Top Hyundai Santa Cruz Accessories - Peter's Playlist 

2000+ miles into my new limited Santa Cruz and I have to say, THIS THING IS AWESOME! I spent about 20 hours in research before purchasing mine in Somersworth, NH and its still more car/truck/SUV than I had expected. It’s a very luxurious sports car with tons of power... has the interior space and convenience of an SUV... as well as a super functional truck bed for most of your home, yard, work and play/hobbie/activity needs and tasks. Hyundai nailed it on this one. Everywhere I go this thing is snapping heads around. Great overall value. I highly recommend checking this thing out if your even moderately interested or even curious... you won’t be disappointed.

now you did it my husband was watching me watch your video's long story short we now have a Santa cruz have to admit its very nice

Hi, Peter! You are unbelievable! Last thing I expected today was to see a new video! Like I've said before, your commitment is unwavering and unsurpassed!!! Thank you so much for your dedication. It is crystal clear that you thoroughly enjoy what you do! Please allow me to wish a very prosperous, healthy, and joyous 2022 to you and your family!!! ✨

Nice video! I like what you said about packing light in a kayak when you go on trips and same compromise with the space on the santa cruz, you just have to pack smarter. This convinced me to step down from full size to a santa cruz thanks again for a great video

Great video Peter! I have to say, I don’t think people understand how versatile this vehicle is until someone shows them

I dont get the volume knob issue for some people. Its much easier to access on the steering wheel and more user friendly.

Well I think the tonneau cover has affected you a bit. I've seen other people say how it makes it hard to get bikes and stuff in. And the fact that you had to get a trailer hitch to carry your bikes kind of makes me believe it... 😅😉

I think if it had a longer bed (may be 5 foot) it would make it look better. It just looks weird with that tiny bed..

It reminds me of my 1978 Subaru Brat.

I have a 2024 XRT and just love it. Already do 3 things you've discussed. But I'm always looking for a good, reputable source for aftermarket accessories. If anyone has companies, would love to hear about them. Starting in January I plan on adding anything I can. I Def need those floor mats!!!

I've been SUPER pleased with my 2010 Hyundai Accent and have been strongly considering the Santa Cruz ever since I saw the concept - really wish it had a Mid-Gate that would fold down between the bed and the back seat.

Tire specs bruh? New subscriber here

Hello Peter! Thank you for your series of videos about the Santa Cruz, they are very informative! One thing I would like to ask, it's about the trailer connection. You were showing us the Curt wireless brake controller that connects to the SC and to the trailer as well, but I see that your Santa Cruz has a 4-pin connector next to your tow hitch. Have you replaced it? What harness brand and model did you use? I just picked up my vehicle from the dealer, after specifically talking about the 7-pin connector (Hyundai has a part # for it - K5F61AU400) that I wanted, and they delivered it with the 4-pin harness. Hyundai says that is not available yet??? Now I have a brand-new vehicle and a brand-new trailer, and I can't travel due to this 7-pin connection issue. Any help or pointer about how you resolved it will be extremely appreciated! Thanks again!

I’ve really enjoyed your Santa Cruz videos. Glad I stumbled upon your channel. The wheels and tires you put on look great! So much better than stock. I’m wondering, are your children comfortable in the back seats? I have concerns about mine “outgrowing” the Santa Cruz as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.

I recommend keeping a detail spray with your microfiber to clean the screens. A couple quick sprays on the microfiber before wiping dust and finger prints will help not add scratches to the screens and piano black surfaces

Thanks for the hitch info - everyone on the forums keeps asking about this because Hyundai is totally clueless about towing with these things. Lack of an official towing package with a brake controller has left owners scrambling. To me its pretty straight forward and everything can be solved in the aftermarket from well established companies like Curt. Just need the Kia 7 pin harness since the "official" Hyundai one isn't out yet, no big deal. The lack of tow points on the front was a mistake especially on an "adventure vehicle", I understand they wanted the front design to remain clean and sleek but no aux light mounts or recovery locations was an oversight. An idea when the factory fender flare accessory will become available? The factory mud flaps are a joke I'd like to see more side protection. Your wheels look great BTW and Happy New Year! Looking forward to more SC content.

Hey peter love your videos, just ordered a Santa Cruz, was humming and hahing whether to get that or the Maverick but decided to pay a bit more for the better ride. Dealer says maybe I'll get it in 5-6 months lol yikes! One question about hauling bikes, we have 2 ebikes which as you know are quite heavy and rather not put these on the roof lol I would like to DIY a fork mount rack on the bed with the bed door open, it should be enough length for that if the front wheel is off. Is there something like a 2x4 or 2x6 slot at the front of the bed? or is it possible pop off the front Drings and mount a 2x4 with the fork clip?

I bought my Santa Cruz during the height of the vehicle shortage in January of 2022 so I had limited choices. That being said, the SE package satisfied the majority of my needs at a respectable price. The only thing I really miss with this model is the push-button start/keyless entry that I had on my Kia Optima, which I traded in for the Santa Cruz. I didn't like the garage door-type bed cover because it takes up a large amount of bed space to accommodate the cover when it is retracted. The Santa Cruz was brand new when I got mine so there weren't a lot of third-party accessories available, like tonneau covers and floor mats. Now that the vehicle has been around for a bit I can finally start to accessorize mine. I have added a soft tonneau top to my bed, which rolls back but doesn't take away space in the bed. I also added a tailgate cover for my bikes. I prefer this to the trailer hitch carrier. If I'm not hauling bikes I can remove it quickly and just store it in the bed. It's small and takes up very little room as opposed to a tailgate carrier, which is always in the way if left on the truck and can be large and heavy and take up a lot of space to store when not being used. Now that WeatherTech has floor mats available I will probably add them to mine. They weren't available yet in early 2022. The one thing I would really like to have in the bed is more tie-down locations. I like the sliding tie-downs in your truck but that isn't an option on the SE model. I still don't know why they didn't add an upper tie-down to the section of the bed near the cab like there is in the front but I'm sure I'll find an add-on solution someday.

AWESOME! I love it santa cruz! .

Great recommendations!! I just took delivery of my Santa Cruz. It's a beautiful vehicle. I love the spaces....and with the 2.5 L turbo, it is one pocket rocket!!

🎉Great to find your feature again. Hope you ate still involved with motor journalism. Good luck! You are missed..please let us know! Louis Paxton

Hey Peter, not sure if you'll see this comment, but man, I'm having a hard time finding those sliding d- rings in the bed. Do you happen to know where to get some extra? I went to Hyundai and they said they don't sell it!?

I’ve had my Santa Cruz Limited for 5 days now and I love it! One big caveat to the (otherwise excellent) retractable tonneau cover: it can be very difficult to operate in icy/snowy conditions! I live in Maine, USA so this is a big deal. A recent ice storm rendered the cover unopenable until I thawed it out. Maybe being designed in California isn’t such a great idea, after all!

Nice video and suggestions. I'm getting tired of waiting on my Maverick. I wish the Sant Cruz came in a hybrid model.

Great video. I've had my 2022 SC since they first came out. Great accessories. What straps did you use for under the hood for the kayak? Also, did the Thule eye bolts work for you?

KIA has an OEM front steel skidplate available for the Sportage. I wonder if it would work on the Santa Cruz.

My Santa Cruz came with a bed extender that does come in handy. The groceries from my Walmart pickup fit there nicely. I just purchased a Forest River R-Pod that I tow with mine. Curt hitch and Curt Bluetooth Brake Controller too. Smartliner floor mats (lower priced and work as well as WeatherTech) front and rear. Kept the 20” stock tires and wheels, dealer warranty for both. Much needed since I live in WV where our state mascot is the dreaded deep pothole.

I am looking at a 2024 SEL AWD, if i purchase it i am looking to change the wheels, what offset do you have? I know the stock 18 width is 7.5 and offset is 51

Hood loops are a great idea in general, awesome suggestion... Can you suggest a rack system across the bed? I have a roof top tent and was wondering about having it across the truck bed rather than having to block the sun roof. Thank you for making this video.

How much does the trailer hitch run?

Any idea how the Hyundai roof cross bars compare to after-market bars?

Trying to decide on which model to buy. Any issues with your DCT?? I've seen a ton of chatter on the recalls and how hard it has been to deal with Hyundai for the warranty.

I bought my 2023 Santa Cruz. Do you have a video explaining how to use the gear settings?

it's a ute this thing is just a Hyundai Tucson with a truck bed slapped on. i love utes and that's what it is. i want hyundai to make a N version of this car.

I bought the base model SEL AWD to save money and did the option upgrades, too. I bought a soft tonneau cover for $400 and the tow hitch for $275. I went with 18" Blizzak DVM-2's for the U.P. winters and have to buy new wheels for the summer tires to install in May, but want a more aggressive tire over the stock 18" Hankook all season tires. Might go with the Falken Wilderness or Firestone destination AT/2's...Bought a rubber backed 4'x5' area rug to go in the back of the bed over the weatherTech bed mat. The rug is longer than the bed, so it overlaps the tailgate. I stuffed the rug down into the bottom of the tailgate gap a few inches, and now it seals between the bed and gate, stopping most of the dust and water from coming in from the road.

Where did you get the roof rails? The ones on roof attached to roof? Not the crossbars

The typically cheap made Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Adding all-wheel drive drops city and highway figures by 1 mpg. The turbocharged version has estimates of 19 mpg city and 27 highway. Compared to the 2024 Ford Maveric with 40 mpg city/33 mpg highway. Even worst the more versatile Ford Ranger gets 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The best in breed 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid gets 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway! The much more versatile full sized RAM 1500 gets 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway! The way bigger GMC Sierra 1500 gets 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway. And both the RAM and Sierra are real trucks! Why in God’s name would anyone buy one of these cheap Hyundai lemons? Must be because of the great record Hyundai has in building engines

One of your best videos ever ! Keep up the great work. Can't wait to see the new Sportage...( looks like they put the rear signal lights back up where they belong )..... Happy New Year !!! :)

Looks nice, I think the Santa Cruz can be a good daily driver with the capabilities to take my surfboards and kiteboarding gear.

How do I get fron chrome front guard below grill?

You should pitch your upgrade ideas to HQ and then they should offer you a job as a product designer. Why not ship the car with the hood loops built in? It's cheap and would make things better for customers with no effort on their part. They've already put so much thought into design from the looks of things. They include the T slots in the back for eyelets, why not include some eyelets? Why not offer a brake controller as an OEM upgrade?

You have a 4 pin on the hitch, yet show 7 pin adapter?

Thanks again Peter! Great update on the WeatherTech floor liners - I'll be ordering my rear mat here in a bit. Also, if you can let us know the specifics of those t-bolt rail accessories I would be very interested in hearing how they work. I'd like to add either a basket or cross rails to my bed cover (admittedly mostly for looks) but some extra carrying capacity for gear or bikes, etc. Happy New Year!

I threw a sportster in the bed of my cruz😅

Do they have window visors for the Cruz yet

Price???? Starting price for the truck??

In general, is it worth it?

I find it hard to buy a Santa Cruz, I have contacted several dealers . DOES Hyundai want to sell a Santa Cruz Or not????

what trim is that cruz ?

Does the head lights get fill with water

I've put a 1000 on my 2022, bought it 6 months ago, 280 horse 😊 can't slap the smile off my face, it's getting better city milage than it claimed it wood, I checked it the old, fashioned way .. My udder vehicle is a 2011 wrangler, Buckboard vrs smooth flying.. Met a couple who pulled a 18 ft trailer from Canada to TX Border.. NO PROBLEMS 😳..WOW

Just got my 2022 Santa Cruz SEL Premium in Phantom Black and I am loving it! I am a huge biker and kayaker as well and this is the review I was looking for. Thanks so much for making this video. I subbed and hit the bell.

I would also add bed rails from Putco. I have also replaced the reverse lights and headlight with good LED bulbs. Get any adjustable bed gate and it would work. I have one from an F-150 that fits and I strap it to the bed hooks.

Your front straps will eventually damage the paint. The simplest and 0 cost option is just to run your front tie-down strap to the rear cross bar and your rear tie down the the front cross bar. Nothing touches your paint and nothing will move. We use cross strapping to hold down big off-road vehicles onto trailers, it will definitely work on a kayak. The rear bed will perfectly carry 3 full sets of scuba gear and 6 tanks and allow the tonneau to close and lock. It will NOT do the same with 4, fortunately my wife doesn't dive with me and the kids.

How do you wash the bed?

Great video! I’m super pumped to get mine and I’m loving the white with black rims look! 🤙🏼🕺🏼🙏🏼

Peter, I notice that you have yet to install seat covers on this video. I know I'll be purchasing seat covers before any other accessory. Have you purchased seat covers? Do you have a suggestion? I'll do front & back. me, wife and dog LOL

ya it looks like my chouse.

I need someone to make a bull bar and light bar. I just finished with the Ready Lift 2" lift, Motegi 17" wheels, and Nitto Nomad Grappler tires. I still need more though... this may become an addiction.

ROFLMAO. 4' bed

Great segment. Those wheels are sweet. Did you get the vehicle lifted? The stance looks taller for some reason. Valuable info on the many accessories that work with the Santa Cruz. Try working in some other adjectives besides super. Strange to hear that word so much. Thanks for sharing your opinions and what is working for you with the Santa Cruz .

Be carful with the bike hitch that the bikes don't obstruct the tail lights, fat tire bikes are creating doing that. Something to keep in mind. Extra turn lights on the bike rack.

can you guide me to any instructions on removing the tonneau cover? I found one but I have to help the owner take it off and then get it installed in my Santa Cruz. Any assistance would be appreciated - a video link would be wonderful. Thanks, David

Great vid makes me want a Santa Cruz even more !

I get it with your tires account snow capable..but they take away from the look of it..but sometimes practicality over looks..thanks for the share

How well does the bed cover keep out water? I might want to carry passengers and my guitars and amps...most often just me and a front seat passenger, but on occasion people in the backseat as well.

Get yourself a swiffer and keep it in the glove box. Even micro fiber clothes can scratch the piano black and screens.

Peter,can u tell me what rim size example (18x9) ,oddset of rim & tire size u put on your Santa Cruz

Thank you for this video , just purchased 2023 about to pick it up next week and was looking for accessories so thank you for your help in my search.

Hi. You mentioned the roof rack (rails) don’t make much noise. So not much whistling??

Peter, Thank you for this video.I just purchased my Cruz last night. My salesman went over nothing and just pointed me to the owners manual QR code on the Navi. I totally agree that this vehicle is really cool like a Wrangler. In fact I looked at Wranglers first and felt this one met my family’s need since we already own a 2022 Tucson limited.

Peter, I appreciate your helpful videos and this one in particular about accessories. [re.] the Roof Rails, please show a 'close-up' of how the Thule cross bars attach to it. [re.] the canoe secured on top, close-ups of how it was tied-down would be helpful. (A picture is worth a thousand words.) Keep up the good work!

I LOVE...... my Santa Cruz!! I've had her right at 9 months. I just had running boards and a cross roof rack put on.

I added locks to the bed storage. Keeps my tie downs secured and keeps the doors from walking off.

Well done and edited. thanks

I have such a love/hate with the tonneau cover.. so helpful for everything other than when you have to haul something.. and then it kills you

I just watched this video..love your rims.do you know if i can buy it with the bed cover delete and are there after market bed cover that you know of

Does the Hyundai cross bars from factory come with a T-track for mounting different accessories/carriers?

Thanks for sharing, Planning to switch in Hyundai, since my car was stolen 2x crv 2020 model and 2021 evey 7 months they are stolen. God bless and keep safe everyone.

Great video. I plan on getting a Santa Cruz in order to carry my kayak and small camper so your accessories were great to know about.

Did you install a 7 way to plug the brake controller into? Or did you use a 4 pin to 7 way adapter to plug it in?

How much is the Santa Cruz's price buying in Canada?

This was an Excellent video. Well thought out and informative!! Thanks!!

Do you have a link to those folding chairs? They look really great.

Where did you get the Weather Tech mats ? Their website says they are not available yet.

hello i have a question, does water leak in this bucket (bed)?

Encourage Folks to get a nice utility trailer

If you want a unique look, try a side decal or half wrap.

That white is CLEAN, Im looking at getting the sage gray.

Love the SC. How dark is your front window tint? Looks good!

Peter, how did it perform in the snow with the snow tires. I have a limited I put Blizzaks on and it was horrible. With barely any throttle my TCS light would be going nuts and my truck would barely move. Coming from a 3.3 awd G70 on Blizzaks that I could literally floor it and go… I can’t understand why it’s so bad and my dealer said it all checked out fine when they plugged it in.

Awesome video man. So much helpful information

Do they have window visors for the Cruz yet?

So I finally got my Santa Cruz in. My dealership doesn’t know the answer to this so maybe you do. Is there any bed extender I purchase? I’ve noticed the US models have that as an option but the Canadian models don’t. Have you heard of any that would work/fit? Thank you!

What is the drop or rise of your aluminum hitch?

Hello Peter. Just received my Santa Cruz 2 days ago and having fun exploring. I plan to tow a 3500 lb camper trainler using a weight distribution/sway bar syste. Any thoughts on how the low hitch receiver access might work?

Great video. Has anyone found rain guards for the Cruz that don't cost a mint and work well? ❤ 💕 my Cruz but want to be able to open the windows when it rains. Also inline or not? Which is better?

Nice Peter-Great video. Any thoughts on a bed liner? Either the factory one or a McGiver’d one? Whats the durability when using the bed for material (moving etc. Will the plastic bed look like Swiss cheese after a few years? I know the Ridgeline has the same type of bed material. Many thanks. Keep these going.

When are we getting a PHEV Santa Cruz?

Hi Peter, I have mine on Oder for March and will tow with it. My dealer will install the Oem hitch and I will find the Kia 7 pin. My question for you is about weight distribution hitch, etrailer says no but one other site said yes, I used one on my grand Cherokee. I will be installing a brake controller