I Just Bought My First NEW Vehicle Since 1999: Here's Why I Chose the Hyundai Santa Cruz!

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[vehiclenanny]

Finally! A YouTuber who makes a realistic purchase, based on real needs and a modest budget. You can always personalize your vehicle down the road, if you want to. Nice job, Nathan!

[NWI_Steel]

A guy who gets to drive $80k loaded trucks every day buys a $30k base model truck. That's saying something...

[ribbit]

Congrats Nathan. As a Dad, I completely get it and you did good!
Can’t wait to see long term reviews on your new addition. Happy trails sir!

[jakecease]

I’ve been having the same thought process. I favor the maverick but I really wish they had awd with the hybrid drivetrain. Thanks for representing us poors Nathan 👍👍

[Tinstar]

I bought the 2022 SE model because it was available and my 1998 Dodge Dakota was about to break in two. The frame was rotten and beyond repair. I found the Hyundai on line at my dealership, but it had been sold. Another was going to be available in about a month so I reserved it sight unseen. I had not driven one or seen one in person. I had only seen them on youtube and I just loved the looks of it. I had it in two weeks from the reservation! I considered the Maverick but the wait time for one was unrealistic. Mine is stone blue which is beautiful and I get lots of compliments on the SAV. I never got to experience to turbo charged model so I don't know what I am missing and that is fine. It does a lot better than my six cylinder Dakota did! I have had a turbo charged vehicle and although fun, I always hated the turbo lag. Anyway, it's nice to see a realistic video review with a lesser model than a top of the line. I would recommend the Hyundai Santa Cruz to anyone that wants a 'SUV with a truck bed on it. They call it a SAV...Sport Adventure Vehicle. Have a good one everybody!

[allenbazar]

I think the Santa Cruz is by far the best looking of the bunch especially the front grill!

[zaboe]

I'm going to speak this into existence every chance I get... A hybrid Santa Cruz would be absolutely incredible and I really hope we get one soon! Great video and I agree with other sentiments, it's so nice seeing a review of a 'regular person' vehicle that's not the top trim/options in every possible way.

[Iwannadrive]

Congratulations, you're going to love it. My wife and I bought one a year ago and it's equipped like yours, except it's two wheel drive. It's crazy comfortable and efficient. In a year we put 15, 000 miles on it just because it's a great Interstate traveller. My favorite way to describe the power is, "more than adequate." Here's a tip: For under $25 PetSmart has a dog cover for the back seat that matches the interior gray amazingly well. Protects the seat from luggage marks.

[jeffreysproul]

I have a Maverick XLT hybrid since last April and I really like it but I considered the Santa Cruz. I waited 8 1/2 months for it after ordering it. Getting between 40 to 50 mpg which is what I wanted. I had a 4 wheel drive pickup and didn't use the 4 wheel drive that much so the hybrid was a better choice for my needs.

[Gilbertmk]

For tires I'm running the Yokohama geolander AT tires, they're real mild, quiet, great wet traction, 3 peak rated, and good tread life.

[rondail]

Smart buy Nathan. Capable, good looking, comfortable, and affordable.

[charlessimons]

If you want the roof rack rails, just get a vin number for one that came with them, take that to your Hyundai dealers part department and tell him you need replacement roof rack rails, then have him order them and install them on your car

[bigskygeneration]

I have the similar, but turbo canadian version. It's the base model in Canada. I put the Michelin Cross Climate 2 tires for year round. Good on highway and around town. Same thing moderate off road use. We have logging roads all around us. Nothing too challenging. Same color too.

[damianmartinez]

I've been a tow operator for the last 10 years. And it's very rare that the gas shocks that hold up the hood still work once a vehicle gets several years on it. Then you have to have someone help or carry a board around with you anyway. I have a good old fashioned stick in my 2022 KIA Forte GT, so I certainly understand you not minding the hood stick either. Nice new ride, congrats! 🤘🏽

[regsparkes]

Now this is why I do enjoy and listen to videos that Nathan presents!

[mixflip]

I am a YouTuber who bought a brand new 2022 Toyota tundra…. But in the very unpopular for YouTube SR5 trim.

All the YouTubers get the TRD pro.

I got a cheap model that I can upgrade over time.

Nice ride bro. I actually love tiny cars and trucks. I can’t wait for the minitruck craze of the 80s to return.

I had a 1980 Toyota pickup. My friends had a Mazda B2000

[srtcsb]

If you'd ordered a '23 Maverick you'd still be waiting for it now. I ordered a hybrid XLT during the six days the order banks were open in September and I still don't know if it'll even be built. Looks like you made a very nice choice that fits your needs. Good on ya Nathan. 😎

[jason]

Never again with Hyundai. I have had a 2011 Sonata and a 2018 Santa Fe Sport. Both had engines replaced and both burned so much oil. They did have great features but at the end with the Santa Fe, I was adding a quart of oil a week.

[erickisel]

@TFLnow: Congratulations Nathan! Best of luck and please keep us posted on the Santa Cruz.

[DontFeedTheTrolls]

This is similar to my '24 Santa Cruz SE AWD... totally obsessed with it! I agree 100% about it being better without the digital display, turbo, DCT and bed-cover. You made the right choice.