Hyundai Santa Cruz: More Truck Than You Need, Buddy

[@mekg5430]

I'm happy to see automakers providing smaller options like the Santa Cruz or Maverick. They're a great blend of light truck and off-road with the primary focus on getting to work everyday. I know multiple people with these 'mini trucks' and they really like them!

[@AlanisKing]

Heck yeah! Every time I see a Maverick, I'm like "yesssss"

[@allisonscottnc]

Ridgeline is a great option also

[@REAPEROFTOES]

As someone who mostly just needs a truck bed to fit say, a motorcycle or dirt bike, or to have a hard surface I can wash clean after carrying stuff for the garden and NOT for hauling or towing. These are the right idea of a truck for me, I DO wish single cab options existed and I DO wish they weren't so damn expensive.

[@AlanisKing]

Single cab would be awesome. The cab is big!

[@anderspedersen6750]

Or even the , uhm, 1.5 cabin the S-10 had. That side ways seat, enough to discourage people to come along, but enough to fit someone if they insisted.

[@Francisco.Alvarez98]

Hi Alanis! I made it early this time! 😄

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you SO much for being here, Francisco. We really appreciate it : ) I legitimately worried last week and almost emailed you hahahaha

[@Francisco.Alvarez98]

Alanis, thank you so much for the concern! I really appreciate it! 😊

[@abudhabikid]

the subaru baja was just ahead of its time!

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

And the Brat for that matter. I've owned a Santa Cruz since 2021 and was looking for a good Baja (well a minty one) before then - all of them up here in Ohio are completely rusted out (to the point that they would break in half if you put a couple bags of mulch in the bed) - there's been rumors since the Maverick and Santa Cruz were out that Subaru would be offering a small truck. Honestly, I would likely trade my Santa Cruz in for a Subaru - I love the brand....

[@AlanisKing]

Man. What a truck

[@billm6294]

Great work Alanis! I wish the made a version of this with a decent length bed.

[@AlanisKing]

Same here! But honestly, with the right angles and tie-downs, you can make it work

[@tedadamgreen]

Thanks for the review Alanis! My goal is to have two vehicles for myself (wife and kids have thier own) that would be a Miata/Fiat124 and a Santa Cruz. So I was very happy to see this drop today. Solid review was always my friend Keep up the good work 👊🏻😎🤠

[@AlanisKing]

Ahhhh I'm so glad it was helpful! Thanks, Ted!

[@michaelcarman4672]

The context and explanations that Alanis provides are excellent here. Well done as always, Alanis!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I put a lot of effort into education without boring the people who know a ton about cars, and I’m so glad it comes through

[@MrAltairantares]

Camera angles really great on this video! Show cases the cars and presentation and really keeps viewer engaged!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you 🤠 we really try!

[@biglee13m]

I got the new Tucson (basically same interior) in Korea. My interior is brown/black and have ambient lighting. KDM spec tho XD

[@AlanisKing]

Ohhhhh I bet that's pretty

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

The limited trim here in the states has ambient lighting - the XRT might too just not really visible...

[@philiplivingston2776]

I love this review. You started in the truck bed 😆 Perfect! I even went to Hyundai site to build one. No light shaded/colored interior choices. Thank you, Alanis.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much for watching, Philip! I appreciate you being here 🤠

[@RobertKirkpatrick84]

Great review. I have a '25 and my seats are grey and i think it gives the contrast you mentioned. I do this it should be noted thag most of the piano black is not going to be reguarly touched, they did a good job of adding buttons and matte materials when you will be touching most. I think the higher trims are a poor value. I have an AWD SEL and its thousands less, has a more reliable transmission, and really better fits the target audiance and price point. One great part of this being a "truck" is that there is no auto start/stop!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you for watching 🤠 you’re right that the piano black isn’t in super high-touch areas. It just always collects that dust somehow!

[@rlpn91]

It’s the one and only truck that I think is cute. There should honestly be more like it!

[@Harko-]

I’m not sure if it is the most practical truck, but I do like the overall concept. And I agree, it looks cute 😀

[@AlanisKing]

Thanks for watching : )

[@DrummerBoi1993]

Oooh! Now this little pickup isn't too bad! Different design than your average pick up! Excellent review Alanis! Now to go back to the Civic review that I missed and comment on that one too! Lol!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you 🤠🤠 the comments mean the world. I’m behind in responding from being at Daytona!

[@Tej132]

B roll shots are really well done. Great job

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much. We work so hard to make these pretty

[@russbowlus]

Honda's door/key in chime is four quick beeps, aka "H' in Morse code. :)

[@AlanisKing]

Omg! What a nice fun fact

[@robinjack3531]

Hey Alanis. A really balanced review of this truck with some great insights. 🤠

[@AlanisKing]

Hey! So good to see you. I’m sorry I’m late responding - was at the Daytona 24 🤠

[@robinjack3531]

@ Ha. No problem. You get all the tough gigs…🤣🤠

[@2151abell]

I Love your reviews Alanis ! Keep 'em Coming Please !

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you for being here 🤠

[@kosquo4328]

Isn't he such a dreamboattt 💕 widdle Santa Cruz

[@AlanisKing]

RIGHT

[@kurtstephan7039]

I'm in the Pacific Northwest, where adventure vehicles are EVERYWHERE. Even though they've been out for years, I almost never see these on the road. But Ford Mavericks are very common. Do you think that comes down to utility, price, brand recognition, or what? If you were in the market for a vehicle of this type, Alanis, would you pick the Santa Cruz or the Maverick?

[@AlanisKing]

Ooooh this is a good question. I think it depends on budget and goals. If budget is not a constraint, I'm probably going Maverick hybrid because it's a hybrid

[@SterlingWheel]

I was always jealous of Australia having that type of truck for years. Most people really don't need a big truck. Hard fail with the piano black in the interior. Great video, Alanis! Fun Texas fact: Jessie James drives a Santa Fe.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you for watching 🤠 I also did not know this fun fact!

[@dmac4137]

The limited is the way to go. All options included. Ambient lighting, ventilated seats, sunroof ,bose stereo, passenger power seat and all of the safety features. Much better than the xrt you tested

[@AlanisKing]

I want to get in a Limited so badly

[@ejohnson3131]

Great presentation, narration and I like your energy. A little bit of humor but still a serious review. I had to subscribe to support. What I don’t get about the Santa Cruz is that it’s a light duty, compact “truck” for city dwellers to drive around town, work on home projects on the weekends or take their bikes/skis to the local trails. They’re never going to see serious off-road trails, so it would be a good idea to offer them with a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or even EV option. It would be cool as a Genesis or Ioniq iteration.

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much 🤠 I appreciate you being here to support. So many modern cars don’t get taken on the trails, and it’s sad! The trails are fun

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

I've had mine (2022 Santa Cruz Limited) since August 2021 and it's been a very good vehicle - it works very well as a warehouse mission vehicle and provides for a good amount of "luxury" (heated and ventilated seats, etc.). I get nearly 30MPG on the highway (much better than claimed and I have the 2.5l Turbo lump) and have not had any transmission issues or any mechanical issues for that matter. When people compare this against the Maverick they'll almost always look at a dissimilar trim level without many options (on the Ford) - when similarly equipped these are actually less when bought - Ford dealers still are in the habit of getting almost MSRP for Mavericks. I call this a Car-Truck-Suv-Thing - I really don't call it a truck - coming from a F-150 (I traded my 2018 F-150 for my Santa Cruz) it's very rare where I wish I had the larger size of a full size pickup truck.

[@AlanisKing]

This is so cool to hear. I’m glad you’re enjoying your Santa Cruz. It rocks!

[@OneShotProduktions]

Using the Bach piece sampled in Imaginary Places by Busdriver for that intro has me about to break out the N64 to play some Tony Hawk.

[@AlanisKing]

Yessssss do it

[@ShoelessJP]

The small truck segment is severely under-represented compared to what I perceive as the potential demand for a good one, I've always said this. Not everyone want giant trucks. I hope this truck is successful.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Even as a fan and current owner of a Santa Cruz - I'm not holding out hope that it'll survive long term.... All it takes is for Toyota to bring their little truck here to the states and it's all over (or for Ram to offer a tiny truck or even GM). It's difficult for those things to happen given they already make those small trucks for other markets but they can just sell them here in the US because of import tariffs or safety "standards". It's a shame since the little Toyota could be sold for well under $20k and at that price I would literally buy two....

[@AlanisKing]

I totally agree. I love small trucks!

[@allisonscottnc]

Love my Ridgeline for the same reasons.

[@AlanisKing]

My father-in-law has a Ridgeline! It's honestly super comfortable in the back seats

[@camilstoenescu]

In Europe the Tucson is considered a compact SUV while in the US is barely a small crossover.

[@AlanisKing]

We have SUCH big cars here

[@mrdjlord2025]

I really love your content very much about the Hyundai Santa Cruz pick up truck and it's a really cool pick up truck keep it up and I really love your KZbin channel very much ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much 🤠🤠🤠

[@AarmOZ84]

At least this stands out as a truck (if we ignore the cybertruck entirely). 😊

[@AlanisKing]

Hahahaha

[@robertbaker3296]

The 2025 Limited is a step above the 2024 limited. I owned both. The 2025 limited feels so much like an Audi product. Keep in mind im not an Audi owner, but I have test drove Audis and BMWs. The Santa Cruz Limited has the poise, control, and technology of an Audi, but the Santa Cruz is not as refined and the Htrac AWD system isn't as good. It's a real pleasure to drive the 2025 Santa Cruz Limited that I own.

[@AlanisKing]

Fair. Audi loves a black interior! Great choice on your part. The Santa Cruz is fun

[@rgwebb2008]

I really do wonder if this is going the way of the Subaru Baja. However, the Ridgeline is in a 2nd generation with a 3rd supposedly on the way. It has become a better selling vehicle after bottoming out in the mid-2010s. Really a sign that the market is looking for that kind of vehicle and Honda was already there. Also, Ford bringing back the Ranger and adding the Maverick to their truck lineup tells you that they felt like this was a market they weren't capitalizing on and it was worth the effort. Maybe Hyundai will lose interest but I think this type of vehicle is going to stick around this time...

[@AlanisKing]

I agree. I think this type of vehicle will stay around for a long time too

[@courtneypuzzo2502]

Generally coach doors are usually seen on Luxury cars like the last gen Lincoln Continental and they aren't always called coach doors they also used to be called Suicide doors such as on the Continental convertible in the 1960s etc. also I've always found it weird when an Asian automaker names one of their vehicles after a city in the US though US makers have previously named cars after cities in Europe streets in famous American cities or auto racing tracks for ex the Chrysler Sebring was named after the racetrack in Florida Chrysler Newport was named after Newport Beach California Chevrolet Monte Carlo was named after the tax shelter in Monaco as was the Dodge Monaco which was a popular cop car in some places in the 1970s and also appears in pop culture such as the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers

[@geofox84]

That's kind of Hyundai's thing tho. Santa Fe, Tucson, Kona are all named after places in the US.

[@AlanisKing]

You’re correct on naming! I use “coach” in videos so algorithms don’t flag the content. If you use bad buzzwords, it can impact how your video is shown to people

[@mrdjlord2025]

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is an awesome pick up truck but I hate the piano black interior that I used to clean every single day and the price is not that bad❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@AlanisKing]

Piano black is soooo bad!

[@mrdjlord2025]

@@AlanisKing FRRRRRRR ONGGGGGG

[@mrdjlord2025]

@@AlanisKing YESSSSS IT ISSSS

[@Kerleem]

I'm a fan of these unibody trucks (Santa Cruz, Maverick, and Ridgeline)...it just goes to show that the original Honda Ridgeline was ahead of its time back when it originally came out in 2005. It's probably all the truck most people need, but what did other Texans think about it? I think here in Europe, the automotive culture is very different from the states, but these smaller trucks would be perfect for the streets here. I've thought about importing a Maverick but there are many gray market ones imported already and on sale (I haven't seen any around Amsterdam though). Maybe a Santa Cruz would be a good alternative?

[@AlanisKing]

So many Hondas are ahead of their time. Look at how people criticized the hybrid NSX when it came out! Now hybrid supercars are the same. Alas…

[@perseverance86]

Amazing review and presentation

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much 🤠

[@dtemp132]

I wonder how many years you have to go back for this Santa Cruz to be about the size of the F150

[@AlanisKing]

Our friend has a 1987 F-100, and we wanted t compare them, but he has the dash out right now and it's not running. It's pretty close in size to the F-100 (minus bed length), but the 1990 F-150 is a few inches bigger in each dimension

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Not too sure but as far as the overall size of the F-150 you have to go back about 25 years before the current Ranger is about the same as an old F-150....

[@coreyporras]

Hell yeah!

[@AlanisKing]

HELL YEAH

[@kc0lif]

kinda small truck not crossover. my neighbor has one.all awd.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

I've had mine since 2021 - and while I've gotten "that's not a truck..." from time to time - even I don't think of it as a "truck" - I call it a car-truck-suv-thing... It really rides well so more of a SUV in my mind especially in higher trims (mine is a limited) - compared to the Maverick that really feels more like a small truck...

[@AlanisKing]

Thanks for watching 🤠

[@pierreinthavong181]

Pretty nice car review!😊

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you : )

[@RHenley1956]

Any rattles inside? What was the location you were driving around? Looked familiar.

[@AlanisKing]

No rattles! I’m in Texas 🤠

[@zakpritchard4595]

I try to guess your grades before you revil them. I really thought you were going to give the Interior a solid B-. But it's nice to know it's better than i expected

[@JEndless2025]

To me, the Crossover truck idea makes the most sense in the economy car sector where you don’t necessarily have good Truck-ish options outside the use market. $40K is way too expensive. At that price point, you’re competing with the lower trims of the Ford F150. Even with the different form factors, I think an F150 still makes more sense for most people. But the cheap SE version of the Santa Cruz seems like a compelling option.

[@AlanisKing]

So fair. I agree on most of the volume - cheap makes the most sense

[@mrdjlord2025]

its a awsomeeee and coool truck❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@AlanisKing]

🤠🤠🤠

[@travisedmonds4214]

Why don't they have a plug-in hybrid since Tucson has one?

[@AlanisKing]

I would LOVE a little hybrid truck

[@AustinTA-cd9rs]

I like it, fits my needs for a "truck", which is an occasional trip to the hardware store or landscape company for plants and mulch. Im just not a fan of Hyundai. Long term reliability is a big concern of mine. I'll keep my F150 for now. These fad trucks are just cars with truck beds. Hyundai doesn't have a clue what people want in a truck. Thats why the Ford and GMC / Chevy trucks dominate and they dont. I think Hyundai should just stay in their lane and focus on small cars and SUVs. Stop trying to be something you arent.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

You're right. That's why Hyundai came out with this vehicle - it's a "truck" for people who do not want a "truck" - for the reasons you'd mentioned - plus I can fit my Santa Cruz in my garage (easily) whereas the 2018 F-150 I couldn't (at least easily). My ownership experience might be a bit different than most but I've not had my Santa Cruz in for any mechanical problems and way less recalls than I did for my F-150 - I'd really be suspect of any domestic brand's offerings (truck) in the model years 2020-2024. Do I have concerns about the DCT's longevity - yep, sure do - won't be my problem as around the time the 10 year powertrain warranty expires so will my ownership of the "trucklet".

[@AlanisKing]

I like the “trucklet” description

[@blackbelt2000]

you compared the interior of the Santa Cruz with the interior of a rivian that costs 3-4 times as much....seriously?

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Well if you look at a Rivian used after 1 year and add about $15k it's about the same ;-) I own a 2021 Santa Cruz limited and would never think that my interior is even close to that of the Rivian ;-)

[@AlanisKing]

I did not compare. I mentioned the Rivian because you can see the clear influence of minimalist interiors in this truck, such as the ones in the Rivians

[@paulthegeek]

I hope they've revamped the transmission on the bigger engine. I've heard nothing but bad things about the trans they paired with the 280hp engine in previous model years.

[@AlanisKing]

I’m curious to know. I’ll have to check some forums

[@goatsplitter]

This is honestly the first Hyundai/Kia product I'd consider. Even still, I'd go Ridgeline over this, but I would CONSIDER this... briefly. That says something about the brands, considering I still have my elder millennial bias against Hyundai/Kia remembering back to their BOGO deals of hot trash.

[@AlanisKing]

The Ridgeline has surprisingly comfortable back seats!

[@davidp2888]

Thursday morning, Alanis drops a new vid. It's gonna be a good one!

[@AlanisKing]

Thanks for being here, David : )

[@ForzaDriven]

The original concept looks way better, Hyundai over styled the production model IMO.

[@AlanisKing]

I loooove the concept styling

[@ctk4949]

The material in the Rivian changes color?!?! How so?? lol Also on the Limited you can get different color interiors. I guess on the "off roady" model, they just wanted it to be simple??

[@AlanisKing]

From my memory, I was in a light-colored Rivian R1T interior that had gray wood grain and white seats. That’s what I mean by the colors - it’s multiple colors, not just one, like the Santa Cruz

[@ctk4949]

@@AlanisKing OK but it doesn't "change colors". Also the Rivian is almost double the price!! lol

[@Asphalt9528]

ur video is very nice!!!!!!

[@AlanisKing]

Thank you so much!

[@LanceorTC]

Coach doors, the concept thing that car companies do to give journalists and gawkers a better view of the interior as the car spins on a plinth. They never make production, too difficult to make them work well.

[@AlanisKing]

They’re sooooooo cool though

[@BBQ_T_Bone]

No theme park comment today… serious question if you happen to know. Why are all Hyundai vehicles named after USA cities? Mine is Hawaii - Kona

[@AlanisKing]

This is a great question! I think it's twofold: One, to make that American connection to the vehicles, which is important when you're trying to win people over; two, because the places in the names are very scenic (positive connotation), making people have a positive connotation toward the car

[@BBQ_T_Bone]

@ which city would be a great name for a car that haven’t been used yet?

[@Bob_Smith19]

Price is insane like every new vehicle. It’s in line w/ the Maverick but that’s priced too high as well.

[@AlanisKing]

Oh for sure. Prices of everything have just skyrocketed

[@samuelbutterworth4303]

Santa Cruz is just a bigger Subaru Brat. It hasn't sold many in the US, about 110,000 compared to over 300,000 for the Ford Maverick, which actually looks like a truck.

[@AlanisKing]

Subaru Brat mentioned!

[@FreyGrimrod]

Unfortunate about the unibody but same issue with the Maverick. Still a more useful size for most use cases though.

[@AlanisKing]

Honestly, the unibodies are getting so good at towing that it's not too much of a detriment for most people now

[@FreyGrimrod]

@@AlanisKing all rust is structural though for those of us where it is a constant struggle.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

@@FreyGrimrod The drivetrain will give out long before it rusts through.... And I'm a Santa Cruz owner ;-) The ride is petty nice though on these - and I do think that if you take care of the underside of these they'll last a good long while - I still see some Subaru Bajas on the road here in Ohio where we salt the roads - I don't know if I'd put a full bed load of mulch in one of those and believe I'd make it home...

[@wicked_smaaht]

Why is Maverick a runway sales success for Ford, and why is this not the same for Hyundai?

[@AlanisKing]

Great question. Maybe the Maverick just looks more truck-y

[@caseihpopper]

It’s a unibody utility vehicle so it’s not a truck it’s a Ute thats like calling a Lamborghini veneno a sedan even tho you guys probably don’t know what a sedan is ether

[@AlanisKing]

I talk extensively about it being a unibody in the video, if you watch!

[@greathey1234]

Americans do know the pleasures of owning Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D Max, Nissan Patrol pickups, Mitsubishi L200 etc etc. Chicken tax really backfired badly

[@greathey1234]

*Not

[@AlanisKing]

I love the Hilux. I want one so badly

[@TeeVeeThoughts]

No! My truck needs to be 9’ tall and 43’ long so I can go to Home Depot once a year!

[@AlanisKing]

Hahahahahaha SO TRUE

[@BadPhD777]

Pickup trucks never have interested me until the Maverick came out. I'll take a Maverick with the hybrid drivetrain. The Santa Cruz is too expensive.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Not really when you are honestly optioning both of them - comparable trims the Ford will be less but by the time you're done with factory options you're pay more and there's less dealing at the dealer (Maverick is still getting close to MSRP for lower trims for whatever reason). I actually pre-ordered BOTH in early 2021 - my Ford dealer played games but was being honest about having no idea of when I could expect mine to come in. The Hyundai dealer called to confirm the order placed through Hyundai's "concierge" and in about 90 days I took delivery of my Santa Cruz (and paid about $1000 under sticker). When Ford said they would start to offer the Hybrid with AWD (last year) - I believe that again will put some distance between Ford and Hyundai. Ford sells a lot more Mavericks than Hyundai does Santa Cruzs...

[@AlanisKing]

Maverick is so cool

[@paco_ortiz]

I dont understand why Toyota didnt one

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Couple reasons (from what I understand) - they offer a smaller (than Tacoma) truck in other markets - between import tariffs and not meeting US "standards" they (Toyota) would basically have to build an entirely new truck. and unlike Ford that has done well in NOT cannibalizing Ranger or F-150 sales Toyota is convinced that people would opt for the smaller truck over the Tacoma. Plus, there's not a lot of margin for a very basic truck.

[@paco_ortiz]

@Scotty_in_Ohio you have all right but i need a rav4 with bed

[@AlanisKing]

RAV4 with a bed would rock

[@MrAltairantares]

I'd love to see a Honda or Toyota Santa Cruz. I just don't trust the long term reliability of Hyundai or certainly Ford and have utterly no interest in the gigantic trucks most people have.

[@AlanisKing]

Honestly, I’ve had great luck with Hyundais. And the long powertrain warranty!

[@61albee]

Interesting..., comparing a Hyundai to a Rivian

[@AlanisKing]

The styling influence is definitely there!

[@birddogg62]

Subaru, Toyota, or some other Japanese manufacturer need to get off their asses and make small trucks again. You’d think how ford is making money hand over fist with the maverick that more competitors would have entered this space by now 🤷‍♂️

[@AlanisKing]

I wish! I agree

[@querty292]

“More truck than you need” Hehe. Cute. No.

[@AlanisKing]

Cute title though

[@reggyelizer8126]

Sucks how popular you would already be sans husband; says more about the culture, but it is the culture…

[@v12kingV10]

More lame than a ridgeline or tesla. amazing

[@charliesmash]

No one off-road their truck

[@AlanisKing]

So fair