2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL: Is The Base Powertrain Powerful Enough?

[@monicawilson896]

I am glad this naturally aspirated engine with a traditional transmission is offered. I really like it.

[@glamdring0007]

More time talking about the Santa you're supposed to be reviewing and less time on pushing the higher end model. If we wanted a review of the Limited we would have gone there instead...

[@tombell5879]

I bought an sel with the activity package. I drove both the turbo and none turbo and didn't really notice a lot of difference in the power. I ended up with the none turbo in my sel and I'm very happy with the power it has. I traded in my twin turbo v 6 Ford f150 for it. That's how much I liked this truck. 👍👍😁😁

[@monicawilson896]

I really appreciate this feedback. I’m seriously considering one. I prefer naturally aspirated engine and traditional transmissions and this fits the bill and has lots of character.

[@carlfrei2419]

I just traded my Chevy 2500 HD in for one. Now the wait is on.

[@carlfrei2419]

My Sel Arrived yesterday it took exactly 2 months

[@heroofharo]

What's your real fuel economy? Mixed and highway? I was fine with the power on the non turbo and don't really care for turbos any how. But I'm curious how the economy stacks up with and without the turbo.

[@tombell5879]

@@heroofharo I do mostly city driving but I'm still averaging around 20-25 miles per gallon. And I also recently tried pulling my trailer I use for hauling lawnmowers in. It's a 14x6ft trailer. I hauled 2 big riding mowers and a walk behind in it and it did just fine. It's only rated to pull 3500lb but that load I'd say was closer to 4500lb.

[@Lumotaku]

Thanks for doing a review with a mostly base model. I hate that all these car channels think people can afford well equipped ones.

[@bobxstar]

I would prefer the infotainment system on this trim than the higher trims. Need my physical media buttons. Same for climate control.

[@jakes5530]

If youre not towing the base engine is perfectly adequate. My girlfriend just got a tucson with that engine and she has no complaints about the speed or power for her usage of it. I think us car guys tend to overestimate the amount of power actually needed for a daily driver.

[@Kenjionigod]

That's what I think, I mean. My sister drives and EcoSport and she's happy with the acceleration even though it's fairly slow.

[@kenhoward3512]

You believe the power is perfectly adequate because... your girlfriend has no complaints?

[@jakes5530]

@@kenhoward3512 that’s what I said isnt it? Ive driven it plenty of times too and obviously more power is always appreciated, but for 99% of the time it’s perfectly fine. Merges onto the highway and passes people without any issues. If youre a big car guy like me and have a need for speed, the 2.5t would be my choice, but for most people the non-turbo is totally sufficient for 99% of daily driving scenarios…

[@heroofharo]

what's her real world mpg for mixed and highway if you don't mind me asking?

[@jakes5530]

@@heroofharo over 7k miles on it now, avg mpg is 24 according to the cars computer. Freeway typically 29-31, but have gotten as much as 34.5 on a 2.5 hour road trip using adaptive cruise set to 72 mph. City mpg, like any non-hybrid is obviously terrible -- usually 16-19 mpg.

[@Nathdood]

I test drove an SE base engine at first. Then I hopped in a '24 Night with the turbo. Instantly felt the difference, especially in torque. Bought her that day, and I've been loving this vehicle more and more each day. Very happy with my purchase, this thing is really fun to drive.

[@xs8372]

I just got one and it’s not slow at all. Really smooth as well. I also drive a 2016 Camaro and honestly driving in the city I don’t feel a diff haha

[@mugrad1988]

I just purchased the base SEL 2023 model. No bed cover, but $28K vs $38K? That's a no-brainer!! Before I retired, my work car was a Dodge Charger with a Hemi. In the 90s, I had a Chevy Caprice with the LT1. I've driven fast. Very fast. I don't care about that anymore. It's fast enough to get me around cars and onto the Interstate. The tech on the car is GREAT. I purchased an aftermarket hardcover for the bed which is perfectly fine. I only paid $1300 for it. It's a great vehicle, and I love it. I have never towed anything in my life, and I'm not about to start now.

[@philliprumans753]

Needs a leather wrapped steering wheel at that price point

[@4.6lexus83]

SEL is the sweet spot for this pick up. Non turbo will last longer and give better gas mileage run on regular and overall give you less problems in the long run. Hyundai are nice and the build quality and ride quality is the same as there competition or better they have a great warranty. But they are not known for making good engines look at there recall history on engine failures on all there engines in the last 20 years or longer even thou they got much better after 2011 you have to do the maintenance mainly the oil changes on time on the other hand if you take care of non turbo you can get good amount of miles out of them. Hyundai is better than similar Chevy or Ford products by far. If you want the most reliable and durable form of transportation buy Toyota or Lexus luxury no one comes close to them only manufacturer making vehicles that can last 200,000 to 400,000 with normal maintenance without any major repairs or failures.

[@andrewb1064]

I personally think SE is the best trim. The SEL comfort features are all unnecessary imo and add about 3200 to the price tag. With that amount I can purchase the Kia Telluride 7 pin tow harness (confirmed plug and play with Cruz), a hitch, a Bluetooth brake controller, a soft retractable cover, bike tailgate pad, etc. and have about 1500-2000 to spare (this is what I'm doing with a SE AWD).

[@LucefieD]

@@andrewb1064 I feel this, if you don't want the turbo the base model is the play.

[@NangNangEE]

Thanks for the non turbo version which many people will look for than other car review channels introduce only the top of de top model which not much will buy.

[@NangNangEE]

And yes, I pressed the subscribe button for the thanks.

[@kenmccune8843]

Hyundai built a little cool pick up

[@B_noJ]

Love mine! It is a cool little pickup! They have been making pickup's since 1985. It was called the Pony. 😉

[@Notadrianmonroy]

I think someone that keeps their vehicles for a long time (like myself) wants the simpler and possibly much more reliable naturally aspirated engine. Had this been offered in a V6, I’d be sold on it. Great video, Mate.

[@ImThatGhostz]

That spot in the bed kinda looks like it could be a cooler or atleast used as one

[@xxtrippylexyxx1148]

I believe I watched someone else’s review of it and it is a cooler. It has knobs you can turn to let the water drain out.

[@mugrad1988]

Yes, it is! It seals up nice and only accessible with the rear gate open. That makes it pretty secure. Even if they get thru the hard cover (possible, it's not a bank safe) they will not be able to open the tailgate as it automatically locks after some time. Also, as the commenter below said, there is a drain plug if you want to make it a tailgating cooler.

[@phoebeeileenbrooks110]

I’ve only owned slow cars anyway. I prefer it that way (I get excited and like to drive fast, good to have a slow car to keep myself outta trouble when I’m not behaving). I definitely prefer natural aspiration too, less to go wrong

[@rberney]

I'm not sure most people would say that 5k dollars is just a little bit more.....

[@DrewGlenzer]

If the turbo was $2000 more I'd opt for it but I'm not paying another $5000 for a turbo + a bunch of other stuff I don't need.

[@adriancastellano1259]

That difference doesn't include the activity package. If you decide SL with activity package the difference will be only $2k, so decision would be what do you want to do with the car

[@DrewGlenzer]

@@adriancastellano1259 I want the tonneau cover but nothing else that is in the activeity package. So mine is coming without it and I'll get an aftermarket tonneau.

[@adriancastellano1259]

@@DrewGlenzer That is smart idea 💡. Diamond back doesn't have the toneneau for Santa Cruz yet. It is better option that one from the manufacturer

[@fordmodela3641]

Huge difference between the turbo vs the standard in my opinion. No one wants all the issues the DCT brings with the turbo just to have a little more hp and turbos don’t last forever either. Love my SEL w Activity pkg. 8 speed with a proven torque converter…No DCT for me!

[@Charles-xm1ml]

Road Rage on turn signals 😂Great review thanks 😊

[@logandolatowski7929]

utahns and their lack of turn signals lol great review!

[@darkerbrother1]

If you are going off road you really want the NA engine that comes with the normal transmission. You don’t take a dual clutch off road. If you bring a dual clutch to the beach you better bring a fire extinguishers 🧯

[@darwinia8]

These vehicle review videos always mention towing capacity, which is fine, except they never mention if it actually comes with a tow! I didn't spot one on the rear-end vid, but I'm not certain.

[@LordWaterBottle]

At this trim it's an add on for about $500 or so.

[@darwinia8]

@@LordWaterBottle Thanks. Do you know if it comes standard on the Premium or Limited? I'm thinking it doesn't.

[@andrewb1064]

@@darwinia8 not standard on any. Also no wiring for brake controller from what I understand, they dropped the ball big on towing, I think they have underestimated the tow rating being a selling point. The Kia Telluride 7 pin confirmed plug and play for trailer light wiring though.

[@kenhoward3512]

This reviewer seems to be, in essence, a salesman helping the dealer sell (especially higher trim level-) units - even including a link to the dealership, removing all credibility.

[@TheHelado36]

I will get one soon, but that turbo will probably be a reliability issue in the long run !

[@toddrodenkirch1909]

I bought the non aspirated one and I love it. There's plenty of power for my uses and I'm getting up to 30 miles per gallon with it. It rides like a really nice car nice so quiet inside. Recommend it to anyone. Can't wait to pull a small trailer with it.

[@JP-xq7fo]

Heard the Turbo's transmission has been having major problems.

[@patconzip]

Supposedly just a bad control board in a small number of the 2021 model DCT’s, and firmware that will kill power when that code comes up. A firmware update will stop the power loss and a check of the transmission will determine if it has a bad control board.

[@thethinkinggriesbach7600]

All what I know, more components, higher chance of breaking, so Im perfectly fine with the base model with simple engine and transmission.

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Great review Ben.

[@Lumotaku]

Basic question based on past experience with a 2017 santa fe. 1. Does it stay in the mode you put it in when you turn it off? Also does it have that annoying crap that cuts off your cruise control when it thinks you are to close to the person in front of you?

[@rudyelvis9468]

Great Review!! Thank you very Much

[@ahabdacapn661]

Looks like less back seat leg room than my old '94 Civic hatch. But headroom...

[@jkk2399]

Good review Ben! Use your turn signal lol

[@ram89572]

You do lose by getting the turbo engine because it gets paired to a DCT which shouldn't be used in everyday vehicles

[@clifbradley]

Man I come back from being sick and you got my vehicle I might trade my Palisade for. I am looking at the Limited though. However they want almost 40k for it and I don't think it's worth it. What do you think?

[@BenHardyCars]

It’s a lot, but the extra power and interior is nice

[@jakes5530]

Depends what youre gonna use it for, if not towing, might as well save the $5-6k and get the SEL premium trim. Also not sure if adaptive cruise comes in any other trim besides the limited, but for some people thats a dealbreaker.

[@ThisGuyRides]

@@jakes5530 Towing is same for SEL Premium and Limited, both come with 2.5T. Maybe you meant SEL with Activity Package.

[@PeteCarrion]

Where is the spare tire?

[@philliprumans753]

I think underside of the rearend

[@photo_n_art]

@@philliprumans753 exactly , just like in every car with cargo bed

[@1976axerhand]

with the turbo you get a wonky trans! and who know how long that will last, more tech more problems

[@aniislounnas]

Cool truck i love it

[@drumraven12]

"cost a little more" 10k is not a "little" to most people....

[@mluc1111]

30k for base model Ouch! I'll get a nice used Toyota Tacoma

[@OlJackBurton]

SE is the base model. This is the second lowest trim with the optional AWD, followed by the SEL+ (with the turbo) and then the Limited...

[@davids4795]

Resale on a Tacoma is through the roof no matter what the mileage.

[@kenhoward3512]

If a body-on-frame, mid-size pickup truck is what you want or need, then that's the Tacoma, not the Santa Cruz. The Tacoma, unlike the Santa Cruz, will ride and handle and steer like a truck.

[@olumidebenjamin6561]

Its very nice

[@TheNgp90]

You telling people to get a truck that is 40k after Al other options you have but keep calling it a 30k truck….

[@brewlovinrunner]

You lose any bit of reliability going for the turbo and the DCT

[@keclark4]

Yep

[@pennyandwoody]

That isn't the base model... The base is a se.

[@americanrambler4972]

For $30,000, you can get this Hyundai SEL standard trim with less engine 191 hp and a nicer interior and a 3,500 pound tow capacity. Or a Maverick XLT with a hotter turbo motor with 250 hp, the FX-4 off road package with skid plates and front recovery hooks, and the 4,000 pound max tow package with a tow/haul mode and an integrated brake controller. I agree, for the same price, on the Santa Cruise, you get a nicer interior with some nicer tech and maybe better fit and finish. But I prefer the mechanical truck goodies you get the Maverick for the same price.

[@NvaderRetro]

Well that would be true, if you could actually get a Mav :(

[@frankhouck4446]

I’ve got that exact maverick in order since 9/17/22. Still no build date.

[@cgatito3528]

City mpg of 21mpg is weak sauce compared to the 42mpg of the base Maverick. Not to mention 0-60 is 7.5ish on Maverick and probably around 9.5 on SC. Hyundai needs the hybrid stat to even begin to compete.

[@andrewb1064]

That hybrid Mav also can only tow 2000 and FWD only.

[@rberney]

Base maverick does not get 42 mpg.

[@B_noJ]

Smoke another one dude, yer wrong on everything 😉😂

[@mikenagy4]

I ordered a maverick a year ago. Still not even close to being produced, so....

[@photo_n_art]

Yeah, except you can’t order Maverick for at least a year and if you want to buy right now be prepared to pay around 10-15 thousand dollars over MSRP… so 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@blairakana9984]

Looks like Hyundai copied the honda ridgeline bed and trunk.

[@cmscms123456]

i wish Hyundai marketing team wasn't color blind... the colors they offer as awful.

[@taketwophoto2206]

It’s not a truck!

[@BoopSnoot]

My 395hp Dodge has a 120mph speedo, but a 190hp Hyundai has 160mph... uhh huh. What's extra silly is that Hyundai electronically limits the top speed of their vehicles, and on non sports cars is often as low as 110mph. Their fastest sports car is still electronically limited to 155mph for liability reasons since vehicles can become unstable at speed and won't have tires rated for more. IMO we should get manufacturers to agree to 100mph max speedos, as anyone going faster than that can always whip out a phone GPS if they are doing some kind of top speed run.

[@photo_n_art]

Hey my Mazda 3 with 2.0l 148hp engine had 160mph speedometer as well… it makes the car look cool I gues 🤷🏻‍♂️ Btw. your 395hp Dodge will probably fail apart by reaching 120mph anyways 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Lautarozoloaga]

🌶️🌶️🤩

[@TommyG11814]

Anyone know what real world fuel milage is driving it easy.

[@HauntingTheHoly]

9:37 - Oh! So the turbo and non cost the same. You don't lose anything. Weird, but ok.

[@tombell5879]

No the non turbocharged is cheaper

[@joannemarie242]

Non turbo is at minimum 5k cheaper

[@pedromont7867]

U do loose with the turbo, u loose reliability with that hideous DCT

[@10thFTW]

Thank your stupid iPhone camera for making you walk into a bush! @Samsung

[@B_noJ]

My feelings exactly, lol. Could never understand the iPhone cult's inferior phone compared to a Samsung. Heck, my old S5 Active took better pictures than anything below an iPhone 12 ever could!

[@jmorales793]

Max speed really says 160 lol

[@rotart12arx3]

It is really slow with the base engine.

[@robertren23]

What a RIPOFF dude, I'm better off getting a Maverick, the base Maverick automatically comes with the 2.0 Turbo with better fuel economy. Personally the Santa Cruz is just for looks.

[@tombell5879]

The only maverick that gets better fuel mileage is the hybrid. And as far as the rest goes it depends on what you're looking for. I checked out both and thought the maverick was made cheap. It's made in Mexico. And for what they wanted for a base model maverick all wheel drive I spent a thousand dollars more and got a lot nicer Santa Cruz with a lot more options and the best warranty going right now. The maverick hybrid might be ok if you're looking for fuel economy and front wheel drive only. Good luck finding one.

[@uni4rm]

@@tombell5879 You can get hybrid in any trim of the Maverick and the top maverick trim, lariat, starts at 25k before options. You don't need the bigger engine if you aren't towing anything. The Santa Fe base STARTS at 25k before any options and the top trim is 40k, screw that.

[@mikenagy4]

You don't GET any maverick. You just order them. Lol

[@photo_n_art]

@@mikenagy4 yeah, if you can find one on a dealer lot it is $10,000 to $15,000 over MSRP. Ford doesn’t accept any orders anymore until sometime in 3rd quarter of 2023