Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz any good offroad?

Looking for a lift kit for your Hyundai Santa Cruz?
hrgoffroad.com...
In this video, we put our Santa Cruz in a head-to-head battle with the venerable Bronco Sport to see which one is best.
Bronco Sport lift kits : hrgoffroad.com...

[@Incomudro1963]

Those conditions are far beyond what I'd think about subjecting a Santa Cruz to if I owned one. Considering that, the Santa Cruz did better than I thought it would.

[@Nathdood]

I own a santa cruz, but im more of a sports car guy. I just like having the peace of mind of more ground clearance, awd, and a convenient truck bed. I never do stuff like this, mainly just city driving, and the occasional camping trail but thats it. I feel like I'm who this truck was made for, because it drives more like a sports car than a truck, and I love that. I would love a truck that can offroad but it would be wasted on me, would just be getting asphalt all the time.

[@kentech911]

Since you decided to use the SC for things it totally wasn't intended for let's see you carry a full size refrigerator in the Bronco and tow a 5k lb trailer with it. BTW, Smart and Normal modes have nothing to do with the HTRAC functions. You should have turned off traction control and activated the AWD 50/50 split and you'd have done a lot better. Ultimately you just showed your lack of knowledge of the vehicle you were testing.

[@hrg_tv]

I wouldn't tow a trailer with our SC. #1 it didn't come with a hitch or the optional trailer braking controller, #2 I have an F150 for that. These tests were done using ALL combinations of modes and TC settings. The best results were center "diff lock", TC on and normal mode. Trust me I gave it every chance to perform. Keep in mind our SC benefits from knobby A/T tires and a lift. The conclusion is I would not recommend attempting any of what was done in the video. I definitely would not go off the pavement in a SC in stock form. With a lift and tires, you could explore dirt roads or fire roads. It has a great engine, and if it had a conventional automatic and a rear diff lock, it would be on par with the most capable crossover SUVs on the market. Maybe Hyundai will offer that in future models if enough people ask for it!

[@kentech911]

@@hrg_tv You missed the point. My suggestion was that to be fair you should tow a 5k lb trailer with the Bronco and carry a full size refrigerator in the Bronco. Both of which the SC can do but the Bronco can't. Point being that you chose an apples/oranges comparison. The SC was no more intended to do things the Bronco can than visa versa.

[@jbirdmultisportcoaching751]

The Santa Cruz was never designed for a trail like Dutch John. Huge difference between AWD and 4WD. I think you were expecting too much. Also, did you try turning off all of the Traction Control features and manually shifting? I've been told that works well with AWD in those tough situations. The Bronco performed better off-road but I bet the Santa Cruz would destroy the Bronco on-road :)

[@hrg_tv]

No, clearly not. But the idea is to see "how far will it go". And the answer is "pretty far". The on-road head to head is coming up. I'm going to do some fuel economy challenges first. Then the drag races, 87 oct and 93 oct fuel tests as well. Stay tuned!

[@BUCKMAW]

I'm only half way through the video. I'm curious if you pressed the button to the left of the gear selector that said "LOCK" for the "central diff lock" to activate? Also, the non-turbo model has a standard torque converter without the dual-clutch and performs MUCH better that what was demonstrated in this video.

[@patmurphy7266]

Bronco sport is a crossover, unibody, lateral 3cyl awd... so pretty comparable on paper

[@davidodell4687]

I put a two inch lift kit on mine and i've taken it off road nothing too terrible like Saw in the video but it did handle quite well little technical spots did very well I put bf Goodrich TA 2 sizes bigger tires

[@kennethb6211]

Now park both under a tree see which one drives off without getting eaten by squirrels.... or through large puddle tye bronco has soy wiring and the wire control is in the wheel base. Im done with Ford they are built to break.

[@jjohnson4057]

Of course it's not a truck and as an owner, I have to say BIG thanks for doing that to yours so I knew what to avoid getting into before it was too late!

[@hrg_tv]

Honestly I really wanted it to blow me away with its capability. There is a lot to love about the Santa Cruz, but its off-road prowess isn't one of them.

[@dag681]

It’s so nice to be of an age where you no longer have to take your daily driver, $40,000 vehicle and trash it off road. My SC gets me along hundreds of miles of two track just fine. Anything more than this, and I’m on my motorcycle or hiking.

[@slumy8195]

take the atv/bike off the sc and go on from there.

[@jperinciolo727]

The 2.5T has more than torque and power for the those trails, however the DCT was never meant handle or is really cable of off roading like that. The regular 8 speed auto would have probably been a better fit. Also the all wheel drive system is not a true 4x4 system.

[@mr.2cents.846]

So let's try again. 😁

[@sheryls7782]

I love my Limited SC24. I don’t plan on driving in ditches. I just know I look good driving.

[@MrJchang27]

It is good to know the capability of both cars. I would never drive my SC to those kind of roads. I prefer to know how SC perform in a snowing day.

[@floridabornoutdoors]

You didn't use the SC correctly at all. There is a transmission locker in it and you should have been in Sport mode the whole time. Additionally, you noted that there is no forward facing camera but there definitely is; depending on the model you have.

[@christopher9626]

Great vid! This just killed any thoughts of me getting a santa cruz. I offroad way to much for it. BUT I really enjoyed what the baby bronco did!

[@hrg_tv]

The full size bronco is better in many respects, but the Bronco sport is the underdog that keeps surprising me. The Santa Cruz is better suited for fire roads, or better yet, pavement.

[@nicholasdunn3499]

Last year I drove my SEL Premium as a Sweep car for Susquehanna Trail Performance Rally and it did extremely well and was very fast on a rally stages. If you're doing high speed off road trails itll do just fine. Its not anywhere designed for the low speed technical trails.

[@GPFaster1]

If you turn off traction control on the Santa Cruz, it would do better. I own one

[@ibuiltmineo1oo]

I saw somewhere that Hyundai was having some problems getting software licensing for the Santa Cruz. Other countries have more off-road ability.

[@makan1568]

I think that’s why Canadian SC has two extra modes.

[@tvsonic222]

Thank you! I had a feeling there were some major limitations for the SC and you've clarified. No articulation just kills the SC. Was hoping for more out of the "locking diff" feature but alas, fell short.

[@greg12m3]

Maybe i missed it. But did you not use the center lock on the santa cruz ??

[@ryanfowler3285]

He didn't

[@Levi_shep]

I’d love to see a true 4x4 version of the SantaCruz with a limited slip on the rear. Would be really neat.

[@hrg_tv]

Honestly, with a few software tweaks, and a better rear diff, it would be amazing. It's not short on HP that's for sure.

[@Levi_shep]

@@hrg_tv you’re probably right. It would dramatically benefit from a limited slip

[@bobbycampbell2774]

I wonder how the Canadian version would do, way different software on the transmission

[@epap1375]

@@bobbycampbell2774How do you know the software is different? First I’m hearing of this

[@PeterPan-1]

I would like to see it put up against Ridgeline AWD

[@shib9315]

I will wait for Subi ..

[@VroomNDoom2602]

I've noticed that this car loves to spend as much time in second gear as possible. Forcing it into first really helps it. It seems to be programmed to make the ride as smooth at possible. The problem with a DCT is that manual transmissions were meant to have a brain behind them, not two. The DCT is really not a good choice for off-roading no matter how you look at it.

[@shane.henderson]

Great work on this! This is about what I would have expected from the Santa Cruz. I hope nobody buys one expecting to be a serious offroader. Either way, I still think it's a great vehicle!

[@mr.2cents.846]

No. But the AWD will be practical in snow.

[@grzegorzlecki3139]

excellent video, thank you. So this is lifted with AT tires. Stock SC would not do well at all.

[@Coloradohighcountrywheelin]

The underrated bronco sport is still crushing the competition💪. Makes it look easy too💯.

[@howardrenner5314]

That little Bronco is a 1.3 liter piece of underpowered junk . Put them on hwy and see which one comes out on top . I own a 2023 Santa Cruz limited. Never would I put my truck thru that much crap.

[@Coloradohighcountrywheelin]

@@howardrenner5314 Hope to see you on the highway brotha. Let's put that projected entitled opinion to the test😅.

[@howardrenner5314]

@compasscrusher5012 You need to check your 0 to 60 times you don't have a chance. If I run premium, I can get 5.7 sec.0 to 60. You're over 8 sec .

[@munkysex00]

​@@howardrenner5314 2.0 turbo in the badlands. another dumb person

[@GangsterAssRick]

​@@howardrenner5314that SC turbo power is no joke most cars can't keep up stop light to stop light 💨💨💨💨

[@mdwallace]

Not suprising, the Bronco Sport from what i understand borrowed a lot of underpinnings from the Volvo XC90 which was a very capable platform. Broco Sport gave it better angles.

[@tonybuck3495]

The SC was not designed to be a rock crawler. Its designed for sportsman. Can you drive it out to your remote fishing spot? Yes. Can you drive it out to your campsite? Yes. Can you put a deer in the box? Yes. Can you pull a 5000# trailer? yes. Can you haul a bass boat? Yes. I also noticed you had AT tires fully inflated. Not the tire for rock crawling. Trucks are tools. You need to use the right tool for the job.

[@TheGeorgiaRover]

I don’t think the SC will get me out to the remote fishing spots I like to hit. 😎 But to be fair, I still think it’s a cool vehicle, for what it is. Methinks Hyundai will make some tweaks to the HTRAC system that’ll help it do a bit better off road, eventually.

[@fordmodela3641]

How about just testing it on snowy roads. Most of us just need to get to work in the northeast…

[@insaneswine]

I don’t understand why every off road test of the Santa Cruz on KZbin is with the Turbo models- the dual clutch transmission isn’t meant for this kind of driving. If you want to go off road in a Santa Cruz, get the NA. It does a lot better on trails and doesn’t risk burning out your transmission.

[@Valkyriesix6]

Since this is the turbo with the dct, I wonder how the NA auto would do?

[@apoozeo1715]

Yes!

[@jasonwalter7991]

did you have the AWD lock turned on for the first part?

[@Wraith222]

Think the Santa Cruz performed better then i expected .And i know for a Fact that interior Quality blows the Brocnco away.And Ride is gonna Crush it for long distance compared to that shorter Bronco.And i like the looks better Sporty

[@stevekrewson9502]

Get some speed up bro! Let's go!

[@hrg_tv]

It was full throttle on the hill climb. The computers ignore your right foot. #1 of the 10 things I hate about the Santa Cruz (upcoming video)

[@offtheworldlyroad]

Great video. Turned out about what I thot it would. I’m riding your 1.25 lift (and loving it, great product) and now I want your new one haha. Never satisfied. How do you keep the drive train geometry on the badlands with the newer lift?

[@hrg_tv]

It has a full 1 inch subframe kit, same as all our other big lift kits on unibody cars!!

[@hakkai153]

Great video! Was that the model with the turbo/dct? I feel like that's the wrong transmission for even a mini-truck

[@m4ximusprim3]

Yes, this is the DCT and turbo. This is exactly why I bought an SEL with a standard auto- i trust that DCT about as far as I can throw it lol.

[@josephmabry8952]

I don’t understand, but I have a Santa cruz and the stuff that you’ve done I have had no problem at all doing.

[@hrg_tv]

Post a link to the video! I’d love to see the Santa Cruz do better.

[@carllovullo6602]

You have the n/a 2.5 or turbo 2.5? The n/a has a regular auto tranny and the turbo one has a DSG tranny....

[@randytrivitt6539]

Thanks for the video very helpful the Santa Cruz would probably have done a lot better with a 2-in lift and a little bit taller tires!! Just saying!! That's all thanks for the video again thanks!!!👍👍👍🔔🔥🙌👍👍

[@mr.2cents.846]

Please do me a favor and make all these same tests with a 2010 Escape V6 Limited with 4WD and a 2010 Sport Trac Adrenalin 4x4 with V6 or V8. Am curious how they will hold up. And if you want bring the Bronco again to see how the older ones stalk up yo the new kid. 😎

[@mikelt31]

Snow mode on trails? That's crazy

[@JTheMoneyable]

Man I’m stuck between getting one of these two (SC or BS). The Hyundai just beats the Bronco in so many practical ways that it makes almost no sense to get the Bronco. It’s all the impractical ways that keep me going to the Bronco Sport, though. It’s just so damn cool looking. This video confirmed everything I thought but it changes nothing about my predicament. Lol

[@sumpunkid]

Great video, as always. 👍🏼

[@Maurice419]

clutch burning

[@MariusdeMunnink]

What are the tires and rims on that SC?

[@robertolson7304]

So in the winter it will throw you into the ditch or worse.

[@zandorvorkov7257]

I'd use my Santa Cruz to tow my Polaris to the off-road area. I'd never take it on anything worse than a gravel road.

[@joshm3484]

It'll never be a Subaru, but sport mode with locked...e-diff? Virtual transfer case? is the best for off road. Traction control off for deep snow. Just don't expect too much from it. Especially with the dual clutch tranny.

[@zackmeuth]

Can you tell us about the wheel setup on the Santa Cruz? Rims/tire size?

[@aaronrepper7649]

How would the Honda Ridgeline do on that trail.

[@pingpongballz5998]

Not enough ground clearance

[@hrg_tv]

The newer 9 speed Ridgeline made it easily. The older one could not. Also we tried in an older Pilot. Same result. Not happening.

[@panverropoulos5379]

Which trim is this? Because the 2023 Ultimate trim and I believe the one below has front cameras as well

[@psxkiller]

This is the same as complaining that an El Camino isn’t a good rock crawler like a jeep. It was meant for light off road duty.

[@Maurice419]

Get rid of the turbo and I get it will drive better.

[@ibuiltmineo1oo]

Oh shoot! That is a recall problem with the transmission.

[@apoozeo1715]

Lot of people suggest getting NA SEL or base NA.

[@seamusmclaughlin5916]

Did you try manual in first gear combined with decent control

[@paige2732]

Is this the dual clutch transmission.? I want to see a difference between the 2.5T dual clutch vs 2.5 none dual clutch. Off road.

[@RoelLopez92]

Dct version sucks my wife’s non turbo Santa Cruz off roads way better than this she takes it through her ranch which her fathers Tacoma needs to lock it’s diff for and Santa Cruz (non turbo) went everywhere the Tacoma went

[@flyfishing2809]

Which car has a more comfortable suspension for mountain roads?

[@MitchDavid]

Thank you for not doing the test withOUT the stock tires like some of the others. LOLOL Still that Tri-Pod result was the same.

[@jasonmckay4435]

Locking the dif every once and awhile would help too! I don't think you know howvto drive AWD.

[@paulbitgood2117]

Why are people worried about the Santa Cruz being a trail runner? It was never intended to run trails. Stop calling it a failure when it does not do what it is not designed to do.

[@hrg_tv]

It is a software tweak away from being really good. It’s just surprising that they didn’t bother.

[@nikki000]

Do they have window visors for the Cruz?

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Are the tires the same, same brand, thread

[@forestchicken3302]

Thats sad I really wanted to like the Santa Cruz. Just needs to be more rugged.

[@dungeondelversguild]

Honestly, most will use this for beach and a retreat to the lake or cabin. Gotta give the little truck some cred. Hyundai will learn from this and build it better Im sure.

[@just4ivaylo92]

As a Maverick owner that's off-road quite a bit...that Santa Cruz AWD is abysmal.

[@caflet2009]

Ya, in it's defense I think it's tuned more for handling than traction and in that respect it works pretty good, someone on here got one to pull like .88 on the skidpad. When he says 99% of SC owners won't push them like this, Id say make it 99.95%, he definitely found the limit of that thing. For me it's a Korean El Camino more than a truck 🤣

[@matthewgaines10]

A BS Badlands is a little unfair of a comparsion. The Santa Cruz can't keep up with a Maverick FX4.

[@aiflechita]

La santa cruz viene 4wd en su modelo 2.5 turbo. Era el modelo que TENIAN que usar en este video. No engaañen a los que no lo saben.

[@dag681]

The SC standard transmission with normally aspirated motor is far better off road

[@JoeTaco83]

Just get a 4Runner. It’ll do anything you need it to do.

[@billricheter5678]

Why test the turbo expensive model

[@DonSchnure]

Ah you just smell the clutch... LOL

[@soulcapitalist6204]

This is more of a Subaru forester-type vehicle with a bed.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Power is nothing without control. - Pirelli You need appropriate tires.

[@ryanfowler3285]

Dude .. sport mode with the 4x4 locked! Smart mode is for gas mileage. I have a 2024 base model with stock tires and i have taken it through worse stuff easily. You can't drive.

[@Mattyew]

Great video. The Santa cruz is cool but not capable

[@jamesbell5226]

Im curious wouldn't of been better in sport mode so u have extra power?

[@nicolasrioual8206]

Come on don’t be silly, this thing isn’t designed for off roading in facts those who gets it aren’t thinking about off-roading as much as confort.

[@mr.2cents.846]

The Santa Cruz turned s not much of an off roader. Buy boy what a street machine. ❤ Make a drag tace against that Bronco. It will dust it like a bitch. 😎

[@Dougish1000]

Sounds to be a lot of user error. It’s a vehicle not a video game.

[@mushroomcloud1]

Mitsubishi AWD is way better than this.

[@baron1c]

Chrysler products are known to run on less than all cylinders 😂

[@markymark7619]

Comparing awd with 4 wheel is like comparing apple to oranges! Does take too much intelligence to figure that out without doing this video!

[@hrg_tv]

Both of these cars are AWD.

[@zombiebaker]

Hyundai has and never will be known for off road anything but nice try

[@Maurice419]

It ain't no subaru brat

[@hrg_tv]

You got that right.

[@tjj5337]

Santa Cruz is NOT an off road truck!!

[@henrikkoukku2896]

TJ J@ -But the Santa Cruz model should also become such a version, even as an Off-Road package!.

[@LIL_BRIZzz]

My 98 crv can do better

[@tbolt]

What was the point of this you had already picked a winner before you started 🤔.

[@maanman3573]

the title of the video answers your question

[@tbolt]

I've got a limited and love it have a 2016 off road Taco to one for one thing and one for the other. Stupid comparison 🙄.

[@hrg_tv]

Thanks for watching! We try to keep it stupid on this channel.

[@SME5724]

Be careful those Hyundais blow up ya know 😅 … sorry Hyundai fanboys I know you travel hard here on the internet 🛜

[@Wrangler59]

Neither are made for off roading.

[@hrg_tv]

Did you know the bronco sport badlands has a rock crawl mode. Locking center diff. Locking rear diff. Torque vectoring front diff. Factory A/T tires. Factory lift. Factory skid plates. 277ft lb of torque. Hydraulic bump stops. 11” of articulation without disconnecting sway bars.

[@Wrangler59]

@@hrg_tv the Bronco Sports are shit lol.