Santa Cruz not as weird looking as I expected.

[PIJane]

Saw my first Santa Cruz on the roads. I have to say, it wasn’t as weird or unconventional looking as I expected. Different, yes, but not totally freakish. Have yet to see a Maverick “live and in-person.” Still like the looks of the Ford much better!

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[Traegorn]

I've actually always liked the Santa Cruz. I mean I like the Maverick more (which is why I ordered one instead), but if the Maverick hadn't come out I might have considered it.

 

[PIJane]

I agree. I think I would have looked at it if the Ford wasn’t released at the same time. It has lots of good features. I went with the Lariat so I am not too far off from a price-point perspective. I will say, the grill is aggressive - saw it coming from a quarter mile away!

 

[WesM]

I guess I don't understand the appeal of the SC. What makes it special or unique? What is it than a slightly shorter Ridgeline? Whats worse is I can get a ridgeline for about the same money as local dealers are asking for the SC. Sure it looks different, but thats about all it has going for it in my opinion.

 

[STARCOMMTREY1]

I guess I don't understand the appeal of the SC. What makes it special or unique? What is it than a slightly shorter Ridgeline? Whats worse is I can get a ridgeline for about the same money as local dealers are asking for the SC. Sure it looks different, but thats about all it has going for it in my opinion.

It has a self destructing DCT which is cool.

 

[STARCOMMTREY1]

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/expert-reviews/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review
JD Power apparently classifies it as a midsize truck as well.....that was interesting.

 

[2517X]

Saw my first Santa Cruz on the roads. I have to say, it wasn’t as weird or unconventional looking as I expected. Different, yes, but not totally freakish. Have yet to see a Maverick “live and in-person.” Still like the looks of the Ford much better!

I saw a SC in the wild way before a Maverick. If it weren't for the mileage penalty and initial price penalty, I'd be happy to be driving a SC, especially if I could get one before a Maverick.

 

[GambleGarage]

I test drove a few of these. I loved them. Rode sooo smooth and lots of options for the price. However all the dealers near me had price tags of $41k for the turbo models. The non turbo was painfully slow.

 

[Crowley Cajun]

I looked at the non turbo. As other said if Maverick was available especially in Hybrid i probably would have gotten the SLC model. Cheaper than Ranger and better mpg than Ranger

glad Maverick came out.

 

[Traegorn]

I guess I don't understand the appeal of the SC. What makes it special or unique? What is it than a slightly shorter Ridgeline? Whats worse is I can get a ridgeline for about the same money as local dealers are asking for the SC. Sure it looks different, but thats about all it has going for it in my opinion.

It has some nicer luxury features, and is overall supposed to be more comfortable to drive. Also the water proof in bed storage is nice (even if it's not that deep). Like I totally get the folks shopping the Maverick Lariat also looking at the Santa Cruz.

I, however, am cheap as heck and also wanted a hybrid.

 

[Packer Bill]

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/expert-reviews/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review
JD Power apparently classifies it as a midsize truck as well.....that was interesting.

What in the world is JD Power smokin? The Santa Cruz is more than 4 inches shorter than the Maverick!! Now, if the Santa Cruz was 15 inches longer, then it could be classified as a mid-size pickup.

 

[potatosalad]

I was eyeing a santa cruz as well until i saw the mpg and other small details like the awful piano black climate/radio controls in person.

 

[Bushpilot]

I haven't seen a Maverick or a SC yet. I expect my first sighting will be when I pick my Maverick hybrid up in a couple of weeks.

I prefer the looks of the Maverick.

 

[JennyJoannSuebeeMcNash]

The Santa Cruz reminds me too much of the Subaru Brat back in the day. Watched a few SC videos and the interior is too "fou-fou" for me. I like the utilitarian looks of the Maverick better. Still wish Honda would bring back the Element, which is why I'm jumping ship after 23 years of Honda ownership.

 

[pxpaulx]

The Santa Cruz reminds me too much of the Subaru Brat back in the day. Watched a few SC videos and the interior is too "fou-fou" for me. I like the utilitarian looks of the Maverick better. Still wish Honda would bring back the Element, which is why I'm jumping ship after 23 years of Honda ownership.

I've owned an Element a couple of times, it was a great vehicle (Element Owners Club represent). But it had 2 things going against it - the charm/appeal was polarizing enough that it cut into sales and created a niche market it just couldn't break out from. As Honda attempted to make it more SUV-like (painted panels, then the more standard/truck-like front end), it lost the appeal to the niche buyers, but retained the stigma of the original looks for potential new buyers! The first 3-4 years it solidly sold 60K units/year. That was cut by 80% by the time it was discontinued.

Also, back in 2003 you could get the stripped DX for like $14K with AWD - that was an appealing and affordable price point for its target market.

When I look at the Maverick, I see a Honda Element in terms of practicality, without the polarizing look. Oh, and I'm getting better MPG with an engine that has 90 more horsepower - black magic.

The Element truly had no equal though! It swallowed a love seat whole, gate closed. That was a one-of-a-kind feature you won't find outside of a van.

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