Used 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Consumer Reviews
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Catchy Unibody Trucket with
Michael W, 10/25/2021
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
111 of 116 people found this review helpful
SEL Premium AWD with about 3400 miles on the turbo / dual-clutch combo. This trim-line seems to offer some value if you don't want or can't source a Limited. I've managed 23 mpg since owning it. One trip of 45 miles registered 30.3 mpg. It is just practical enough for fuel economy these days. I liked the idea of getting a Hybrid but I do not have a place to plug in a hybrid (or really the time to charge consistently with a residential drop) Very happy with the Santa Cruz overall; suits my use perfectly, no hitch yet but I am eager to get that installed. After about 1000 miles the shifting smoothed out at low speeds. I will elaborate a bit on that. With the dual-clutch, there is a bit of a 'grabby' halting sort of feel cornering and coasting thru intersections. That feeling I would also describe as a low-key sort of 'engine brake' that is always in the background. So that feeling is what smooths out after the first 1k. The AWD is competent, but I wish it had a bit more RWD bias on takeoffs. I am used to Volvo XC AWD. The ground clearance is just enough, Wish it had a better-protected radiator (small stones) and/or skid plate setup. It doesn't drive like a large vehicle. The turbo is punchy. I do like the look and functionality of the 18" 245/60r18 tires vs the larger 20s (which have a lower sidewall profile) Overall it is a really attractive vehicle. Grateful to have one, It's the answer to a prayer for a reliable vehicle that was also functional in the right areas. It's the first new car I've purchased after owning 7 or 8 other vehicles. I did not compare the Maverick because It wasn't on the lot when I needed it to be. The Santa Cruz receives a lot of compliments with the consensus being that it has more presence and capability than people expect for a truck that is not a truck. The front end takes some getting used to but I had to appreciate the 'Cruz' in relief of the front grill pattern. My tip, buy a set of ratchet straps to keep in the back. I've used the bed extender one time for a large dresser and needed the straps. Then moved a haul of 6 pallets, also needing the straps. And buy one without the rolling tonneau cover worked into the deal I will be driving the Santa Cruz around for a long time.
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Fun to drive
Dave, 10/08/2022
updated 04/11/2025
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl 8A)
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2022 Santa Cruz SEL in April of 2022, and have driven it half way across the States, from Eastern Tn to Western Mo. and back, not to mention the usual local trips that everyone makes. It is quite peppy on acceleration, steering is precise, and is a breeze to park, don't have to look for bigger parking spaces like I had to with my Tacoma. I have had virtually no problems or issues with it. I have gotten 29-30 mpg on the road, so fuel efficiency isn't bad, and that is cruising at 70-75 mph. It seems to be built rock solid, the doors and hood all close tightly, with no squeaks or rattles in the body. It really is a fun vehicle to drive, and I have been asked quite a few times what kind of pickup it is. I just wish that they would make more or different exterior colors. Other than that, I haven't got any major complaints. Having said that, the location of the controls for the heated seats should be in another location, as you can inadvertently hit that switch without knowing it while getting into the consol. And Hyundai should put an overhead storage unit for sunglasses as a convenience. An arm rest in the center of the back seat would be a nice idea also. After owning it for 2 years now, this is about the only issues that I have found with it. I do highly recommend getting the "all wheel drive" version, as you can really feel the extra traction when starting up and on curvy roads. That is a definite plus, having that sense of better steering capability and traction. The seats are supportive yet comfortable on long drives, making driving a more enjoyable experience. I still enjoy driving this vehicle, much more so than the Tacoma that I owned before. Sure the bed is shorter, but the tail gate is adjustable to hold 4x8 sheets of plywood flat with no problem. Cosmetically, it's style is distinctive and doesn't get lost in the crowd, making it easier to find in a crowded parking lot. After 3 years of ownership, I still enjoy driving this vehicle, and it still gets looks and comments from other drivers, almost all of them positive. I have used it to tow a trailer a number of times, and have had no issues or problems there, as the Santa Cruz has plenty of power to haul any reasonable weight, although gas mileage does tend to suffer somewhat when hauling a heavy load, which is to be expected. Other than that, I am still very happy with the Santa Cruz and I intend on keeping it for a very long time.
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2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz for sale near you
3 of 81 listings
- SEL Crew CabMSRP: $23,49116 mi away
- SEL Premium Crew CabMSRP: $26,99119 mi away
- SEL Premium Crew CabMSRP: $25,99119 mi away
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Transmission Failure
Michael, 01/15/2023
updated 05/23/2024
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
Loved my Santa Cruz up until about 27,000 miles I noticed increased engine noise. I took it into the dealer and they confirmed that the transmission failed. The dealer is submitting to Hyundai for a transmission replacement. This obviously leaves me with big concerns about the longevity of this powertrain. UPDATE: When the vehicle has been usable it has been fantastic, unfortunately that has been for a lot less time than I would like. It has been in the Hyundai dealer for service for almost 7 months out of my almost 3 year ownership. I am about to get my 3rd transmission, and the transfer case and high pressure fuel pump have been replaced also. More minor issues are the built in tonneau cover began sticking closed on one side to the point of requiring replacement. The driver window switch is faulty, when lowered a 1/4 way for a period of time when you go to raise it the window lowers instead (Hyundai says they can't replicate this). The seal on the driver tail light is bad and began allowing in water almost immediately which Hyundai dealer said was normal.
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Best of all worlds - updated six months in!
JustinS, 09/02/2021
updated 03/03/2022
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
137 of 146 people found this review helpful
My original thoughts at time of purchase: I purchased my 2022 Santa Cruz Limited AWD three weeks ago and have put 1,000 miles on it so far. I absolutely love this vehicle! PROS + Fit and finish is excellent. High quality materials used throughout the cabin. Keep in mind I do have the Limited trim which comes with upgraded materials and features throughout the interior. + Driving experience is great. More than enough power, fun to drive, and the dual-clutch transmission is quick! + Beautiful design. I'm sure it will fade over time but I have never gotten so much attention in a vehicle before. Everyone seems to like its design when they see it in person. + Practical. The Santa Cruz bed, while small, is perfect for small around-the-house projects, light landscaping, and just general hauling of small furniture items. The price of the vehicle seems very fair for what you get. The size is perfect and easily fits in our tight garage. + Technology. I'm coming from Lexus models and the safety tech and infotainment is blowing my mind. The preciseness of the lane centering and the ability to stay in the lines around curves is something I have not experienced before. The Bose sound is excellent, but not the best I've heard in a car, yet more than fine for someone like me who really enjoys listening to music. + Heated seats and steering wheel work really well. The seats get so hot that I had to turn them off, which I've never had to do before in a car. CONS - No flip down armrest for rear seats - CarPlay is only wireless on lower trims but once you get the upgraded, larger screen it requires plugging the wire in. No idea why. - Dealers are pricing these anywhere from $5k to $20k over MSRP. I paid sticker, so it's definitely possible right now. My advice is to just keep shopping until you find a dealer willing to sell at or below MSRP. - Ventilated seats could be better, but better than not having them at all. - I wish it came in a silver exterior color like the concept That's all I can think of for now but I'll keep this review updated as I put more miles on the SC. 6 MONTH UPDATE: Still loving the Santa Cruz. Issues: We had some squeaky brakes and it took the dealer a few visits to fix them. That was at approx 1,500 miles and they replaced the brake pads. Now with 9,000 miles on the odometer, the noise has not returned. Not having physical buttons for the radio and A/C is actually totally fine for us as we've really gotten used to the interface - BUT - we have a ton of scratches on the piano black plastic and screens in the center stack, even though we only use clean microfiber towels to wipe the dust and fingerprints off. Oh well. Maintenance: We had the first oil change and tire rotation completed recently and it was covered by Hyundai's 3 year/36k mile maintenance-covered period. Pros: Everything else has been enjoyable. No rattles, the build quality seems great, and we've been able to use the bed for small house projects. We absolutely love this thing - best car purchase in years!
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Head Turner
Rocky, 10/23/2021
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited 4dr Crew Cab AWD SB (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
44 of 46 people found this review helpful
Got the Preferred (AWD, 8AT, 8" Screen) here in Canada. LUV it. Had a 11 Ranger prior. Everything is snug, well built. Many people look, and both thumbs up. Only issue are getting the accessories. Not much out yet in Canada, and i do say, expensive. The Mavricks accessories are huge. But, the Style, looks are definitely a Plus compared to Ridgeline and Mavrick
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