Just took an 1800 mile road trip with our 2022 SEL and it was flawless. Wonderful truck. Quiet, smooth, and fun to drive. At age 71 , it is my first new vehicle.

I’m a truck guy and have been for 4 decades. I just bought a 2024 XRT 2.5T Santa Cruz. I love the fuel mileage, power and the ability to throw some stuff in the back. It’s my light truck and then I have my diesel when I need to actually pull

After having watched literally hundreds of auto vids in the last few months, this is by far the best one. Great to get the perspective of a mechanic - someone who will talk about potential issues that most other reviewers don't touch on. Very interesting about the higher trims and DCT transmissions. Went to an auto show yesterday and really liked the Santa Cruz. The good and the bad about the vehicle were clearly explained in this video. Definite thumbs up and subscription for this!

This is the best Santa Cruz video on youtube. Thanks for making it.

I got my '22 Santa Cruz SEL since they first came out, and I love it. I personally don't need the Turbo, or any of the fancy bells and whistles. It's not a truck, but it's "truck-enough" for my practical usage. Since ownership, I have been averaging 32mpg as well.

The "I will self destruct in time transmission..." BEST LINE EVER

Best review I've seen so far of the Santa Cruz, thanks for your honest insight and observations! I bought a Santa Cruz new last month and I agree with almost all of your opinions here, love that you really explore every feature with a real-world lense and hit mechanical aspects as well.

It’s certainly not for everyone. And I agree it’s definitely not a truck. I bought mine specifically because I was not looking for a truck. Just a capable vehicle with good gas mileage for two adults that had some capabilities to carry larger items occasionally but yet drove comfortably and was fun to drive. The limited trim came with some great tech features many of which I wasn’t sure I cared about that much, but now I love them including the lane changing cameras and all the other comfort and convenience tech. I love driving my limited because it feels like more of a sport sedan. it’s quick and powerful and smooth and the transmission works great at least for street driving. if you’re considering one of these make sure you understand that it is not a Jeep or some off-road machine. While I think it has some design elements that make it look mean and tough and it has a really great looking stance, it’s actually a pussycat underneath. Well something in between a pussycat and a cheetah. 😂

Love the diagrams and outlines to help highlight what you're talking about, these reviews just keep improving.

You nailed it when describing the target buyer. I love my Santa Cruz because it fits in city spaces much easier than a “real truck,” drives like a car/suv, and hauls what I need it to haul ( garden supplies, the occasional piece of furniture or appliance, and rec gear). Perfect for my urban needs.

I've often wondered about this vehicle. All my questions were answered with this very well done evaluation. Thanks for your expertise.

Most well rounded review ever. The last segment summary hits it on the nail.

Always great to see an objective and honest review from an expert. Hopefully you can get a Maverick soon to compare. A Ranger/Tacoma/Frontier/Colorado would also be good to show the mechanical difference when you go to body on frame.

I've been considering this vehicle, and seen many reviews, and honestly, hands down, this has been the best review!! Loved it!! Keep up the great work.

Every time I watch one of your videos I learn something new, this is an awesome channel, love the detail you go into that very few other reviewers do.

I have 13k on my turbo santa cruz with many upgrades making close to 400hp and havent had issues yet. Hyundai has stated they will replace transmissions with recalls with a loner car if ever afflicted (early models mine included... its an issue with the high pressure pump and not the transmission itself. I am an ASE Certified mechanic and shop manager) I do agree with many points expecially the exhaust bits. Brakes are plenty efficient. Suspension is great for what it is. Performance for what the vehicle is far beyond competitors. 0 to 60 times in the turbo version is a bit ridiculous for what the vehicle is.

It’s for those light duty everyday things. They’re just for those occasional bulky items that you just can’t fit in certain vehicles at a certain price points. One should never set their expectations at an unreasonable level here. It is a decent reasonable vehicle. If you want a full fledged truck then you buy one of those and be done with it.

Stumbled on to your vehicle reviews. Love the mechanic angle/approach where you thoroughly cover the pluses and minuses of the engine and drivetrain in particular and the expert knowledge you share. Everyone seems to speak to the styling and infotainment features. Your honest insights and where you speak to the down-the-road reliability of the engineering are refreshing. Bravo, bravo!

This is the best review of a vehicle I've ever seen. Great job and thank you!

Sidenote, it just so happens that the bed features specifically the cover and the somewhat hidden trunk storage are what ultimately sold me on seriously considering the Santa Cruz which we ended up buying. Without the integrated bed cover I doubt I would’ve even bought this because I think it makes the bed so much more usable on a day-to-day basis, secure storage out of sight not having to worry about it etc. since I wasn’t trying to buy a truck, the amount of open bed space was not a huge concern to me. So if you’re in the same situation as me when you’re comparing prices you gotta include that really nice bed cover when you’re looking at the price of for example a maverick or a Honda or even a Toyota. those things cost 3k +

You're one of the only mechanics/reviewers that gets into the details about the engine and transmission which is what I most want to hear. Car manufacturers don't explain half as much these days as they used to and salespeople almost never know these details. I also appreciate your common sense observations and opinions. You usually confirm what I was already thinking, but you say it in a nicer way! 😉

I've driven dozens of cars including the Ford Focus to the BMW 5-series over my lifetime including several trucks like the Chevy S-10 or Ram 1500. I can honestly say that, so far, Santa Cruz gave me the biggest satisfaction of ownership. With other vehicles, it's about getting from point A to point B or what kind of premium options I can enjoy. With SC possibility is wide open. In fact, I usually buy vehicles with full option. But with SC, I just bought base SEL AWD and am quite happy with it.

I love my SC. I have the second from the top tier model. I do work on factory floors over a pretty wide geographic area. Lots of highway miles, and a small bed for my diagnostic took kits, and that locks. Bikes in the back on the weekend. Driven it coast to coast and it was great on 12 hour drive days. Perfect vehicle for what I do.

Glad to hear your final thoughts on the Santa Cruz! This was easily the best deep dive I have seen on the "truck". Hope to cross paths again in the future. 👋

We got the 2023 Limited. Love it so far. This is our "road trip" vehicle. It will suit our travelling needs just fine. Thanks for the review, and I'll keep my eyes open for the items you discussed.

The large rear shocks are for the passive self leveling system that comes on all trims. As the suspension moves, the shocks adjust to keep the bed level. It works very well.

I love this guy . He really knows his stuff !!

Very good job and informative video. Thanks AMD for all your efforts and input you put in these videos.

Best review. You are so detailed and easy to understand. 👍

This is the best overall review of the Santa Cruz. I really enjoyed your under the chassis insight which was the only one of its kind I've seen so far. Your insights on the engine design were also excellent and the only one I've seen before. I really enjoy how you not only review how the vehicle looks but your comments on build quality are very insightful. One of your best reviews yet. Thank you for the excellent reivew.

Anotherrrrrr…….interesting video as always! Keep up the heat shield details and muffler comments. That really does show you what your buying. Thank you.

thank you for taking the time out or your day to make this video mate!

Very good review!! You hit the nail on the head with this type of vehicle. Those who know, know. I'm a former Ridgeline owner and I would consider this vehicle. Tha ks for the info on the trans. I typically put 30k a year on my vehicles so reliability/durability takes priority over almost anything for me. Keep up the good work sir. 👏

You do phenomenal reviews. I have watched several of your Toyota/Lexus reviews and they are spot on and informative. I am so happy that I was not the only one concerned about a DCT in this vehicle. I went with a trim level that has all the options available without the DCT and Turbo engine. I wish it had the Turbo, but I can live with the lack of Power. The Santa Cruz has been a fantastic daily for my wife and fits our needs. Plus, it just looks pretty unique.

As usual, excellent review which provides useful information. Thank you very much!

You have the best reviews ever. No BS or hype.

I'd love to see your review of the Ridgeline and your thoughts on its quality and features. Awesome review of the whole santa cruz

Thanks for the honest review - the comparison of the two engines is especially helpful. I'm currently driving my wife's "old" 2007 Santa Fe with over 200,000 miles on it and it just won't quit, so we've been very impressed (I've owned other Hyundai's as well). The Santa Cruz would be for "retirement" and would possibly get used to pull a small camper, but I'm also a musician, and the lockable bed on these is perfect for hauling valuable music gear out of sight (and with plenty of room).

You are such a wonderful speaker! I enjoyed this so much that you gained a new subscriber! 💜

Best car review I have ever seen!! Thank you!!

This is by far the best car review channel on UKposts. Thanks for doing these reviews in depth. Love how you don’t compromise and roast what needs to be roasted. Will you ever do one of a Subaru Outback wilderness?? I’d love to see that review!

Nice review! I'm impressed that You found a genuine use for it :) the Hyundai classics were mentioned like DCT and turbo in the rear of the engine bay :D I'd actually pay the dealer more money to cover the piano black with a tape or something. I just hope the switch between shortcuts and AC control will be gone in few years when I visit the dealership for a next car - again, I'd pay more to get the traditional buttons :/ I kinda expected You to comment a bit more on the Smartstream engine with CVVD tech :p Engineering Explained channel was pretty impressed with it, but looking at the numbers like 5% more fuel efficiency and 4% more power output, it seems like something a regular user won't notice.

A great review in and out. Loved the attention to detail!

Thanks for the great review! I am taking a serous look at the Santa Cruz and its awesome to have such an in depth review of the build!

I was considering buying one of these and you had great information on this vehicle that the dealer dosen't really talk about or maybe dosen't know. I don't need a limited or turbo in small truck. The base model is all I need for daily driver. Great video !

I bought a 23 Limited specifically because it wasn't a "real" truck. Just as you said at the end, I wanted it for some truck utility but for the most part I want a nice comfortable daily driver. Also, unlike the Maverick, the SC isn't trying to look like a truck and I love the way mine looks.

Now, I do consider that the highest trim, not always the best you can buy. Thanks to this wonderful review.

I love your reviews, please never stop!

I just got the 2023 sel Activity. And damn this is literally my perfect vehicle so far. I don't need a full pickup but need a small bed for my creative lifestyle. I think the SEL and SEL activity is a great deal depending on what you want.

Great review, have a 23 SEL and love it. Plenty of power with the NA engine. Very comfortable and practical and so much more functional than an SUV for carrying stuff around.

Honest review, better than any I have viewed.

Well thought out and organized review Mr. Car Care Nut.

The Santa Cruz I own, Turbo tricked out at 24,000 miles that transmission is going out. The door seal around the drivers door had to be replaced the 1st time at 6,000mi. This because a tall person 6"+, rubs their butt across the door seal upon entry. Door seals are not warranty items, even with the upgraded warranty.

Nice review. I have the SEL with Activity Package. It is exactly what I needed and wanted. Highway mileage is getting 34 mpg. Great ride. Quite and comfortable. Two things I don't think you hit on were 1400 pound payload and 3500 pound towing capacity.

I really like your review to the point and you can call out things that are bad and not just read the brochure like other reviewers

Thanks for doing an honest review and identifying potential long-term reliability issues.

Love my SC with the turbo. The sweet spot for these seems to be the middle trims. At the low trim, you should really look at the Maverick for lower entry cost. At the high trim you should be looking at the Ridgeline or something else more capable. I am basically the target demographic so it fits me perfectly - a small town/rural suburban homeowner with messy hobbies that often has to park in a parking garage for work or in small city visits. I do dump runs every couple of weeks, take my mountain bike out, need to bring landscape or yardwork materials home through the spring and summer, have lowes or home depot lumber runs, etc. This thing covers all that kind of stuff without the thousand dollars extra in gas each year and dealing with a bigger vehicle that I would get with a midsize or full size truck. Your nitpicks are pretty accurate though, that go pro fender thing was a very half-assed gimmick and the tonneau should have strictly been an extra you can add on to any trim, not included. It is well built and pretty rugged, but it eats up almost a foot of bed depth for large objects and is a pain to remove or install (from my understanding, I haven't tried yet).

I looked at it and finally decided on the hybrid Maverick because of the tremendous gas mileage

Great information and perspective on the mechanical parts!

Totally agree with AMD's assessment...Nathan from TFL got a SEL with the non-turbo engine and 8 speed auto, and with knobs on the stereo and wireless Carplay/Android Auto. I think that would be the sweet spot, except for me the SEL with the Convenience Package for the moonroof would be ideal. The only thing missing from the SEL Premium & Limited trims, that I'd want honestly, are the LED headlights.

Just bought one of these, and I'm the buyer you mentioned at the end of the video. It drives like a car, fits in my garage, but I chose it over a RAV4 because I need an open bed. I really hope Toyota comes out with a competitor so I can come back home! Really liked the review.

This was an extremely useful vid for me when you first published & I was doing research knowing my current 15 yr old Ford Escape hybrid was on its last legs. It gave up the ghost end of December & I bought a non-Turbo Santa Cruz SE. Think it will be perfect for my needs. Thank you again!

You do the best reviews

I believe Korea manufactures many products that are great. Not cars. As this excellent video points out, the engineering decisions often just don't make sense. Take for example that Hyundai styles this vehicle as being an ATV but yet the underside has exposed flimsy components. To me the spare tire is literally a joke. Not only is it not full size on a purported off-road vehicle, but it is completely exposed. Overtime with water, salt and dirt it will end up being difficult if not impossible to remove when it is needed. My view is if you want one of these you are best to lease it. Then you won't be stuck with it when things really start going south.

Just thinking about this review and what I really need in a pick-up. 1.excellent reliability (what good is a pick-up without that?). 2. Great handing and road feel (a pickup that's an SUV is great for that) 99% of the time I'm on-road and the worst traction moments for me would be torrential rain or bad snow storm. An automatic traction system is best and safest instead of manually needing to switch to 4-hi or 4-low. 3. Some usable space (mid size works best with space for stuff and passengers) 4. Decent payload for the occasional used engine or trans. on a pallet. 1500lbs will do it. 5. Light to medium towing for moving the occasional small trailer full of furniture, 5000lbs max is fine. 6.quiet ride that's smooth when empty or loaded with a rear suspension that doesn't put me in a tree if I approach the exit too quickly (rear independent suspension is perfect for a street only non offroader). I'll take a Ridgeline thankyou, now if only they would build a hybrid model with the Acua MDX Type S drivetrain. Sorry, I'm just dreaming. 😂🙏

I love these detailed videos! Thank you! Hope to see this format "should you buy" with the new Lexus RX and Toyota Grand Highlander

New sub! Very high quality content, expertly presented.

My only problem with this thing is the bed seems a bit too short. Instead of having that bed cover, they should’ve made the back wall collapsible so that the bed extends into the back seats.

The reason for the "large" rear shocks is because it has self leveling rear suspension - loaded up with things like bags of mulch the bed doesn't droop like the F-150 I had which was replaced by my '22 Santa Cruz Limited. Great overall review! I would point out that many SC owners with the DCT are reporting issues - Hyundai has been pretty cagey about the recall and fix. I had mine it for the "drivability" recall and much preferred the way it drove before the update was done (and that was months ago so it's not a relearn drive it some and it'll get better issue). I'm on the fence as to if I'll have the recall done (scheduled for next week) - I've heard reports of the truck "bricking" itself after it's been "updated" and requiring a new transmission. Honestly, even with all the concerns it's been GREAT and I have no regrets in replacing my 2018 F-150 XLT 5.0l with this. By the way - I call it a "SUV Car Truck Thing" - I've only gotten a few weird looks from "truck people" - most (even in HD trucks like 2500 and F-250) seem to like it after they look at it. If you need a truck then buy a "real" truck if you need a truck bed occasionally then this or the Maverick works well!

Thank You. Most complete review I have seen.

Really great review and presentation. Enjoyed your directness and explaining this vehicle in an non- salesman style. I have thought about this vehicle as an step down from my 2011 Tundra. I am loyal Toyota Man but at 62 years old, retired and crusing towards my last days, I don't use my Tundra as an truck. I just like the cab and how it helps me to see ahead. The Santa Cruz is on my list of replacements for my Tundra. Great Work!! I subscribed

The large rear shocks on the Santa Cruz are mono tube automatic self leveling ride control units. They work great and are a valuable feature for carrying a heavy payload without bottoming out. Better payload than the 2017 Tacoma Off Road Double Cab Long Bed 4x4 that I had for 5 years. Tacoma DCLB 4x4 payload-about 950 pounds. Santa Cruz payload-1,400 pounds with better ride and handling. The Santa Cruz plastic pieces on the leading edges of suspension components is a nice feature. It keeps those steel pieces from becoming gravel, sand blasted and rusted out over time. Something that happens to the rear shocks and suspension when you drive on graveled and sanded snow covered highways or graveled country roads on property. The Santa Cruz weighs about 4,100 pounds. It's built pretty stout. As a small vehicle, it's only a few hundred pounds lighter than a larger Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab Long Bed 4x4. The tonneau will get in the way for carrying motorcycles or long sofas. The tonneau cover works fine and doesn't get in the way if you're carrying 8 ft lumber, fence posts and boards or any other yard construction or landscape materials.

Great job! I’m now a new subscriber 👍👍

1st time watching your review, not picking on you at all, I love your accent & english, your sense of humor and light sarcasm In poking fun & pointing out flaws. Great review, I wanted to like them more than I do, too bad they didn't think things out like you pointed out. I have to say that past Hyundai's we've owned had very well thought out amenities and some better engineerined than other big names, and didn't cost extra, but had some drivetrain flaws that made us look elsewhere after several bad experiences. I'll be watching more, thanks for the great explanations that were just enough without getting too deep & technical beyond need.

So, to get a decent transmission you buy the naturally-aspirated model. But, my big question is do they still insist on low-tension piston rings, because if they do then it's an oil burner and not worth buying at any price.

Hate on the DCT all you want, it's the slickest shifting manual transmission you can get in a "truck" and I love it. The only place it loses anything to a slushy torque converted auto is crawling from a stop. Because, yeah, it's a manual transmission, automatically shifted. This was EXACTLY the vehicle I had been waiting for. I don't need a 6.5 or 8 foot bed - but I need a bed to haul stuff once in a while. It seals up all of our luggage on vacation in a locked bed with the tonneau. And I use it to commute 200km each day, five days a week. In 17+ months with it, and over 58,000km, it has been flawless - and I NEVER feel like I'm driving a truck. I've put in 16 hour days on the road in it - and was never uncomfortable or felt road weary at the end of it. Is it for everyone? Heck no! Absolutely not! If you want a "real truck" don't even look at it. I've driven trucks. I still have a 97 full size Sierra in the driveway ... which hasn't moved almost at all since the Cruz arrived. Got nothing against trucks. I just hate how excessively HUGE they've all become. I wanted small, this is small. It was between this and the Maverick for me, and the Maverick is ... uninspiring. A fine little "truck" and all, but it sure doesn't turn heads driving down the street like this does. Heck, filling up with gas tonight, the poor guy behind the register was distracted from ringing me up because he was too busy staring at and asking me about my Santa Cruz. After almost a year and a half with it I STILL get stopped regularly by people asking it or looking at it. Last summer I had a guy (driving a Tacoma) stop in front of my house and knock on the door to ask about it and look at it. This thing makes a statement. Not everyone is going to like it, and that's fine with me. I don't want to walk into a parking lot and have to try to figure out which one of the 23 trucks of the same model AND colour is mine. There are currently only two others in my town, and we all have different colours. Met both of the owners, very nice folks and all love their little trucklet a lot. But as for "should you buy it?" Only if you want one. I did. I pre-ordered the Ultimate (Limited in US). ZERO regrets. :)

Very informative review! Broken down by sections and all the need to know info. You should do one for the Toyota RAV4 please

Best part of it was the cheerful manner the video opened " Helloo and welcome" 👌

Good review, I'm also the buyer you mention at the end. I prefer car like handling, ride quality, silence and fuel economy. But I have a need to carry a mountain bike, occasional flea market items, and lumber yard stuff. I've been looking at these since they came out. I don't need turbo power, and prefer a conventional transmission. I've been a Genesis owner for 6 years (superb trouble-free car) and want to stay within the Hyundai ecosphere. SUVs bore me and Mavericks are pretty much unavailable and super expensive. This Santa Cruz should do nicely. A car with a bed. I had the use of a new Tucson for a week recently, also superb, if the Santa Cruz is a Tuscon with a bed, it is the perfect car.

😂😂😂 Love the calling of the GoPro mount a "situation" 🤣🤣🤣 👍👍👍 Why not place the mount UNDER the side-view mirror... so the "situation" is UNDER control 🙃 Thanks again for the thorough & honest review!!! P.S. Hope Hyundai purchased all the rights to copy that "Lockable Trunk Space", Storage Space under the rear seats, a squashed Subaru Ex-Forester profile, the early Jeep Cherokee snow & bugs block my head-lights (which can be a good feature for deterring owners from following too closely to the cars in front 🤨) ...

this guy is good, thanks for this great review

What a pleasant and honest review, thank you and glad I found you! Will subb today!

"They made a bit of a small compromise. And when I say small, I mean a big compromise." 😂

The oil cooler and the transmission choices were probably choices made to try to get to 5k tow rating.

Great coverage As usual

This is a real mechanic!!!! Thorough

The 10 year/100,000 miles is a great selling point, but as many have stated, it’s all about whether they will do the warranty work. Genesis should have their own dealerships, not in the same building as Hyundai and Kia. We looked into Genesis as well, but steered toward Lexus due to more positive dealership experience. YMMV.

At 7:42 DCT = Destruction Clutch Transmission👍

I like this for gardening and landscaping hobbies

Thanks *very* much for this! It was quite helpful!

Excellent review as always. Would love to see you do a review on the Honda Ridgeline as it seems like a better version of the adventure truck concept. Not as nice inside but probably a lot more reliable than the Santa Cruz

I've had this for a year now. This is the most accurate review I've seen. While I love the safety tech, my transmission failed at 4k miles. The most herky jerky transmission I've ever had in a vehicle. Overall I wish I would have kept my 2017 Ridgeline. It's just a tad bit roomier in all the most important places with a smooth transmission and stable V6. Hyundai made some dumb decisions with this vehicle.

this is a real car review, not the frou-frou fluff that mainstream utubers offer up. subscribed.

Best reviews on UKposts on this Chanel.

How about comparing it to Honda Ridgeline?

I seriously considered purchasing one of these. However, my biggest concern was the Hyundai engineering. I liked EVERYTHING else about it. However, I think that Hyundai engineering leaves a lot to be desired. If Toyota, Honda, Ford or even Mazda made this, I would have bought it. I also considered the Ford Maverick (hard to find); so, I ended up deciding upon a Mazda CX-30 two weeks ago. In the future, I might buy an updated version of this. It really is a good-looking vehicle.

Thanks for the thorough review, the thing you missed is towing capacity which is up to 5.000lbs with the Turbo

So nice to see the pros and cons

I really hope/wish Toyota makes something like this, between the size of the corolla cross and rav4. I always wanted a small truck like the original ford ranger that is good, simple and reliable. Would make a great car for me since I store my tools in the trunk of my camry lol

Just sold my 12 yrs old Tucson this morning. To my surprise, my check amounts to 29% of the price I paid when I brought it new. Not bad at all 🎉