First. I got my Santa Cruz Limited in Hampton Gray for exactly MSRP ($40,905) at Linwood Hyundai (Linwood Hyundai Paducah | New and Used Hyundai Dealership) in Paducah, KY. No haggle, no fuss. Simple and straightforward. Ask for Robert Walker. 270-444-6901
For context. I traded in my 2002 Subaru Forester w/ manual transmission. Let's just say, Robert did me an immense favor by giving me $500 for it as a rough trade-in. My partner has a 2022 Subaru Outback Touring--non-turbo engine. I also had a 2017 Subaru WRX STI for a couple of years (I don't want to talk about it). So, I have mainly these three vehicles to compare to my Santa Cruz. For size. I am mid-thirties male, 5'11", average build. I'm a tech-savvy engineer. I've only had my SC for 3 days (~210 miles).
I'm a lists kind of guy and these are in no particular order.
Love:
I'm sure there's more in all categories, but I think this is enough. Thanks for reading. If you have questions, I'll be happy to answer.
tl;dr: It's extremely nice. It has some 'convenience' shortcomings. I'm keeping it.
For context. I traded in my 2002 Subaru Forester w/ manual transmission. Let's just say, Robert did me an immense favor by giving me $500 for it as a rough trade-in. My partner has a 2022 Subaru Outback Touring--non-turbo engine. I also had a 2017 Subaru WRX STI for a couple of years (I don't want to talk about it). So, I have mainly these three vehicles to compare to my Santa Cruz. For size. I am mid-thirties male, 5'11", average build. I'm a tech-savvy engineer. I've only had my SC for 3 days (~210 miles).
I'm a lists kind of guy and these are in no particular order.
Love:
- The turbo engine is intimidating compared to the Forester. Peppier than the Outback. Reminds me of the STI (305hp) but with significantly faster gear changes and no need for a left foot and right arm to do anything. I haven't punched the SC yet--I want to do a slow break-in and get comfortable with it. I haven't even taken it out of 'SMART' mode yet.
- The AWD is grippy and makes me feel confident through turns like the Subies.
- It's very nice to look at.
- Uh... tonneau cover. I'd never even seen one in real life before.
- Quiet interior.
- I love the lane centering feature. It is much more subtle than the Outback but it will command a turn h*******e very confidently.
- The remote control options through the key fob and phone is absolutely amazing.
- Infotainment center is wicked fast.
- Cupholders are perfect fit.
- Automatic wipers! Say what?!
- Comfortable ride.
- The very minimal amount of 'stick on' verbiage on the exterior is nice. The SC words on the tailgate is a perfect touch.
- Glove box is perfect size, angled, large enough for a file folder.
- The two screens are absolutely amazing. Beautiful and very easy to see in all lighting.
- The amount of customization is very cool. I already want more to play with!
- The headrest is soft and slightly squishy!
- It reminds me that I've left my phone on the wireless charger.
- The startup animation on the screen is very cool.
- The touch sensitive controls are actually kind of nice.
- Sexy DRLs in the grill.
- Seats are comfy. The ventilated seats feel cold and I can feel it all the way up my back!
- The doors are really high with less window.
- Visibility from driver seat is okay, not the best.
- Hampton Gray is my preferred color of all the Santa Cruz's. However, it's a very unique gray to me so I'm still getting used to it.
- Manual sliding rear window.
- The rims are growing on me.
- The doors closing/opening sounds odd to me. It's like a hollow kind of sound.
- Not a fan of the massive Hyundai logo in the beautiful grill. If something aftermarket comes along, I might consider it or this one will grow on me.
- Wireless Android Auto would be cool, however I don't think it would be anywhere near as good as wired.
- No Android Auto full-screen.
- No Android Auto full-screen.
- No Android Auto full-screen.
- No driver memory seating.
- No sunglasses holder.
- The buttons at the front of the center console storage are very easy to accidently hit.
- The plastic thing on the back of the seat that sits between the shoulders was a bad design decision.
- No power folding mirrors.
- I wish it were a push button gear shifter like the Tuscon.
- No smart park feature like in the Sonata.
- I want to find a way to cleanly remove/hide the paddle shifters. I hate them so much.
- The sound system is not at all very punchy--at least, I haven't found out how to tune it to be.
- (Don't judge me, lol) I wish it had dual exhaust.
I'm sure there's more in all categories, but I think this is enough. Thanks for reading. If you have questions, I'll be happy to answer.
tl;dr: It's extremely nice. It has some 'convenience' shortcomings. I'm keeping it.