It Struggled! I Push The New Hyundai Santa Cruz To The Max Off-Road, The Results Were Surprising!

( tfl-studios.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! We put the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz on our off-road and AWD roller torture test. Here is how it does.
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#Hyundai #SantaCruz #offroad

[@alexjordan9909]

We just took our Santa Cruz up to Colorado for a backpacking camping trip. When we began an off road excursion, normal mode provided OK traction. We had a few slips, but once we switched to Snow mode, it was easy sailing. Another note is that we have the SEl Premium AWD, which is actually geared moreso for off-roading due to not having 20” wheels. The trail we went on began at about 7000 and we got up to about 12000 ft in elevation. We couldn’t be happier to have the vehicle. We may do a review for KZbin later with our thoughts and mentions of the vehicle! This video is great, but it is evident that the “Limited” version is not the one to be taking off-road! We also took it on a sandy beach during our trip. It performed much better than we expected. Given that there were a few areas that had more vehicle passes, our Santa Cruz was able to get through even deep areas. A slight lift of a few inches would do the trick where worries would go away, but we still only bottomed out once on the sand.

[@alicewu2730]

Thanks for the detail. Im driving snowy hilly road in a few days. Ill make sure switch to snow driving mode which many other cars dont have.

[@billricheter5678]

Live in co as well and considering this without the duct or turbo. Looking at sel . How is the truck treating you now. How would this compare to Subaru cross trek in your opinion thanks

[@gregnavarra7062]

These vehicles are the el Camino and Rancheros of my youth. They have an advantage with AWD for snow and lite trails. I’m sure they were never intended as an off road mountain machine. Still a great test and love the hard work you put into your videos TFL 👏🏼

[@stog9821]

Yeah, they were popular and useful enough in their day, until they bloated. I had a ’66 Ranchero that I remember fondly (oh for the days when everything I owned fit in the back, and those bench seats). This was an open niche, and the Ridgeline, Maverick and Santa Cruz are trying to fill it. A king cab and a longer bed might prove to be popular.

[@Mixwell1983]

My first vehicle was a white 72 ranchero with the 351cleveland that my grandpa gave me.. it was such a clean car, wish i never got rid of it.

[@gregnavarra7062]

@@Mixwell1983 that was an awesome car. My brother in law had the Blue with white lightening stripe like starsky and hutch Gran Torino ! Those were some awesome cars!

[@stog9821]

@@Mixwell1983 Mine had the 289. I also drove a Holden Ute around much of Australia that was of similar vintage. It had the old 3 on the tree manual shift, but you had to use your left hand. I can’t tell you how many times I turned a corner and tried to shift the blinker lights into second.

[@mechmat12345]

These are good on "light trails" in the way any random crossover is good on light trails. From that perspective, it's not special.

[@jmanlinc]

I hate that they are taking the buttons out of vehicles. You can find a button by memory without looking at it, touch screens require you to take your eyes off the road to locate the exact spot to touch

[@krane15]

Thank Tesla.

[@rdramos13]

And they must live somewhere that doesn't get cold enough for winter gloves.

[@glennpyle4036]

There's a volume rocker and station/song rocker on the steering wheel - don't get the big issue. I never touch the volume or selector on the radio - and the passenger isn't allowed!

[@krane15]

@@glennpyle4036 You're in the 1%. Technology is suppose to make driving easier or safer for the driver. These capacities items in a car do just the opposite. Most drivers would much rather have knobs where you can adjust the volume with a flick of the wrist from muscle memory. That's something you can never adapt to with a display. This is clearly an example of change for the sake of change -- nothing was broken that needed fixing. Just like Tesla's move to a yoke on the Plaid. Now they want to reinvent the wheel? Why?

[@jmanlinc]

@@glennpyle4036 since I drive as many as 5 different vehicles in a single day and the one I drive most of the time is base model ,I find the steering wheel controls just as inconvenient. there is many other thing besides radio controls that they have gotten rid of the manual buttons for such as heated seats and climate control

[@teags603]

Tires are a HUGE limiting factor on those roads too. Even the most sophisticated AWD system wont do much with street tires when off road.

[@vancity_coaster]

I like this TFL slip test a lot over the years now. You could up the game visually with putting a small sticker on the sidewall of the tires to highlight tire revolutions. Can place it arbitrarily just a s a visual aid. 🙌🏼

[@tickle-4797]

I can see how that could help! 💯

[@JessicaSmith-gs6ce]

No. Only dumb people don't understand

[@Incomudro1963]

That hill was more off road than I'd ever attempt to take he Santa Cruz that I intend to get. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised it mad it up that hill, particularly with all season tires.

[@mowcowbell]

Good test for sure. 99% of Santa Cruz drivers will never attempt most of this, but good to know.

[@Johnpinckney98]

El Camino, but Korean. Honestly, this is a big leap for Hyundai who is finally trying to get into the pickup scene! They have bounced back many times from shortcomings to make very good cars, can't wait to see their trucks!

[@godboy114]

honestly this would most useful to like 90% of truck owners

[@trabertgraneau3323]

Apparently, the Santa Cruz was never built to be an off-roader.

[@AlexLepoutre]

@@icare7151 Are you trying to tell me that KZbinrs don't fully read up on the vehicles they are "testing" and "reviewing" and end up knowing much less than the actual customers buying the vehicles? I'm.. shocked. lol

[@tallll70]

@@icare7151 If it's same AWD as 2021 Tucson or SantaFe they both made it 1 wheel front and 1 wheel rear on another channel test actually, but who knows, maybe it's not same, or programming is messed up on this

[@mdwallace]

Considering that tires are critical, these 20" limited tires are a poor reference

[@tallll70]

@@icare7151 Just... take it easy, no need to get involved with unnecessary speculations, unless you already know 100% tested it could have been better... i don't so i'll leave it in observation mode

[@davep2945]

@@icare7151 Unfortunately most KZbin channels are about clicks and entertainment and not accurate information. I think you could do both quite easily but most channels are sort of like a bunch a guys sitting around a campfire shooting the bull about their favorite brands using anecdotal evidence or just plain unsubstantiated opinion to argue points. TFL is hardly the only culprit though. Their slip test is a cool visual but offers no studied comparison to an actual real world situation. As in, when winter comes find a few slippery situations and see if their slip tests offer any actual insight into how the vehicles perform in real world conditions. And all of their off road tests are limited by the knowledge of the vehicle and their own skills as drivers. Often times vehicles that are well known for their off road prowess look lackluster when driven by TFL staffers. Sometimes they are limited by the fact they are using press vehicles and don't want to risk damage but other times they actually own the vehicles and still do not come close to getting the most out of the vehicle. Bias and perception are major influences on most KZbin reviewers opinion of a vehicle regardless of how it actually compares to any other. For more accurate and real world comparisons channels based in Australia and the middle east tend to do a better job than most U.S. based channels. There they just seem to care about what works and what doesn't so it's not about trying to make a certain brand look better than another.

[@kenhoward3512]

I think - as Tommy said - the lower trim levels (even with much less hp/torque), with conventional automatic trans and taller sidewall tires, would be more appropriate for this kind of use. Doing this to the DCT can't be good for its very expensive-to-replace clutches.

[@Katherine-15-12]

I don't why you guys keep wondering what this. It is clearly a Ute and never intended as a serious off order. Personally I think it is a great vehicle and I want one. Well done Hyundai.

[@BFord-ho3pq]

Can't wait to see these on the Matt's Off Road Recovery channel.

[@TheGeorgiaRover]

Why? To see something besides all the Fords and Jeeps get pulled out? 🤣🤣🤣

[@einfelder8262]

Snow mode may have got it off the 3 rollers. It was pretty good on the other roller tests, so hard to imagine they got it so bad in that situation.

[@ThePretendgineer]

I used to work for Subaru here in the US. We would demo these roller tests constantly because of how impressive of a demonstration it is. The Subaru would walk off on everything else in the test. I can tell you from experience though, it means literally nothing. In the real world the SC's AWD does as well or better than Subaru's.

[@atetraxx]

​@@ThePretendgineerhow do you know?

[@theejoeylee]

Can't wait to see the new Maverick with all-wheel drive go up this

[@KB-bh9hp]

@Soul2Top No

[@Scorix]

@@KB-bh9hp True the whole car is ugly.

[@zhanglin317]

Why you can not be more inclusive. You buy what you like that is all. Relax.

[@bhr788]

@@Scorix It looks like a truck. This looks like a crossover someone stuck a bed on.

[@markhinkle3234]

I think it’s good for what it is designed for. Light duty, “pickup car”. Good video.

[@fxtacy]

Once you get your hands on a Maverick, I hope you go through same testing with a AWD FX4 version for a true comparison w/ what I would consider the only competitor in this class.

[@therealinda]

If you pull the shifter to the left it goes full manual with the paddle shifters, that would of done a lot to help it up. Plus appropriate tires and possibly snow mode would help.

[@mradamp125]

@5:26 I decided this is not the vehicle for me. Thank you TFL saved me thousands!

[@WW-wf8tu]

You have nailed it here Tommy! This and the storage bed test puts this vehicles abilities is proper perspective. It is a suburban/city dweller. I was surprised it made it up the truth side of the trail frankly.

[@seth3000gt]

Except for he forgot the drive modes while testing. Woops. Definitely wouldn't say he nailed it! But hopefully he saves face and does another video with it.

[@seth3000gt]

@@wilmarbarrick3194 Off camera is not on camera. Therefore it didn't happen. A true video review of a product isn't saying it's showing. I'm not coming at anybody, I'm just saying what every viewer is thinking.

[@letour32rr]

Been looking forward to this off road review since the Santa Cruz was announced years ago. I don’t go offroad much, but when I do, it’s Gold Mine Hill Stage 3 level, so sounds like I need to wait till the Maverick FX4 gets reviewed.

[@letour32rr]

@@sktona I mean, the offroading I’m doing is currently done in a Patriot, so not too demanding, but definitely more demanding that what the Santa Cruz couldn’t get past in this video.

[@mathieugrenier5811]

Just go grab a Tacoma

[@letour32rr]

@@mathieugrenier5811 I don’t go offroad nearly enough to warrant paying Tacoma 4x4 money. Again, twice a year maybe. Not to mention The Tacoma is all kinds of uncomfortable. Also, the Ecoboost AWD Maverick is supposed to average 25mpg as opposed to the Taco’s 20mpg.

[@mathieugrenier5811]

@@letour32rr Off roading became a passion and you go more off roading when you have a good rig. Also it depends of how long you want to keep it. It’s no surprise that the Tacoma will be more reliable. Also I have a recent F-150 and they have a lot of electric trouble, 2 times now that my truck just decided to emergency brake on the Highway for no reason. Ford said they can’t fix it… I had a Tacoma prior to this F-150 and the ecoboost is what got me to buy a Ford. You can be sure I will switch for the new Tundra.

[@dewrus2153]

@@sktona - That all depends on how the AWD system functions in the Ford. For instance, a small Subaru would climb this hill without issue...but then again, the Sub has an outstanding drive system. Let's see how the Maverick's AWD system performs before making such statements...it could really excel or it could suck even worse than the Cruz. If it's smart and efficient, it might just walk right up this hill.

[@mikesmiley336]

Looking forward to the Subaru Baja Wilderness !!!!

[@abbaby555]

Bring back the Subaru brat

[@makanidemoulin7591]

As far as I can tell, it's the subaru outback wilderness. I have yet to see anything detailing a substantiated report of the baja returning.

[@kirbycairo]

It's like a slightly bigger version of the old Subaru Brat.

[@davidiniguezjr214]

I call these unibody vehicles “Crossover trucks” Santa Cruz, Ridgeline, Maverick

[@hawaiiansoja]

...or Crocks.

[@krane15]

I call them also-ran pickups. Or a pickup wannabe.

[@k.c.slawncare6046]

These new small truck-cars are coming in at a great time. At this point last year, gas where I live, in Sudbury, ON, was about $1.32/L. Today it’s $1.49/L. Just like in 2009, people are going to be trading in their large SUVs and trucks for smaller more efficient cars if this keeps up. Now you still have options if you need a truck bed.

[@alexanderblackburn4520]

So it is a cuck?

[@MoeJae86]

Trucklet City Truck Trussover Trucar Urban Truck Unitruck

[@ChrisPollard]

So, my takeaway here is a) it DID indeed make it up and down the hill. b) Those Michelin highway tires suck butt on sand/dirt hills. c) DCT isn't made for heavy off-roading. But it also didn't overheat and force you to stop driving half-way up either. A little disappointed, like you were, at the roller test result. I wonder if the Canadian models that replace the center lock button with terrain modes (mud/sand/snow) would give different results. It's definitely a highway cruiser with some soft-road side trips. Especially with those 20 inch pavement pounders. Exactly what I'm looking for. Although I'd rather have the 18s.

[@mtnbound2764]

I wonder if he tried the snow mode on the rollers. I didnt hear him say one way or the other.

[@edsgarage001]

@@mtnbound2764 He didn't and he should have as the traction control is more aggressive in snow mode.

[@mechmat12345]

Translation: It performed about the same as every other crossover. Not surprising since it's a crossover with a bed.

[@timsisco3742]

Did you try snow or smart mode? I'm not defending the ute I doubt it will make a big difference but I would have given them a shot if I was doing an off-road review.

[@TFLoffroad]

I tried the different modes off camera -Tommy

[@guardrail2897]

@@icare7151 That's why I take anything Tommy says with a grain of salt. I believe he's hurt the credibility of TFL. I only watch Nathan or Andre do the reviews.

[@patmanz28]

@@guardrail2897 the implication is that the other modes made no difference

[@wade1359]

@@guardrail2897 you can go watch driving sports TV off road review of the Santa Cruz. He used all modes including snow for the Santa Cruz and it performed pitifully. This is not a soft-roader. This is a pavement only vehicle honestly. When he gets hung up on a very small obstacle (buried log test) that many CUVs can clear without off road modes then you already have your answer..

[@markevans506]

Let’s see a test in a Midwest winter!!!

[@albertarb7655]

I wish this came to Europe, this pickup there would make so much sense...

[@NinoTamburrino]

Get the Ford Maverick an do the same video including the roller to see how it distributes power.

[@Nickwillfixit]

Why did you not try the Snow mode when on the rollers, I am pretty sure when you had three wheels on the rollers it would have got unstuck as that is the kind of conditions you would find when ice and snow is present. And maybe in sport mode it would react differently as it would hold gears longer giving the vehicle a chance to pull itself out of the sticky situation.

[@Okie-BME]

Yes, I agree, would like to know how SNOW would do in that situation. Up the 'off-road' tests too.

[@greenfire919]

@@icare7151 I am not 100% sure, but I think the drive modes have no affect on the awd system. It only changes trans shift points and other parameters.

[@LBurou]

@@icare7151 Very informative...an important input. Is this video really "unbiased"?

[@4R8YnTH3CH33F]

@@icare7151 WTF

[@halo37253]

@@icare7151 It wouldn't change anything. Those modes don't change much. I'd have been pretty surprised if it was able to pull off using a single wheel. It's not even software, there is so much force loss when you have to not only fight the breaks and the drivetrain. multiple open diffs. You'd end up allowing the vehicle to damage itself if limitations are not in place. This doesn't have a torque converter. This is not going to be a high volume truck like the Ford Maverick. The Maverick is hands down the better truck, it was clear even before reviewers got their hands on both to test. The Santa Cruz is more for the standout crowd that want's something you won't see a ton of people driving around in. It is by far a more luxury truck if optioned out. But it really is more like a smaller more limited Honda Ridgeline. These are not the trucks you'd want to buy for Truck usage. This is for the person who might have a small garden and is tired of getting their crossover's trunk dirty. But wants luxury features still. Ford's biggest win really is the Hybrid system as the base option. The 2.0 AWD version is by far the better truck, but the Hybrid Version will still do nearly everything better than what this Santa Cruz will do utility wise. Sure you can get a AWD Santa Cruz, but you're better off getting better tires than depending on its AWD system. Most AWD systems let you down, and I've never been impressed with any Hyundai AWD system. This is not a Jeep, Ford, or a Subaru. GM, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, etc. If you vehicle has AWD on it from most brands, and and you are rocking basic tires. You are no better off than a FWD system. You simply take off from a stop better 80% of the time in the snow. I've seen too many of these types of vehicles with AWD not even able to go up a slight hill in a snowstorm.

[@damilolaakanni]

Obviously it's going to struggle off road. Any car/SUV/truck with any transmission other than a manual or a torque converter automatic transmission will struggle offroad. It depends on what the driver defines as "off road", though.

[@Water698]

Exactly….this wasn’t built for that in mind. I don’t know why they even bother trying it….I guess just for fun?

[@noah22261]

@@Water698 their advertisements say otherwise 😂

[@Water698]

@@noah22261 I’ve never seen an ad for this vehicle and honestly just saw this cause I’m at work bored lmfao.

[@mechmat12345]

Just about every crossover these days has a video of the vehicle driving through the wilderness, so I think it's fair to take it down moderately difficult trails that may push it's limits. They've taken tons unibody vehicles down this trail or similar and this performance was average to below average. When they take trucks and off-road oriented vehicles on trails of this level, the comments are filled with people saying it was too easy.

[@virgfresco1403]

FORD BRONCHO SPORTS WILL EAT THOSE TRAILS.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

I know this comment is 2 years later but ... 1. the Santa Cruz was designed before the Tucson was but the Tucson was released first. 2. The Tucson borrowed many elements of the Santa Cruz, particularly the front end suspension. 3. The Santa Cruz's rear end suspension is from the larger Santa Fe. 4. Hyundai no longer use the slip differential to engage AWD but it engages immediately and deactivates when not needed. 5. Hyundai now use "Terrain" modes in both the Santa Cruz and Tucson 6. And, last but not least ... good video!!

[@stephenpak6622]

It’s enough for most ‘weekend Warriors’ !

[@spartanchirho]

Wish you had tried snow mode on the 3 wheel slip test. But great video!! Carup not for me but not bad looking.

[@michaellindsay4656]

If you can classify a body on frame vehicle like a 4Runner with a unibody Grand Cherokee both as SUVs, why would a vehicle with a truck bed, that can carry as much as full size truck, and tow like a midsize truck, not be classified as a truck? And because it is not a true off-roader, does that make 2wd trucks not real trucks either?

[@Impulset0]

In Ontario, trucks get commercial license plates. If your vehicle doesn't qualify for one then it ain't a truck as far as Ontarians are concerned lol. My 4runner? Car. My* buddies chevy Colorado? Truck. Pain 😭

[@NamelessGlasses]

Aussies: that's a ute, mate

[@mathieugrenier5811]

4runner : SUV truck Cherokee : SUV car At least for what I understand

[@pcihector]

Roman called the Durango a crossover because, and I quote 'it is unibody'.

[@mechmat12345]

So what's a crossover? What's the difference between a unibody SUV and a station wagon? The Santa Cruz/Maverick/Ridgeline are trucks if you subscribe to the "call it whatever you want" mentality. (All trucks do not have beds, BTW). Some history: Prior to the SUV boom of the 90s, all SUVs were body on frame. Then, in the 90s, people started buying SUVs as family haulers because station wagons and minivans had become lame, or at least less "tough" in their eyes. So automakers started building unibody vehicles that looked like SUVs but had none of the truck-like capabilities that previous generations of carbuyers bought them for. Now almost all "SUVs" have no functional advantage over a station wagon other than being slightly taller.

[@georgefoley9793]

Great content! Feels like a nice light car truck for daily driving and dirt / sand road fun! For the vast majority of drivers this is most sufficient, and the exterior design of this adventure vehicle is so well executed.

[@Bagel_Biscuit]

I agree 100% its a urban crawler with mild off road capability.

[@valdius85]

Dual clutch - another vehicle that will likelystruggle with long term reliability. Especially if used on dirt roads or in the city.

[@ibrahimkhan-od7ff]

But won't the warranty cover the failure

[@blue5had0w]

@@ibrahimkhan-od7ff yep 100,000 miles or ten years

[@markv78]

@tfl can u guys get a Subaru Baja to test against this how does it compare . Props for Hyundai for bringing this concept back although hardly the first on the block with an answer to a question no one was asking but guess the sales will tell the story with the exception of the El Camino I think most manufactures which venture with this car truck concept usually don't do well a few model years and it's gone .

[@BullittKid08]

"It really goes like a stabbed Rat" - 🐀 Got a good chuckle from that

[@bendickason9895]

Same!

[@playnicebegoodtoothers6944]

First time I’ve heard that expression!

[@bendickason9895]

@@playnicebegoodtoothers6944 Me too and I may use it lol...

[@chassdesk]

Stabbed Rat 🐀 for the win 🥇

[@jamesbeaman6337]

TFL needs to set up a race between a scalded cat and a stabbed rat. For science.

[@corathekat1898]

It's a UTE! A city truck for small hauling. Took my Toyota Tundra to San Diego this summer. There were a lot of tight spaces.

[@conbry8814]

personally I got the santa cruz with the 18" rims and the tread and tires are much more aggressive and trail ready than these flat and plain tires your seeing here on the 20" rims. I do see the low end being a hendrence but I have yet to use the full locking modes in the vehicle to see how it alters the offroad ability!

[@fishmand4822]

Can you drive it in deep Sand??

[@joeluongo6079]

they seem to be selling a lot of these, hopefully hyundai sees this and makes an offroad capable version

[@levicharles996]

You guys should use a OBD hookup to see how hot that transmission gets when trying this kind of thing. Unless the dash has a place it appears and tells you actual numerical temperature. And not just a dummy light/message.

[@timlong1462]

That would be a cool thing to see. It would be a very good indicator of how built they are. Lots of these AWD systems get roasted when they struggle.

[@Christian-kj4ox]

I don’t really think these results were bad. If you’re buying a Santa Cruz and expect to do anything like moderate, or more off roading then you’re looking at the wrong vehicle. But light trails as tommy said, is exactly what this is for and of course, it did that well

[@kingdaddypopschuckcagle5085]

I have a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and gave it a test it tows 3500 lb quite well that's all the weight I had but it pulled it very well and also off-road it does great I didn't want to push it too hard it's a brand new ride no scratches no dents or my wife will kill me but for what I did go off-roading it handled it perfect gets a lot of attention even from the cops sitting on the side of the road because there have not seen a Santa Cruz drive by yet highly recommend I purchased the SEL premium 39K and quite happy

[@iArthurXP]

I don't care much for Off Roading in-terms of Slow crawling but Id really love to see someone do a Baja/Rally build with this thing, maybe I might just have to do it.

[@edsgarage001]

PUT IT IN SNOW MODE!! The traction control is far more aggressive when in snow mode.

[@chir0pter]

then you'll have people saying traction control should be off for off-road lol

[@edsgarage001]

@@chir0pter maybe.... But it doesn't cut that much power, just brakes the slipping wheel a bit harder transferring more power to the wheel that has grip.

[@wade1359]

@@edsgarage001 go watch Driving Sports TV review of off roading the Santa Cruz . He engages snow mode along with TC off or on in a similar course and it made 0 difference. Actually his claim was it performed worse. The SC sadly is not a soft roader even. It's use case needs to be gravel road/pavement only.

[@edsgarage001]

@@wade1359 what's important is how you apply throttle. I sell Hyundai's, so I'm very familiar with the system. With a dual clutch, you want to get the clutch to engage asap, and with the snow/mud/sand mode you want to have it clamp down quickly. So the trick is to flick the throttle quickly for a moment, rather then apply throttle slowly. It makes a difference. I wish I had some rollers to demonstrate.

[@edsgarage001]

@@wade1359 to be honest though, I'm more annoyed that he didn't try it *on video, so we could all see it succeed or fail.

[@jeremychristian1282]

Despite its failings off-roading, I think I would still love to have a Santa Cruz as a daily driver!

[@dewrus2153]

Agreed...seems like the perfect vehicle for many people. Hyundai knew they were targeting a certain audience and that audience is a big one...those who want a nice ride for four adults, decent mileage, the ability to haul some light loads, and in a vehicle that is easy to park and will fit inside a garage. That includes a lot of people...including many who currently drive a conventional truck. The Maverick does the same but went more with a traditional pickup truck look likely to target those who drive a truck but want to downsize a little bit. The Cruz took a different approach appealing to car buyers who want space to put stuff. It's nice to see the variety so there is something for everyone!

[@mowcowbell]

@@dewrus2153 Agreed. Not everyone needs a rock-crawler with rear lockers for daily use.

[@klday84]

Thank you for the content. Been looking for some type of off road test drive on these. Saw one of the blue stones and fell in love, but need to see how it does. I live on a muddy farm road, snow piles up fast in the winter and I own a house on the beach as well.

[@adam-to5re]

I hope you Guys do this with the Maverick AWD FX4

[@ron2366]

I would take Honda Ridgeline over Santa Cruz it have good old reliable V6, better Awd system, more space inside, 5 foot truck bed with deep cooler/trunk built-in, and tows more reliably.

[@thomasdrummond2476]

Ridgeline is also in a different class (midsize), more expensive, and worse warranty. Apples and oranges

[@ron2366]

@@thomasdrummond2476 Yes they do compete with each other especially in pricing the Hyundai Santa Cruz 2.5 T starts at 36k while Honda Ridgeline starts 37k

[@thomasdrummond2476]

So then no, they don't. The base model Honda starts at 37 and the third level Hyundai is 36. The baseline Hyundai is 27. Can't get the turbo motor in the Hyundai until the third level SEL Premium.

[@jacobwray8754]

Great video, but Tommy I would like to say DCT’s can be fantastic off-road if they’re well equipped. I know it’s a different world entirely but my Honda atv has a DCT that works flawlessly.

[@thegranddestination]

Another great Video, Tommy! I have a suggestion for you, how about a comparison video between the Subaru Baja, the Santa Cruise and the Maverick? I have a 2.5L Turbo stock Baja in excellent shape and would be happy to feature it in such comparison video! The Baja is what inspired and paved the way for the Santa Cruise and Maverick! Now that the outdoors world has exploded, the Baja’s are very sought after and are appreciating in value and will appreciate more in value and demand after seeing the Santa Cruise’s capabilities in this video. Would be very interesting to see the then features of the Baja versus today’s features. Also, I will tell you the Baja will make it easily up the Tomb Stone Hill! Not sure if Hyundai will like that! You will be surprised what a stock 2.5L Turbo Baja with no clutch converter or traction control can do on demanding trail. I completed the 140 miles of the Mojave Road trail with the Baja. Kindly, let me know. Best!

[@carado1984]

Cruz.

[@halo37253]

The Subaru or Maverick would be better. The Cruz is a better Daily if you are looking for a more high tech ride. The Maverick is by far the best if looking for MPG.

[@thegranddestination]

Drake Gould Agree, the Cruz is a better daily driver with all its comfort and luxury features and the gas saving CVT. Off road, the Baja Turbo is a beast outperforming the Cruz,I believe, as it does outperforming CVT-based vehicles in its class as I see on the trails on uphill steady climbs. Uphill climbs, as we saw with Tommy, forces CVT-based vehicles to have no option but to use momentum which is erratic and can lead to loss of control or vehicle damage on climbs that naturally require caution and steady approach. CVT is designed for speed rather than low torque, the reason CVT-based AWD vehicles would freeze and not advance up a long hill if climbing slowly. It’s that trade off of gas saving vs torque.

[@paladin11C40]

If these type of vehicles take off with sales, I can see Jeep coming out with one based on the Grand Cherokee platform. That would be a pretty good platform to build on considering how well it does off-road.

[@juanitomaxxcarnaje3877]

Hottest selling vehicle right now eclipsing the corvette c8

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Subaru baja needs to come out

[@johntinker208]

I hope this isn't the future. I'm sure it is, but I hope not.

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

Chrysler doesn't have the money so no they are barely getting by toyota maybe they have the money.

[@zachsteele6964]

@@johntinker208 yeah these vehicles are so lame

[@bertito43]

I truly love this truck but it’s 5k way overpriced. With 40k you can get a loaded Tacoma

[@rebelcitysports1outlook713]

Absolutely. The Maverick will set 5-1 to this vehicle on the basis of price point alone.

[@javilink7]

The Santa Cruz has much more technology and is more comfortable than a Tacoma. And longer warranty.

[@SexyMistaMustard]

Where are you finding a loaded Tacoma for 40k? More like 47k.

[@norsefalconer]

The Base model MSRP with AWD is around $25k according to the Hyundai website.

[@norsefalconer]

@@rebelcitysports1outlook713 The base model Santa Cruz w/awd is close to the Maverick base price, plus it provides America jobs vs Mexico.

[@goatfightshop3769]

TFL is the best!!! These guys were born for truck test videos… best channel on YT

[@billricheter5678]

Would be nice if the non turbo model was tested. Every reviewer always does top model. Dual clutch is horrendous for anything off-road at all.

[@ivannarvaez367]

I actually like it a lot and seems to be a good compromise between on and off road.

[@ryanschmid7940]

Wouldn't snow mode be the best TC setting for off road? Most of your "real" off roaders have some variation of Mud/Sand/Snow setting as a single option.

[@Vanillagorilla94]

Lmaoooo “what do I call it…. pickup-car” 🤯 big brain

[@yamahschector]

I just drove one and it’s a damn good car for the price. 30k window sticker msrp. The bed tailgate is very nice the storage in the bed is amazing. If I were not in need of a true off-roading vehicle to get out and do things I would have turned around and bought one

[@the_jarmel]

Thanks Tommy.... Great job...

[@Wolfsbane1100]

I honestly really love the look of the Santa Cruz coming up the trail. I think it'd be great to have a mechanical or e-diff in it, and seeing how people build it out.

[@carado1984]

Top spec should've had an e-diff but towing capacity is 3500lbs as it is with all vehicles with that engine/trans combo. The 2.5 requires the dual clutch. I think for this reason they didn't add an e diff because they didn't want it to be used for these purposes. It's basically a grocery getter with gravel road capability and that's probably what 99% of buyers would use it for anyway.

[@chuckd7423]

Ford is offering their Maverick in a hybrid version, with considerably greater fuel economy and a cheaper price than the Santa Cruz. I think this little truck would be a prime candidate for an EV platform, since we're headed that way in the future anyway.

[@curtisevans1525]

“A Korean El Camino!”

[@Flying_Dollar_Motorsports]

We ended up with one of these on a group trail run a few weeks back. Ended up with alot of winching. They really need recovery points. We had to use the control arm. Watch my Schubarth Trail video around the 10 minute mark to see some recovery on a slick trail.

[@Schuisadrummist]

Curious what kind of tires they had on it. Stock all seasons or did they put some proper ATs on it?

[@Flying_Dollar_Motorsports]

@@Schuisadrummist Bone stock all season tires

[@Schuisadrummist]

@@Flying_Dollar_Motorsports cheers, appreciate the reply. I'm willing to bet that some decent tires would make a world of difference. I'll check out that video you mentioned. Curious to see it.

[@Flying_Dollar_Motorsports]

@@Schuisadrummist It would for sure. Especially in the slick conditions we were in.

[@Schuisadrummist]

@@Flying_Dollar_Motorsports yeah, just saw the vid. That thing made it up more of that line than I expected! 😂 It failed gracefully.

[@10219266]

I feel like wheels and tires would help a lot. I know it will never be a true off road vehicle but I think it would do okay. thanks for the great content!

[@mtnbound2764]

I think with the lower trim, auto trans, smaller wheels and more agressvie tires it'd do much better. its still no offraoder however! not enough articulation.

[@dewrus2153]

Very true about tires...the OEM ones on the Cruz don't even pretend to be anything other than street tires designed for comfort, gas mileage, and longevity. Even a mild upgrade would make the world of difference...but that goes for many vehicles and they test them as they are produced to keep the field level.

[@chuckd7423]

I agree, but since very few people will be buying this vehicle to tackle serious off road terrain, the tires that come with the Santa Cruz should suit most buyers needs just fine.

[@nlpnt]

Did you try using Snow mode on the 3-wheel slip test before asking for a push?

[@pmick4747]

Good question. Do you think Tommy ever thought of that? Tommy pull down underwear, remove head!

[@edsgarage001]

He should have, but didn't

[@jimji2774]

God no kidding what a disappointment.

[@TFLoffroad]

I tried the different modes off camera

[@nlpnt]

@@TFLoffroad Thought so. Dismissing snow mode earlier on the trail test and then not mentioning at all it in the slip test isn't a good look as you can tell, but that's an editing error not a basic testing one. I assume you actually performed the roller test before going on the trail?

[@Camaro45th]

Question: why wouldn’t you put it in Snow Mode? Seems like that would be the closest thing to off road conditions

[@charlesknight5140]

Showing LOVE for my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHANNEL PERIOD Thank You for another great video once again man. Have a Blessed day everyone

[@MrNicholg]

It's a Yute, your honor.

[@dimes007]

And with the maverick…. “…the two yutes.” -Joe Pesci

[@NamelessGlasses]

Aussies: Ute. fixed it for ya, mate.

[@dewrus2153]

@@NamelessGlasses - He was referencing a movie...a sort of cult classic here in the US. My Cousin Vinny.

[@haystack-is-back]

41k! just buy a ranger or any other truck!

[@ChrisPollard]

But then I'd have to drive a truck. The point of this is for people who don't want to DRIVE a truck. Some of us are perfectly fine with driving an SUV, but occasionally want a bed to haul stuff. It's definitely not for everyone. It's not going after the Tacos and F-150s. That's not it's point. I get the market Hyundai is going for here. This is aimed at someone eyeing a Subaru Crosstrek, but maybe likes the idea of an open bed too. I checked out the Ranger. Too big, handles too much like a truck. Took the Canyon AT4 for a spin too. It's bigger than my 97 C1500, boring to drive, and very under-equipped for about the same price tag. Also, handles like a truck. Tried out a new Ram 1500 too, because I've always liked the look of them. Very comfy. Love that 5.7 Hemi. But it's bloody HUUUUUUGE!! See the trend? This is smaller. It drives and handles like an SUV. It's a highway warrior. I commute over 120 miles a day. Weekends I might want to haul a kayak and some fishing gear to a lake off a forest road. Meet my perfect vehicle.

[@AustinH7]

@@ChrisPollard the size really isn’t a huge issue. Haha get it? These days trucks practically handle like cars, really not a big deal anymore.

[@JohnMiller-zn9pf]

@@AustinH7 it's not s big deal until you try to park a full size truck. I love full size and they have a purpose. saying that. most suburbanites and city dwellers want a weekend home depot run, and still fit in the garage, can park easily in tight parking lots etc.

[@AlexLepoutre]

@@AustinH7 Which trucks have you driven that handle like cars? Go out and test drive a 2022 Tacoma and then this 2022 Santa Cruz and tell me which one feels nicer on the road...

[@ChrisPollard]

@@AustinH7 they VERY MUCH handle differently. The trucks I drive in the last month (RAM 1500, Ranger, Canyon, Santa Cruz) all drive very differently. But one of them didn't feel like a truck at all. Guess which one! It was the little SUV based one. Nothing about it drives like a truck. Behind the wheel, you'd never know you're in one.

[@stevencheek2767]

Very good and honest review! The good and the bad.

[@OddBallPerformance]

This is a jack of all trades vehicle. It's enough truck for the average home DIY'er/gardener to make runs to the hardware store. It has enough towing capacity to do most light towing jobs the average person might do, such as a small camper, utility trailer, or even smaller boats. It's got enough room for your average family to ride in comfort while not being as huge as most modern pickups. It does none of that stuff as good as more focused vehicles might, but it does them all well enough that it is very appealing to a person like me, who misses having a pickup but doesn't need one all the time and doesn't have the space or need for owning so many vehicles.

[@craigchadwick2504]

We would call it an El Camino when I was younger.

[@brly4542]

Hyundai Ranchero?

[@WhoIsThisGodPersonAnyway]

Love the music, I don’t remember hearing this one before

[@scoobygms210]

How to destroy your dual clutch ... HERE ON TFL

[@W_T.F]

The old CUE system is fine once you get to know it. No knob for volume but you just slide your finger so volume can be raised and lowered practically instantly.

[@mbiker345]

I am betting this thing needs some good off road tires.

[@dowroa]

Just call it a UTE. Australians have had these for years and prefer these things.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

double cab ute

[@chir0pter]

Australians also call body on frame pickups utes

[@steelrain0811]

I really think that having a set of off road tyres would make a big difference. My opinion.

[@yukilwon]

That's a great Video! I would like to see how Ford Maverick handles the same trail.

[@Smokey0284]

Not for me but I can appreciate the innovation. Just give me a Holden Ute and I'll be happy. I showed the Ute to my gf and said this is bad ass, like a modern El Camino. She said nobody ever thought El Caminos were cool. I was like this conversation is over because you clearly have no idea what you're talking about.

[@nlpnt]

If/when GM ever joins this segment they need to call their entry El Camino, even if it's a 4-door 5-seater based on the new Trailblazer or next-generation Equinox.

[@dewrus2153]

Agreed! Would love for them to bring back the name. Ford could have used Ranchero and didn't which is sad...but at least they did pick an old favorite of many...Maverick.

[@mazoz]

They will, but as the Chevrolet Montana. It's gonna be a Fiat Toro rival (maybe RAM Toro for the US, I don't know)

[@AHungryHunky]

I would prefer they bring back the LUV nameplate. It's really fitting for this segment of compact crossover based pickups too, "light utility vehicle." People would pitch a fit if chevy brought back the El Camino as a 4 door crossover pickup, just look what happened with the Mach E even though you can still go buy a traditional coupe mustang on the same lot.

[@nlpnt]

@@AHungryHunky Trolling the musclecar boomers is a sure route to free publicity so that may actually count as a plus for calling it El Camino.

[@dewrus2153]

@@AHungryHunky - You know...you actually really have something there! Loved those little trucks! I actually fell out of one when I was a teenager. My friend and I were cruising town and he went around a corner and the door flew open and I rolled across the intersection. I guess decades of Pennsylvania winters rotted out the door jambs to the point the body latch rusted and pulled right out. A little bruised but I didn't really get hurt...and I'll remember that forever. It was a light yellow with orange and brown graphics...sweet!

[@richardkusimenkah]

Tires make all the difference in videos like this. I feel like some solid alterrain tires on 18" vs 20" would make the vehicle more off road capable.

[@lambchop777]

I firmly believe that the Non turbo Santa Cruz with a traditional Automatic would preform much better off road

[@davdruan]

I bet a Subaru Baja would make it up that no problem and that’s a car with a bed 🤷‍♂️

[@UnknownUnknown-se1qu]

It would mines lifted lol

[@jimmyr1683]

Why wouldn't manufactures do a test like this before letting a vehicle into production? If it doesn't work then figure it out and then release to the public

[@MarkPharaoh]

Lol, a lot of this is user error. Add to the fact this is an AWD vehicle without dedicated lockers, tires, transfer case, and yea…not sure what people are expecting.

[@edsgarage001]

Snow mode would have made a world of difference, I don't get why he didn't try it.

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

Car at least the Maverick resembles a truck lol.

[@landscapingspecialist]

Its actually a decent little pickup car. Like for s family or someone who just wants the truck for hauling some smaller lighter stuff.

[@aaronbrandes7456]

I bet my 1982 Subaru Brat with 13" trailer tires (true selectable 4wd and low range) could do better.

[@prylosecorsomething3194]

I'd have to agree with you there. I'd also bet my 08 canyon could leave the Santa Cruz behind

[@TruckerMike089]

Of course it would. This vehicle isn't a true off road vehicle and I'd be highly weary of it in any low traction situation

[@tommyhiggins1158]

The Santa Cruz did awful, and I'm not comparing it to actual trucks. It did terrible compared to how a last gen Sorento/Santa Fe or Telluride/Palisade would do. Hyundai/Kia should simply not use DCTs.

[@tuffer3839]

Would like to know how well Snow mode performs on the same trail

[@ron2366]

Kia should come out with Telluride version of truck it would actually look nice.

[@moreaufamily437]

That's really just a 'pick up some buckets of paint' at Home Depot kind of truck. That's never going to compete against full sized trucks or even the Gladiator. It's basically a 2021 remake of the Chevy El Camino but cheaper and less capable

[@krasnaludek298]

I won’t be trading my Jeep for one of these, but will consider adding a Ford Maverick to the garage for in-town duty. 👍🏻

[@abccanada6248]

I love Big trucks love my cummins and obs bronco. But hybrid/electric small trucks are really really exciting to me

[@LilDiabloRob]

Now I’m getting a bit skeptic on this truck. I built a SEL premium Turbo AWD. Highly doubt if it’ll see very little or any form of off-roading. I just need it for PA winters, vacation, and towing my auto cross car to and from the track. It’s not the engine, or size of truck, it’s that dual clutch trans. I don’t want it overheating while I’m towing. Why couldn’t just put the normal six speed auto in all models. Or have the non-turbo with a 6spd auto and the turbo with an 8 spd auto or whatever?! 🤔

[@pingpongballz5998]

Regular auto might be better with the 18 inch wheel. It did struggle especially for a vehicle with 280hp

[@skrt2003]

I would love to see you guys do a comparison on the Santa Cruz verse a Subaru Baja! That would be interesting!

[@Magellan678]

This “car truck” screams Mom & Dad type in the burbs that just want to look cool picking up stuff at the Home Depot on the weekend. Not really seeing the point with this vehicle. The truck bed is so short you can’t even fit a bicycle in it, much less actual cargo.

[@Moonless6491]

I have similar thoughts. The bed needs to be an extra foot long, then it could really do something. It's an SUV with the roof cut off.

[@AlexLepoutre]

Yes, it does actually fit a couple bikes. And the point of the bed is being able to fit things taller than a traditional SUV, without dirtying up the interior. Source: I own one.

[@Incomudro1963]

You just mentioned the point. Occasional light pickup duty use largely in suburban areas. Good all weather capability.

[@chuckd7423]

You can't carry a refrigerator or taller appliances like washers and dryers in most SUVs, nor would you want to carry unbagged loads of dirt, mulch, rocks, or fertilizers in an SUV. This little truck offers that capability, and if the bed gets dirty from what you haul, you can just hose it out. As far as bicycles go, Hyundai has displays showing a couple of bikes in the bed, with their front tires outside the bed, parallel to the tailgate, resting on a pad that Hyundai offers to keep from scratching the tailgate. Plus, this vehicle will fit in most standard size garages, while most full size trucks, and even some mid sized trucks won't. Most people who own full sized trucks use them for exactly the purpose that you described in your first sentence, and this little truck will offer most of them all the hauling capability they need at a cheaper price point than that of a larger truck. Ford's Maverick will offer similar capability as the Santa Cruz, with even greater fuel economy and a cheaper price.

[@melvinthompson4702]

Chevy should come out with the El Camino again... 👍😎😎😎

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

And Subaru baja

[@melvinthompson4702]

@@andersonrodriguez8258 agreed 👍

[@theRooster722]

Yes it would be funny to see them ruin the El Camino name as much as they ruined the Blazer.

[@blackymadd336]

Hey Tommy! I know what the Hyundai Santa Cruz is...a 4-door South Korean El Camino! Hahahahahahahahaaa!!!!!!

[@yissibiiyte]

To be really technical, it's a "coupé utility", which as you said, is a car with a load bed.

[@nlpnt]

"Sedan utility" since it has four doors and two rows.

[@yissibiiyte]

@@nlpnt as far as I'm aware it's still called a coupé utility, even though it's not a coupé at all. Any car with a bed is called that, irrespective of whether it's more sedan-y or coupé-y. It's just a classification in its own right. Just like most SUVs nowadays don't fulfill the 'S' or even 'U' in 'SUV'.