The ULTIMATE Hyundai Santa Cruz Review - Towing 0-60, MPG, Off-Road, Self-Driving Tech & More
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2021
- We test every aspect of the new Hyundai Santa Cruz, including how it tows our 18-foot pontoon boat.
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#Hyundai #SantaCruz #Trucks
Are you considering purchasing a small truck? Comparing the Ford Maverick to the Santa Cruz? Good idea! Here is a good glimpse into the performance of this mighty little AWD truck.
Despite the small package it truly can handle anything you throw at it - Outdoor sports, skiing, snowboarding, ATV's, hiking or anything else you can dream up! - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
Nice review! What’s the Payload? It’ll be cool to see the camper test or even a tandem axle boat test. Either with at least 4K lbs of actual weight and 400 lbs of tongue weight. It has more than enough torque, but can it handle the sway along with stopping even though electric or surge brakes handle most of that?
Can't believe I forgot to include the payload sticker! Pretty decent at 1,411 pounds on the Santa Cruz you see in this video.
As soon as we get the chance, we'll put something heavier behind it.
If that was a Sol Horizon camper it weighs in close to 4K with 400 lbs tongue weight. I would have liked to see it too.
@@fritty9927 Yep, it was. We were excited to do it, and then felt dumb having not checked the connection. As soon as we can, we will!
@@TruckKing 😀. I have one and am in the process of trading to their off roader called the Rover.
@@TruckKing I gotta be the negative guy here. The gap between the Santa Cruz's most affordable trim to its most expensive trim is $15,730. The base price of the Santa Cruz in the US is $23,990, while the Maverick is $19,995. I think Hyundai got a lot right, but they priced themselves out of the market.
Baja owner here looking VERY closely at the Santa Cruz and this is exactly the sort of review I've been looking for; actual real-world vehicle performance with honest opinions. Except for it not being available in yellow, the SC looks just about perfect. Thanks for an exceptional video, guys!
You could always go aftermarket and have the car/truck wrapped in any color you want.
Awww but the blue one is so pretty!
man I've always wanted a baja, they were so cool and ahead of their time
I have had my Cruzer a whole year! 17k so far! From Driving on the Beach to the Mountains is totally awesome. But ! Dump the 20in Ghetto wheels they absolutely suck and useless!
I got all my towing equipment and it was so worth it. 7 pin every thing. They really did me a favor because its so much less expensive than the Frinkin Dealer! They don't do it inhouse anyway, they out sourse so save the middle man. Little bit hansel but so worth it.
Is this the first tow test for the SC on TH-cam? If so, great job TK team!!!
My diesel Chevy Colorado Bison is extremely capable the 3 weeks a year I get to go vacation back country. The rest of the time, it's an expensive daily driver. I'm planning on buying one of these, throw some kayak and bike racks on it and buy a beater Jeep for my back country trips.
This is by far the best Hyundai Santa Cruz review I've seen, very thorough and practical, thank you! I just purchased a '23 SEL premium with activity package, and I love it.
I believe it’s going to sell well, a lot of people want a truck without having to pay a lot for fuel and a big truck. I think the Santa Cruz is gonna give rise to more compact trucks whether Hyundai calls their Santa Cruz a Sport Adventure Vehicle or not. We see evidence of this with the Ford Maverick.
I have an 87 Ford Ranger with a 7 foot bed. If an automaker made something like that again in a compact size, I'd buy one...nobody offers anything even close right now. I saw/heard something a while back that Ford was potentially going to build a long bed Ranger again but I highly doubt it'll ever happen, they can't even finish production on vehicles they've been building for several years so I don't foresee them coming up with anything new especially with a long bed like that, would be nice though because most times I don't need a full size truck. My Ranger is quite capable of handling DIY chores, hauling building materials, towing trailers, etc. and its only a compact pickup LOL. The only time I really need a full size is when I need to haul my tractor somewhere, which isn't very often, and my 2008 Ford Explorer easily handles it, but a full size truck for towing duties would honestly be about the only time I'd need a full size truck.
local hyundai dealer has a $6000 USD markup on all santa cruz. they're predicting this to sell like the palisade did/does
I’m starting to like this thing more and more…and being a Silverado guy, that’s saying something. Your review has me wondering how I can still haul my play things in this smaller package.
I just replaced my Silverado with the SEL Premium. Loving it so far.
Maybe its cuz it looks like a mini avalanche x Aztec.
Why my dad wants to replace his Sierra with a ridgeline.
I read the Santa Cruz with either engine is only rated to tow 1,650 pounds if you don't have trailer brakes. I wouldn't trust their DCT transmission either. I wouldn't tow any more than 2,000 pounds with that base engine.
Same!
I went to buy one last week, none available til after April.
My wife talked me into a different Hyundai for a few years, let the crazy market settle AND let Hyundai adjust the things on the Santa Cruz that customers will be asking for. So my 2024 Cruz will be ordered my way and have any wrinkles worked out of it.
Looks like a good plat form for a soft roader. I can't wait to see what aftermarket stuff comes out . Lift kits, bumpers, roof racks bed racks for roof top tents.
hadnt thought of that, roof top tent just over the bed would be awesome!
Ngl a big reason I tuned into this one was to see you gentleman packed into this lil ole thing.
Can't wait to see a comparison between the Santa Cruz and the new Ford Maverick!
From what I've seen the Mav comes up short in pretty much everything besides mileage.
@@glamdring0007 Wow, really? That's a shame! I was considering one. Looks like I gotta do some reading.
@@RaceGasSmellsGood just the warranty alone puts the Santa way out in front...better towing and payload too
@@glamdring0007 it has better payload and it’s a better price. The Santa Cruz payload is only actually 600 pounds in the bed. So the maverick is a lot closer. If you look at price it’s competing with a ranger.
@@mattgray6436 The Santa Cruz is 1,568 to 1,906 pounds of payload, depending on configuration.
From that you subtract the occupant weights.
Unless you're hauling around 950-1300 pounds of people your statement is FALSE.
That boat launch is steeper than you made it look. It is very rutted out. You made it look easy! Lots of rock in that lake.
I can't wait to see the Sante Cruz in person.
For what it is intended to do, it looks great.
Seen the Maverick in person, didn’t like it. Don’t need an 150 or 1500 or bigger truck to tow my 2600lbs track car. Ridgeline is on the table but pricey even for the base. I built a Santa Cruz the way I want it and would suit my needs, came out $7000 cheaper than the Ridgeline and has more tq I need to tow my car. We will see. I havent seen one in person yet.
Who says you need to buy something new...plenty of older vehicles out there quite capable of towing a 2600lb car. My 2008 Explorer is rated to tow 7100lbs, same year Expedition is over 8,000lbs tow rating...but at that point you may as well buy a truck because the Expedition, well even the Explorer is pretty large compared to today's Explorer which is more scaled down closer to what the original 1st generation Explorer size was.
I have an 87 Ford Ranger that does all the DIY chores I need and it has a 7 foot bed, and will pretty much go anywhere because its so small compared to all the bloated size trucks on the market now. The only time I need more truck is when I have to haul my tractor somewhere. Tractor/trailer/implements combo is pushing the 5,000lb mark. My Explorer handles it, but a full size truck would be a better option, but I don't have to haul my tractor often enough to justify having a full size truck sitting around 99% of the time.
You need the 5000 pound towing capacity of the higher trim Santa Cruz which is about the same price as a Ridgeline. The base 2.5 NA Santa Cruz only has 3500 pound towing capacity which isn’t enough for your track car, gear, and trailer weight.
SEL Premium is what I built with the turbo AWD driveline. I live in the northeast so the AWD and turbo is needed. These hills and these winters.
@@wildbill23c it sounds like he doesn’t want a car with problems. Sounds like he wants a new vehicle to just tow and drive around this or a ridge line is a better choice than an F150 with 100k miles on it for 25k in this fucked market
You will love the Santa Cruz
Loved the scene of the SC pulling the boat up that dirt hill
I've been driving my Santa Cruz for over a month now. Convinced the dealer to sell me their floor model and pay the Hyundai fine. Needed a car and was heading off for work. To date I've been about the only licensed Santa Cruz on the road. Drove it from BC to New England area on snow tires. Didn't want to deal with New England winter on stock all seasons.
First point, was getting better than 9L/100 km on Blizzak snow tires. About 600+ km per tank of fuel. Tonneau cover is only partially water tight. Car washes and heavy rain will leak in.
Don't use lane centering at early morning sun or towards dusk. The system needs a clear contrast. Early morning sun was too bright. I also tried the no hands time trial on the flat prairies and could go a couple minutes. But the system is more useful if one needs two hands for a few seconds. I just kept a light touch on the wheel across the prairies.
Plenty of passing power when the turbo kicks in. Caught myself hitting 150 kph a couple times. Ya Mr. OPP, I'm going to exceed the speed limit to pass on two lane roads - deal with it.
I ended up with the base model and it has enough features plus wireless Android Auto. The two other models don't support wireless. Seats were comfortable enough for long trips. Some days I was on the road for 11 hours.
I get a lot of compliments - almost daily.
This is a pretty complete review, and you put it through its paces. Nicely done 👍
Great review as always guys. I think it will be a perfect vehicle for people who would otherwise buy an SUV, it gives them a secure bed to haul things that you maybe wouldn’t or want to put in the back of an SUV. Has to be a market for it or the Blue Oval wouldn’t have jumped into it.
SUV's are nice... Till your trying to bring home a bunch of fire wood, fertilizer. Anyone who likes to hunt, fish, or trap wont want to put any animal or bucket of fish & water in the trunk of their SUV and drive home with it. Rock, gravel, wood chips, potting soil...
IDK why Hyundai is marketing this thing towards city dwellers, I feel like this would be more popular with people that live outside of the city, that do a lot of yard work for their home that don't want a big truck. I'd bet at least 90% of people that live in a apartment or town house in the city literally don't need a truck bed over a SUV trunk for anything, but Hyundai apparently thinks they do...
Good review, appreciated you addressing the towing capacity right off the bat, & what Hyundai did to make this work more like a truck & have that extra towing capacity over the Tuscon. Thanks again!
Thanks for doing this. 2,500lb is exactly what my rig weighs too (16' flats skiff). That ramp is certainly not ideal, if it can handle that it will easily tackle any ramp I've encountered. Like to see a towing run at higher speeds (60-70 MPH) and over more distance (100 miles). Pretty hard to judge MPG after only 10 miles.
Awesome review!! Probably the first EVER video showing it towing!! Agree, it's a winner!! Both KIA and Hyundai ARE on fire with design, innovation, quality, and etc etc etc!! Merci
I want to see a video with your normal payload test. And also the camper test when you get one with the 7 pin connector.
Great video as always. Truck King you guys are the best.
Great towing information. They need to provide a tow package that has everything or the bragging about 5,000 lb tow capacity is a miss.
Agreed! It's a truck! Ergo, include a tow hitch. Jeez.
8:32 Dad: "We're making our own wind now." ;-)
One of the best reviews to test the touted capabilities of this trucklet. Exactly as I would want to use it, well, with trailer braking on a 3500 lb travel trailer 20' long. Nice Job guys!
Glad it was helpful!
There is no available integrated brake controller for the Santa Cruz. You have to go aftermarket...
Solid video. Thanks. We tow a small 2,900 lb Casita travel trailer. At some point, we will need to sell our 2009 Kia Borrego V8 Limited (7,500 lb tow capacity). We will need to decide between a midsize or full-size (1/2 ton) truck. At this point, we will add the Santa Cruz to the list just to see how it compares to mid-size trucks like the Honda Ridgeline, Frontier, etc. A 5,000 lb tow capacity should be fine. Payload is often the greater issue even when towing a small camper. However, the compact trucks like the Santa Cruz and Maverick can have as much payload or more than some 1/2 ton trucks. The Santa Cruz may be a legit option for us!
Very detailed guys. Thanks for putting it through the paces
The best, most effective, review of a Santa Cruz on the internet.
My favorite truck channel. No surprise they’re growing so fast. Quality content 💯
great job guys! this is probably the best road test of this vehicle. this little thing is impressing me.
I got mine on order! Thanks guys for a good, in-depth review!
Best Santa Cruz review yet!!!!! You made me want to buy that SAV! None of the other review channel moved me enough to buy this thing buy YOU did. Thank you.
Why?
Thanks for actually testing this versus drive it on a bladed dirt road and around the block as a review. Lots of real world feedback people need when buying something like this with the towing.
Nice review. Good detail and covers all the necessary info as well as your subjective impressions. Great father-and-son team!
awesome review man... yall deserve more subscribers!
As always, A+ review.
Can't wait to see you get the bigger trailer on there. That's a more capable "crossovery truck thing" than I thought.
Looks like a good vehicle for those folks with a little travel trailer. Got the bed to put tables, trash, and wet junk in, and can reasonably tow a small trailer.
Precisely. It's about time people realize that the Hyundai, Honda, and the Ford Maverick are more than adequate for those with light duty needs. Which is really what most midsized truck owners actually do/use their rigs for. Frankly, most full sized truck owners too. The f150 xl/xlt stock config (3.3l engine with 3:55 gears) is its top selling configuration, and is only rated for 5000lbs towing and 1700lb of payload, which the owners never really noticed because they don't use that much capability, meaning they will be fine in the Hyundai or the Ridgeline.
Great review! Getting a regular 0-60 on the next vid would be great!
Dude, your channel rocks! Keep up the awesome vids!
Nice to see it in action. I was with Hyundai for 5 years before I retired of 20 years selling mostly luxury cars. Saw pictures of the Santa Cruz and hoped they would make it! Bravo Hyundai. We have had an Elantra Limited since 2015 it has been a great car so far with no major problems. Might have to pick one of these up in year or 2. The Elantra is paid off. So we will enjoy no car payment for a couple more years 😉.
Have one in black limited...best vehicle bought ..it has all the safety features i need,quick,nimble and quiet...very happy with it specially its easier for me to haul my mountain bike and golf clubs..thanks hyundai😘
You guys got the scoop on the Santa Cruz. Nice to see that tow test.
Awesome review!!! Great Father and Son team....enjoyed video.👍🏽
Wow, great video! Thanks Truck King
Thumbs up. Great review guys. Thank you.
Hi guys,
Good video. You demonstrate the utility that this pick-up is made for. I think it do a good job. Just want to drive one.
I loved this review!
I was going for GV70 but SC look so good and your video making it even harder to make that choice!! Thank you for awesome video.
Bravo to father son combo!!
Great vid, y'all REALLY put it thru its paces! Son looked like he was hanging on for dear life @ 18:18...lol Great job guys, really good video, felt like i was along for the ride!! BTC
Great review!!! Very informative
Thank you for the in depth review!
I just started watching and I’m so excited for this video
love the New Santa Cruz!! love the review !
Thank you! I was wondering how I was gonna get this baby rigged up to actually tow. This video helps.
Glad I could help!
Very good. Thanks for the demonstration with a real load.
Looking forward to the next towing video with travel trailer and hopefully cross wind issues. Also we get icy conditions in the winter and if the Santa Cruz does as well as our '04 Santa Fe' we will be happy.
Great review!!!! I want one. Thanks for helping me decide.
This was a great review pop and son. I am a fan of TFL and this was a very happy change from their usual style. I'll be sure to subscribe and give you guys my views from now on. As for this SAV, I love the look. Very Baja-esque. I would like there to be a hybrid version, but that's the city dweller in me speaking. I am a fan and hope this "truck" sells well and stay in production at least 5 years.
thanks and welcome
Great review! Thank you! I love my Santa Cruz
Hey I love the addition of dad! What a Duo! Yall did it for me I have been to the dealer and really going back and forth, I am a big truck guy all my life and was about to settle with Ridgeline....not any more. You guys have demonstrated the fun factor of this fun little truck.
Our pleasure!
Very good review, this will definitely be my next vehicle.
Awesome review guys! I am also interested in getting one of these and you have answered some of my questions regarding the ruggedness, towing and off-road capabilities of the Santa Cruz. Keep up the awesome work and looking forward to more videos on this SAV!
Great review!
I just took delivery of my SEL Premium Santa Cruz. It's a great vehicle. Very impressive...
Thank you guys for not babying these vehicles when testing. I seen those shots if you guys plowing through the mud and gravel road. I remember that TRD pro 4 runner through ice a few years ago, hahah. Great job, keep it up.
Our pleasure!
This is the video I've been looking for
I would argue that a good portion of "real" pickups never see actual pickup duty.
It's nice to see that this vehicle is capable of what it is supposed to be capable of.
Plus, it looks great, and its non truck duty road manners are far better than those of any body on frame pickup.
If you need a genuine pickup for real pickup things, get one.
But it's really nice to have an option for those of us who don't.
Thanks for the review. You have answered several of my questions about this rig.
No problem 👍
Tried it yesterday ...just as awesome as it is...💓👍😇
Great video
Here in Missouri Ozarks a coworker parked his Ridgeline at state park while he went fishing all day. When he got back and started the engine it was suddenly LOUD.
Some thieves cut out the catalytic converter.
Hey that was a great video and you guys seem like you'd be some fun neighbors to have. Almost makes me want to move to Canada but not quite. I do wish we had the trim levels you guys get up there in the USA. Cheers
Good job guys
Excellent review.
Thank you kindly!
Can’t wait for you to tow the RV
Ty. Now i know what my SC can do if i need to go off road. Having a hitch put on the 14th with brake control module.
Excellent vid 👍
Looking forward to a Ford Mav drive test.
Cheers
Already done the travel trailer .I have a 18ft Camper 3800lbs absolutely no problem except mileage.
This is seriously making me want to purchase this. If it wasn't a bigger travel trailer we want would def get this
Great intro!!
Great job guys, Could you give the measurements of the bed next time. If I could get one of my three wheelers in the back I would take a look at it. Continue with that active lifestyle.
Eagerly waiting for your camper trailer tow test! Thanks for the great review.
You bet!
These are badass I really like them good for hyundai for bringing this to the market that 40k price for some of the models though is a little high I'd rather buy a tacoma for that price
Wife has the 2022 Tucson and yes this is essentially the Tucson without the lift gate. I was about to get this but the bed is a bit too small for my needs. I’m waiting for the Maverick to decide. But who can complain with a 10 year warranty eh?
I WISH they’d HURRY UP AND GET THESE TO THE SHOW ROOM to be delivered to the cus timer So far ( I give them an E for that effort )
It did really good at pulling the boat up
good review. Well done.
Thank you kindly!
Another great video, thanks! I'd love to see more towing, as I'm hoping I can to a small travel trailer with the SC.
small 16' long 3500 lbs total wt loaded would be ideal just watch the hitch wt. = part of your truck payload and look at how wide the trailer some trailers are 7' -8' wide = lot of wind blockage = poor gas mileage
@@youtubecarspottersguide1 Thanks! Yeah, I'm thinking an A-frame or Trailmanor may be best for this vehicle (don't really want a pop-up with the canvas sleeping areas). But it seems the Trailmanor aren't the lightest things, so I'll be watching for more tow experiences before I buy a trailer or the Santa Cruz.
I just bought an sel , AWD with the 2.5 non turbo with the 8 speed auto. It drives really nice even without the turbo , it still can tow 3,500 pounds .
How do you like it so far ?
@@justinl8455 I'm coming from a rogue but before that I had a 2014 ram 1500. The Santa cruise drives so good. It's really solid built . Rides sporty but smooth . Great safty tech too . Everywhere I go. people look at it. You have any questions , feel free to ask ..
@@robertsn6584 do you know what the ground clearances for it? Did have a chance to test to awd in a off road spot yet ..
@@justinl8455 I think the ground clearance is 8.7 inches . And I havnt tried the awd system yet but it has an AWD lock button. And there is a drive mode switch , you can choose snow mode
In Montréal you can rent pontoon boats, but you have to leave them in the water . Surprising ability. I remember my dad pulling a big Sangster craft boat out with his 2wd 67 Chevy with a big 6. He'd get stuck on the sandy cement ramp and someone would train hook to help out.
The Palisade also has the full safety assist features. It will even recognize the speed limits and adjust the speed accordingly. I love the duration it allows for hands free driving. Of course, I don't just nod back while it is activated though. My hands and feet are always at the ready. Hopefully people don't (doubtful) abuse and misuse the system. Great review, it was very interesting. Impressed with this new SC.
It's impressive, and when used with care and caution, can be helpful. I just worry that folks will abuse it, which is where the safety aspect comes in. Thanks for weighing in!
@@TruckKing people are getting lazy in my opinion which on the road is very dangerous
I'm really liking this truck/mini truck now
It's a 👍 up
..very kool and practical
I love how everyone think it’s a truck when they classify it actually as a sport adventure vehicle
The idea of a compact rally ute that can still do work seriously rustles my Skittles
Little tip for the lane centering etc, when your hands are close to the wheel like that, it gives some extra time or something. I drove a Tucson for a while and it was like that too
Keep up the great reviews! I’m not a truck guy, but as a consumer, I enjoy being informed. Everyone knows someone who owns a truck…cheaper to borrow than own. LOL There was no mention of the overheating transmission…I wonder if you guys experienced this at all, during towing and light off-roading.
No, but then that's a condition that requires lots of miles for it to happen (if it does at all) - we didn't tow that long.
It’s nice video thanks
This man knows his trucks. Nice review!
Thanks! 👍
Can't wait for someone to make a lift kit for it
Very Cool !
Awesome review!!! Best real world review out there. Is the Santa Cruz affected by this so called chip shortage. I haven't seen one on the road yet.
Not that I know of