The Ford Mavericks Nemesis? // 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

[@niklaswejedal463]

I am absolutely addicted to your car-reviews, Sarah - you simply do them better and more entertaining then other youtubers do. Much more in-depth, great fiilmed/edited and with wonderfull sense of humor (made me laught of loud twice, there - thanks for that!) Pure love!

[@440tomcat]

OK go do your thing

[@therealinda]

Those tires work really well in snow, had mine since February and a couple snow storms later, it just acts like the snow doesn't exist, and I have a big hill to go up on my route to work. No issues whatsoever in the snow.

[@zeon5323]

Sarah, your camera work and editing are top shelf!

[@nickdixon3536]

Thanks for doing this one. I ended up getting one due to its utility, price and warranty. Glad you liked it as well.

[@FrontyardJ]

Reminds me of the old Subaru Brat... Also loved the Old Cameo song reference.

[@shellytrichler7363]

Ok, I have been “no kidding” looking at KZbinrs for over two weeks now comparing what I might want to get and I have watched a lot of the Santa Cruz ones! And YOU, are the BEST !!! This review is what I have been looking for all along!!!! You Rock! Thank you !

[@robertrohr3990]

A high five for this review! Turtles and all it was a fun ride. I can't wait for the next one.

[@davidcalhoun1648]

Sarah, one of the many aspects of why I love your overviews is that you almost alway show the bottom of the vehicle on a lift. Anyone can go to a dealer and see the exterior, interior and engine bay of a car. No one is telling a dealer "get this one on a lift, I want to see how sturdy the exhaust and drive train are". You do that for us in your videos. You are thorough and give the most intelligent vehicle reviews on KZbin. Your snarky sense of humor is also something that keeps me coming back. Love u Sarah -n- Tuned!

[@BUCKMAW]

I just picked up my new Santa Cruz a week ago. It took a bit over 3 months from placing my "order" to pick up from the dealer. Hyundai has a winner and NAILED IT with this vehicle.

[@bobimbordino3024]

I always enjoy your videos & you’re so funny. I’m always smiling at the end of the videos you make & I get real reviews of vehicles from you. Keep up the great work

[@joecifelli1253]

I just ordered one in Sage grey a few weeks ago. I think it's a cool looking vehicle and I need something a little more utilitarian. Great review. Thanks.

[@Holt333]

That’s the one I want now in 2024. What are your 2 year thoughts if you still own it? Thanks 👍

[@ericmccormac6102]

I have this on factory order. This is the most straight forward and unbiased review I've seen.. I love the science references as a fellow nerd!

[@davebasey9863]

I know they’re videos two years old but I like when you put it up in the air and show the underneath and explain everything and know the details of what type of transmission measure is it anti-sway bars, I think that’s a great addition to the videos . I’m gonna go test drive one tomorrow after watching your video. I want to turbo.

[@pmscalisi]

The El Camino lives on in spirit!!

[@getdressed9974]

The best hands on test drive and overall review of the Hyundai Santa Cruz I've seen to date. Thank you for making my decision easier.

[@liamclarke64]

Just what I needed, and nice fun happy Sarah style car review... been watching too much depressing News lately!! Thank you Sarah :-)

[@bradbarbato5144]

Way too much depressing News. That's why I don't watch TV. Just watch Movies.

[@LuiBas]

Who watches TV anymore. Nuts.

[@KarzKreated]

I would really like to drive a Santa Cruz. I really love the style of the vehicle. Those front lights at night look awesome! The crap part about the Santa Cruz, Ridgeline, Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Tacoma, & Frontier is when equipped comfortably(not fully optioned), the price becomes unjustifiable in most cases. It's crazy how expensive these vehicles have become...

[@georgehugeabutt9947]

Tacoma makes the most sense since its the lowest depreciating vehicle ever made but less features and kinda boring interior. I guess thats what makes them so reliable and long lasting

[@poplaurentiu4148]

There is also the Ford Maverick.. but it seems like this Santa Cruz even though it has a small & smart bed is also pretty well equipped inside looking fresh not rugged like the rest..

[@rusty383]

Something you might Consider! Hyundai has the best Warranty on the market. My Dearer gave me extra but the manufacturer's is 100k and free Synthetic Oil changes for 30k I believe. My Dealer gave me 125 I and Synthetic Oil changes for life! Now Ford gives you first Oil change free and 3 years 35 k that is it unless you pay extra! I am retired! You add up that saving and piece of mind! PS if you're worried about the Bed! Don't be! I have a 10 x 5 utility trailer for my big stuff. I don't like tearing up my Truck bed . I use my utility for everything no problem! Put down the ramp haul any time any where. Had if for 20 years. I can put more than a ton on it . Don't worry about messing up my Truck.

[@indyfastal]

My wife got her's on July 5th. We love it. We traded in our Trail Blazer & haven't looked back. We're not going off roading anytime soon, but it handles the twisty-turnie roads of southern Indiana just fine. The turbo/8 speed is an excellent combo. We avg 25-30 mpg, great for city & county...

[@edwardott7239]

Sarah, I was wondering if you could do a video (on your secondary "Giving it the Beans" channel) on what the difference is between a "wet dual clutch" and a "dry dual clutch" transmission. Love how technical you get with these reviews and this piqued my interest when you mentioned it here with the Santa Cruz. Though I'm not really mechanically inclined, I think this would be interesting to watch and educational for everyone. Thanks in advance, Sarah! :)

[@SarahnTuned]

I would love to do stuff like that, if I can ever find quality help to assist in producing more content. I’m tapped out at my limits now.

[@garganega]

It looks like a sophisticated coupling between the engine and transmission to replace the torque converter. Personally I am happy with a torque converter, or a proven and simple dry clutch on a manual car. Hyundai developed their powertrains with the help of German engineers they hired away from big name Euro brands.

[@aaronmartell3046]

Sarah is the only person that can make "yeah" sound cool

[@mikeskidmore6754]

have been watching Videos on this car for two days .. and this is the first video .. I found with much of any technical information .. Very Professional Sarah.. but then again you are a gear head .. How could we expect any less from you?

[@Cavemol5823]

I like how you go over every inch of the truck

[@larrydeaton5452]

When you tried to go up the first hill, if I’m not mistaken it already was in diff lock. I believe that you accidentally took it back out of diff lock. Go back and look, you pushed the button the second time and looked back at the dash and the diff lock light was not on anymore.

[@Primus54]

Oh yeah… I could definitely see myself owning this “Ute”. In this class, it is without a doubt the most stylish I’ve seen. Even though it failed “Mt. Sarah”, it did conquer “Mt. Penguin” and I agree the correct tires would make the difference. Hyundai/Kia has been killing it lately. Here’s to Santa Cruz turtles! Thanks. 👍👍👍

[@hissingoose]

Do it, get one. Then you can witness Hyundai/Kia’s post 2015 motor durability first hand.

[@georgehugeabutt9947]

This is in the same price as the honda ridgeline and ford ranger , Gmc canyon , toyota tacomma, not the maverick . The maverick is 10-15k cheaper. If you want a truck to do truck things , Don't get the honda ridgeline or this. Honda ridgeline and hyundai santa cruz are both unibody , while the rest are body on frame. The NEW ford ranger comes out next year , its been out in europe and uk since last year so you could youtube how it looks. The Ridgeline is also due for a re-design since its been on the market since 2016 . The tacoma is the king of the class with its legendary reliability and low depreciation . The tacoma is one of the least depreciating vehicles ever built. 2017-2018's still go for 35k right now.

[@wydryfly]

We just bought the limited a few weeks ago. My wife wanted a sporty looking car with awd, I wanted something utilitarian that could tow. A huge Win/Win! So far we both enjoy it immensely. We didn't purchase it with the intentions of going off-roading though. The turbo definitely has some zip. Have never owned a car where we have received so many compliments on it's looks; this has given me buyer's assurance on the resell down the road. 😉 Enjoyed your nicely executed in-depth review

[@MrHemi2U1]

I just picked up my Santa Cruz and your review was one of the main reasons I picked it over the Maverick. The only problem is ever time I look at it from the rear all I can see is a sea turtle. Thank you. Art

[@JEFFKINGS]

Wow - the price as tested is almost double the base price! Insane for such a niche vehicle.

[@richh650]

No one does reviews better and with more fun Sarah. Thank you!

[@Richardak600]

Always impressed with your research and knowledge of all the vehicles you do reviews on.

[@leonstclairecoey]

I'd like to give a "Sunny day review score" which is enjoyment reviewing a vehicle feeling. 9.4./10 You seemed very confident and happy-go-lucky and hopeful of the lil truck/off road saloon. And a "Legs 11 score" of looking fabulous while doing a review of 10/10. Love you're work. 💕👏👌

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

That was the most chill brake test ever, wow

[@billyhill2488]

The Santa Cruz really is a nice ride and LOVE the color on the one in this video. I think this Ute will be a great option for a lot of people who want an open bed but don't want/need the capacity and expense of a real truck with a frame under it.

[@rodmackinnon8497]

One of your most enjoyable reviews . . . surprised by the weight and HP. Saw one yesterday, couldn't believe how small the bed was, just suited for groceries. Cheers.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Well the Sport Trac has a 5' bed. 😎

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

I own a tuscon hybrid, which is basicaly the same as this and its a great vehicle. this one as well a family member bought the first one at that dealer when it was new and they are obsessed with it. in person it looks great.

[@Johnny_Kanuk]

Really love that little Ute, would love a plug in hybrid if it. Oh and digging the Storm Trooper boots. 😄

[@briwanderz]

was thinking the same thing, with gas prices the way they are, i'm not sold on 100% electric, but plug in hybrid seems like a great fit for me, especially since i can find plenty of places to charge it free... and maybe i'd invest in about 20 miles of extension cords so i can charge it free at home. 😁

[@robertevans6481]

Yep like those boots as well...

[@badopinionsrighthere]

Not to focus on the wrong part of this review, but I love your boots!

[@neoanderson7]

Another fwd truck?? I’ve never seen anything like this. Unprecedented. Your reviews are always a highlight of my day! Fantastic! 👏🏻🙂

[@Scrimmer08]

I would never watch a video with a Hyundai in it, except, this is Sarah.

[@jeffdunfee6164]

Great review. I was looking forward to this one for sure. I love how versatile it is. Small enough to go through tight traffic yet nicely done inside. The little bed is perfect for those that need to haul smaller items once in a while. Thanks for the great review. 👍

[@georgehugeabutt9947]

This is in the same price as the honda ridgeline and ford ranger , Gmc canyon , toyota tacomma, not the maverick . The maverick is 10-15k cheaper. If you want a truck to do truck things , Don't get the honda ridgeline or this. Honda ridgeline and hyundai santa cruz are both unibody , while the rest are body on frame. The NEW ford ranger comes out next year , its been out in europe and uk since last year so you could youtube how it looks. The Ridgeline is also due for a re-design since its been on the market since 2016 . The tacoma is the king of the class with its legendary reliability and low depreciation . The tacoma is one of the least depreciating vehicles ever built. 2017-2018's still go for 35k right now.

[@buickboy92]

It's gonna be really interesting to see if Hyundai will offer an off-road package like Ford's FX4 setup. I think it'd be even cooler if they established an off-road team in a similar way that they have for the N Cars division. Especially with the Kia brand; they've really been marketing the off-road adventure lifestyle with the Telluride and Sorento.

[@carllovullo6602]

Forget it, Ford AWD system is far more superior

[@rickgarcia8481]

Now thats a review, very detailed, nice presentation on the motor, features, driving quality.

[@wilgarcia1]

Can someone please bring back the ElCamino? I mean come on it's so practical.

[@robertdillard4844]

Your vehicle reviews are top notch.

[@garyworokevich2524]

In this catagory, Honda Ridgeline would be my choice.

[@ThisGuyRides]

Except it's not in the same category. RL is bigger and competes with mid size trucks.

[@KB-bh9hp]

Maverick is the way to go.

[@eric19875]

Great review Sarah. Fun and high quality video Sarah. As usual. On this category, I would would choose between this or the Ridgeline

[@tfrogginhfroggin]

I have seen a few reviews. I think you are first to point out the step in the bumper. One item I wish my taco had.

[@azarahwagner2749]

Made my weekend better 🥰 Thank you Sarah

[@MKDorianGray]

Been driving one of these as a company car and its a great little vehicle. Love the storage under the bed and I've been getting better MPG than Hyundai advertises. Let's be real. This is more truck than most people need anyway.

[@chrisroach3594]

Love the reference to TAB I miss the soda that tastes like corrugated cardboard!

[@JayLepisto]

Half step worse than Diet Coke.

[@alistairkip7303]

OMG Sarah you are so adorable (for real! ) just LOVE your personality in these vids..... way to go.. total entertainment!!! (PS I love turtles hahahhaaaaaa)

[@johntotten4872]

That Back, back and forth Aaliyah reference Sarah is why I love your videos.

[@philipalbee3540]

Sarah, " I would follow you to the ends of the earth!" You posses a Hutzpah of demeaner and vocal quality that captures me "Completely"

[@FNBSSjohntruncali3297]

So glad I found this channel

[@christopherklein5111]

Hey Sarah, I just picked up a Santa Cruz! Thanks for the review. Glad to see you restoring the 94 Ranger. I will be restoring a 63 corvette convertible, 327 ci 340 HP 4 speed car! It was my dads since 1971. We need to keep those family vehicles! Take care, Chris

[@tjkrueger2655]

I'd go for the Maverick over this, but glad there are these options all of a sudden... lots of value for sub-$35k

[@georgehugeabutt9947]

Yeah , this doens't compete with the maverick . The maverick is 10k cheaper . This competes with the ranger , canyon , tacoma , ridgeline , frontier, colorado. 2022 ford ranger will launch next year fully re-designed.

[@KB-bh9hp]

@@georgehugeabutt9947 I'm gonna have to go with you there. If you're interested in buying a truck for the mid to high 20s, the maverick you can get for that money blows the comparable Santa Cruz out of the water. In terms of the higher trims, I think the two are basically equal, the Sante Cruz may even be the better option once you get into the low to mid 30s. But that's the problem, as you mentioned, once you're getting into the 30s, most people are just going to step up tl a midsized truck. The maverick has the cheap, small simple/durable and efficient truck market locked down. Midsized offering like the Tacoma/ranger and to a lesser extent, Ridgeline have the midsized segment on lock. I just don't see where the Hyundai really fits into the marketplace. Maybe as a smaller alternative to the midsized trucks that's more premium than the maverick? There's a market there, but it's not massive.

[@joeb4294]

@@KB-bh9hp That makes sense when just looking at the truck market, but I think Hyundai might expect to pull some market share from SUVs (though they might end up cannibalizing their own Tucson more than other SUVs). Some people who would have bought a normal SUV will see that an SUV-with-a-small-bed can offer more "utility".

[@dcasandman]

Called on several Maverick before I bought the SC as I was wanting a cheap little truck. Dealer was charging 12k over sticker on the for so I bought the SC.

[@KB-bh9hp]

@@dcasandman Yeah, I'd keep the Santa Cruz until this craziness ends, and then get a Maverick long term, that would be my recommendation at least.

[@markshelton3473]

Awesome Wu-Tang reference at the Gravel Pit

[@forumicebreaker]

The 2014/2015 Santa Cruz concept was really interesting to me years back, there were mentions of a lot of tie-downs anchor points and an extending bed. Nice to see it here!

[@joeyg283]

Haha, “Gravel Pit”! Nice little throwback reference there with the lyrics!

[@yungkidnf]

And I 100% agree with you that those are Ute's

[@inverted311]

So they decided to use gas pistons on the cubby in the back but provide a dinky hood rod to keep a heavy hood propped up? 🤓 Fantastic review! You are extremely intelligent and it is always a pleasure to watch your channel 🙂

[@barrylinkiewich9688]

Sometimes it comes down to whether the hood is stiff enough to not bend when gas pistons are used. I'm guessing that's the case here because Hyundai doesn't usually miss little niceties like that. If the back cubby lid flexes a little with pistons it's not a big deal while a bent hood is a major issue.

[@inverted311]

@@barrylinkiewich9688 Interesting theory. But IMO with geometry and with acute control of piston strength, pretty much any hood could be propped open without being damaged during closing. But perhaps you are right…. It’s like a tootsie pop 👀 😂🤙

[@barrylinkiewich9688]

@@inverted311 in the end it all comes down to money. Of course they COULD make the hood lighter and stronger, use custom weighted pistons, change the positioning for perfect geometry and so on but at what point does it become too expensive for them to justify?

[@rockman4699]

Thank you Miss Sarah for the video. I really needed a ray of Sarah sunshine after making the mistake of seeing the new Batman movie last night. Dark, painfully slow and total waste of IMAX. Keep up the great work!

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Always enjoy your car reviews Sarah.

[@WanderlustOffroadAdventures]

I got my 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Phantom Black in the SEL Premium trim because I chose Android auto wireless over leather seats. It also has 18" Kumo tires on it which do better off road then the 19" wheels that are on the Limited. It went through a big Nor'Easter we had a few weeks back with lots of snow with no problem at all. I have taken it on snow covered trails in our State forest and it did that fine. It wasn't designed to go extreme off roading like midsized to normal pickup trucks. It was meant for the suburbanites who want a refined utility vehicle that allows them to haul stuff from Home Depot without having to borrow their friends pickup truck.

[@MrHemi2U1]

Thanks!

[@chucktallberg1507]

I couldn't believe how quickly that review went by. Great outfit!

[@wbwayne8887]

I have been waiting on this review from you. The Maverick is definitely more capable off road than the SC proved to be, but I agree with all of the positive things you said about it. Thank you.

[@McTroyd]

A cute 'ute! Thanks for covering it Sarah!

[@dalefitzgerald7757]

We just bought an SEL Premium in Phantom Black. The 2.5T HTRAC is super fun to drive. Great video, we are putting BFG Trail Terrain TA's 245/60/18 on ours.

[@charleybarley914]

Finally! I've been waiting for Sarah to give it the Beans!

[@1leggeddog]

My dad had a 1989 Ford Bronco 2... and his rear struts did go kaput at one point when we were in it. When i heard that i did a double take like "how did she know something so insanely specific?!?"

[@misfittoys8883]

BroncoII does not have struts, front or rear.

[@B_noJ]

I took off the factory 18" Kumho's and put the Falken Wildpeak Trail tires on...What a difference offroad! Blizzaks go on for the winter 😁😎

[@craigcontofalsky4387]

I like it! The dash looks great too! No massive screen poking up above the dashboard!!❤

[@marksmith290]

The most important things when reviewing a little ute is the payload, towing capacity & whether it's on road manners justify not going all out for a truck chassis ute. Maybe I missed this but anyhoo it would sell well in Australia but will never be sold here because they have the steering wheel on the wrong side.

[@fishflash1]

I like how you regularly point out if the transmission and engine bay will allow power upgrades on the engine.

[@paulcondie2520]

Great looking vehicle. If only it was in the same price range as the Maverick! I'm going with the Maverick

[@georgehugeabutt9947]

yeah , 10k more . Go with the maverick . They're both cars with truck bodies anyway

[@johnbehneman1546]

GREAT VIDEO SARAH!!!! I STILL LOVE IT!!!! ALL IT NEEDS IS A LIFT KIT AND SOME ALL-TERRAIN TIRES!!! AND YOU ARE GOOD TO GO!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[@fartman10284]

The Highlander XSE did the climb with worse tires, the Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S on 20" wheels also.

[@jerrylaboucan1545]

Stay Awesome Sarah .

[@philsayer9797]

Those boots are AWESOME. The Gravel Pit joke.... not quite so much! 😉

[@oldblueshhrchannel1847]

Nice UTE, Sarah! Thanks for you insightful review, and your excellent content! This vehicle should sell well in North America!

[@mjg1544]

Loved the Cameo - Back & Forth reference Sarah. ❤️

[@coryshook7648]

Nice boots. You have to be one of the most likable people I have ever not met/met . I can’t wait for the day you test a lucid air. Holy shit that’s gonna be fun when you do the launch!

[@MC-vt2lg]

Best review yet Sarah!

[@patrickgowar2234]

Great review as usual. I think you should have a ‘hair o meter’ for braking. So the more your hair hangs forward the better the braking. Your off beat comments are so entertaining 🤗

[@509brown]

Loved the review, and the boots!

[@ighsaanlenders942]

Can somebody please give Sarah a Koenigsegg Jesko to review please... That lightspeed gearbox... Can only imagine a review of that... Go Sarah 💯

[@Gabrielxkl]

Cars explained by you, perfect combination greetings from mountains of colorado

[@borndiy5490]

Liked you video and feel you have best overview. In video when your talking about the front shocks etc., it looked like there was a nail in the tire. Had a nail myself & positive that was. Thanks again for your great review.

[@kevocal]

I researched mpg changes with bed covers a few years ago. Consensus was only the last 6" mattered for mpg improvement. This is why a lot of pickups have a flat spot on top the tailgate...

[@shellytrichler7363]

Girl , I love you and your reviews!

[@RigiLiquid945]

Awesome review, thanks for what you do. High five!!!!! LOL - Slidey boy or roll up tonneau cover :) It looks cool and can tow 5000 lbs or 2268 kg

[@georgehugeabutt9947]

a 2006 honda ridgeline can tow 5000lbs . A ford maverick which is 12k cheaper can tow 4000 lbs.

[@bsmirnov]

I already want it just for its looks. If self-leveling rear suspension allows to lower the car down, with bigger rims it might look even a cuter Ute.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Have you seen it in black? Sleek. ❤

[@aaspookyaa]

Fantastic imagery I loved the turtle! You've come so far editing🥰🥰🥰

[@wrx248]

I love how you color matched with the UTE. Also those heeled shoes are sexy.

[@mrwest5552]

Thank You for this Ute review, we love to see ya' drive stuff, AND your outfit is super cute. (bootsie Collins)

[@Twistedmetal-qe8kx]

Great review, love the detail

[@mikawhittaker7712]

Love that blue, great color for you.

[@daviddavis7855]

Great review, my 2003 Subaru Baja will outperform off road on street tires. Subaru still has the best AWD system, but they only made Baja’s

[@wild_lee_coyote]

It was getting angry like a bull spitting dirt trying to get up that hill. Different tires would be necessary if you want go off-road.

[@bradbarbato5144]

WOW SARA, you know the name of a Truck in NEW ZEALAND. IT'S called a UTE. THAT'S Amazing.