂 that's about it

Congratulations on your move and TFLs expansion into Cali. It will definitely be a big change from Colorado. Good luck!

California? 😮 I hope we will continue to see you 🍀

Seems like a good truck. It’ll be better as a PHEV-hope they go that route

They still haven't replaced the tow pin wiring harness? In 2023, was deciding on buying either the Ford Maverick or the Hyundai Santa Cruz. With all the good things about the Santa Cruz, was glad that i was able to buy the Ford Maverick instead, because of this reason

Excellent condition, never used for towing, some off road use.

What is a "proper truck"? Every single thing ever created is purpose built and this is no exception. You wouldnt use a blender as a toaster. This little truck has its purpose. My tacoma cant pull 30,000 lbs...hell I dont want it to, Thats not its purpose. This is for the family mans everyday driver and occasional truck bed use and maybe pull a trailer with lawn mover or ATV, something like that.

Good luck on your new endeavors in California!

I wasn't too crazy about the Santa Cruz, until a family member got one. Turns out its a crazy practical vehicle. Yea its not a turbo diesel 2500 that can tow a bulldozer... but it does more than enough for 99.9% of people.

are you taking applications for the So Cal Office? LOL

The Hyundai/Kia dealerships are horrible. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t have a fix by now. I’d imagine a group will end up doing a class action lawsuit. At least be communicating to folks. I’m glad you end up liking it. For a long time I thought you should’ve done a Ridgeline but with the gas mileage, the Santa Cruz is much better and obviously was cheaper.

congratulations on the raise!

I saw the NY Auto show videos of the 2025 Santa Cruz. I'm torn between that or if I should wait to see if Ram gives us a 2025 Rampage. I already have a half ton truck to cover towing and hauling.

Thanks n8

negative comments on the internet? Well, Nathan, as a fellow Rush fan, I'm sure you've had people question your taste before. We all know the truth.

Hyundai should have just bought aftermarket tow wire harnesses and sent them to dealers for them to install them then Kurt or whoever does all the engineering and they have happy customers

Train Terrian is great tire , but is heavy case sidewall. Mpg will suffer. But is a Top tier tire.

The *Kia Stinger, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Dodge Magnum, 2005 Scion Xb, Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe & Suzuki Jimny* are awesome vehicles that have been very practical and but unfortunately haven’t caught on. Practical Hatchback sedans are only limited to ‘luxury’ offerings from Mercedes, Volvo, Audi & BMW now.

I’d love to see all the videos of this off roading since this is the non DCT Santa Cruz

Congrats on starting up the studio in Southern California and you sure have done well with this little truck! Looking forward to more videos from the LA area! Good luck and stay positive, you all are great at what you are doing.

Glad you enjoyed it, to me it's ugly as sin and HATE that "stylish" thing with the body panels on the sides of the bed... Makes it harder to load heavy loads over the side of the bed like you should be able to on any truck...

Did you call Hyundai's corporate office about this situation? They should have been able to help you. Best of luck at the new TFL Office in CA.

I was on my way to lease a Santa Cruz. But stopped and test drove a blazer. Ended up leasing that. It was close. Thanks for the honest review and feedback. Maybe when my lease is up. Still 2 years away. Will see new refresh and I am enjoying the blazer. Good luck to you in California

Goodluck with your move, unfortunately Maverick n Santa Cruz are not offered for sale here in Australia. I have been happy with my Nissan D40 but if i wasn't farming then i would go with Santa Cruz as i enjoy sedan base ute like Holden Commodore n Ford Falcon.

Knowing that Hyundai has customer NO service you guys still parade Hyundai products telling us how great they are.