In the first of 2 videos, I review my 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Specifically 10 things I don't like about it.
1.Delayed throttle response. I measured 1 second of delay between pressing the gas and anything happening. TFL did this test and estimated 2 full seconds.
2. The doors do not close easily. You have to slam the doors, which feels unnatural being used to new vehicles. If you are used to old cars, you will instinctively slam the doors so it shouldn't be an issue.
3. Interior storage is lacking. There are plenty of missed opportunities to add storage compartments. There is no good place to store sunglasses, and the center console is TINY!
4. No rear armrest. Clearly a cost cutting measure, something I would expect in a cheaper vehicle.
5. No rear USB or climate vent in "Premium" trim. Again, something I would expect in a base model. Plus there are no USB-C ports, which is disappointing in a 2023 vehicle.(Jeep has been installing USB-C since 2018.)
6. Obnoxious chimes. There are a LOT of chimes, and they are obtrusive in my opinion. I was able to turn a few of them off though.
7. Extreme wind noise with roof bars and sunroof. It would be fine with one or the other, not both.
8. No volume knob. Some people prefer buttons, but personally I like a simple knob to control the audio volume.
9. DCT transmission. It feels out of place on a vehicle like this, and the advantage over a conventional automatic is unclear. Hyundai has also had a lot of issues with this transmission, which does not inspire confidence.
10. It doesn't do off-road. It has potential for sure, but Hyundai did not put much effort into that area. During testing, the hill descent control allowed uncomfortably high speeds going down a minor grade. The center "diff lock" did not seem to help when climbing obstacles. After losing traction on a medium difficulty hill climb, the computer took away throttle pedal, shifted the car into neutral (allowing the vehicle to roll backward unexpectedly) and tripped the check engine light. The Santa Cruz is fine for dirt roads or fire roads though!

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