2023 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ consumer reviews

This vehicle has been just the perfect choice for us and the way we use it. All options are functional and easy to use. Recommend the Santa Cruz

Originally in the market for a Ford Maverick until I found out and looked at the Hyundai Santa Cruz. When I started comparing each vehicle, the Maverick didn’t come close. Number one, the Santa Cruz has the best warranty. Next the quality of the Santa Cruz is second to none. Talk about American made, the Santa Cruz is made in Montgomery, AL while the Maverick is in Mexico. I’m a Ford guy all the way, but sorry not in this case. There is nothing I dislike about the Santa Cruz.

Some of the categories, listed above, are too early to assess. Prior Hyundai's we have owned (this is our 5th new Hyundai, through the years) have been overly expensive to maintain, due to the somewhat regular unexpected repairs. Local dealers have always been an issue, also. But we are starting anew, with the 2023 Santa Cruz. The car is solid and seems well built, overall, so far. Of course we paid over 35k for it (almost as much as our house, years ago), so we expect that. Things we like so far: The car driving characteristics, the gas mileage for a small truck, the safety features/indicators (older driver, here), and various other little things. Heated seats when cold. Daytime running lights (very visible). We also like the appearance (not everyone's cup of tea, though). What we didn't like so far. The somewhat leaky Tonneau Cover (for that price it shouldn't leak). The side spray of road dirt gets under the doors. The back window is unusually small. The rear seat backs are fixed. No bed pass-through to cabin. The back seat area is also way too cramped. Mini spare tire (it is a truck, sort of). Not many accessories for it yet. (oh, and the selling dealer overcharged us, then totally ignored us, cheating us of a good sales experience - but this is the topic of a different review) We also filed 3 complaints with the NHTSA for design concerns (we always do that with new vehicles - it encourages folks to actually deal with them). First, on the unusually large holes in the front grill, exposing the cooling system and a/c. If a small rock or screw/nut falls off a truck ahead of us, on the highway, and enters one of these holes, we are DOA. Second, the headlight position is oddly low. On our package they cheaped out in various ways - including no LED headlights. The halogens are not very safe for older drivers. Change the headlight position, or give everyone appropriate safety lighting. Third, when calling local dealers, about complimentary oil changes, many told me they use a blend oil for that. They say Hyundai only reimburses them for that........ According to the Hyundai manual and the oil cap, this company requires full synthetic in these engines (what they are designed for). Hyundai, from what they say, is cheaping out (again - a theme here) on complimentary maintenance, risking the health of many new engines. We wanted to speak to Hyundai directly about them, but they seem reluctant to speak to me since I had a feud with the selling dealer, over the sales experience. That is it, for now. Will update as the vehicle comes of age. It has been a very controversial vehicle so far (the crazy high price for what it is, the fad appeal, the limited usage, questions about brand reliability, some odd dealerships, etc.) so taking it out is often a discussion about all kinds of topics . Us older people, driving one of these, is confusing to many.