Follows A Very Hard Act
The purchase of my Santa Cruz (SC) timed itself perfectly for when my favorite vehicle ever (even better than my SC) was getting ill too regularly that I was spending thousands with the promise of $10,000 more. So, new vehicle. I had already fallen in lust with the SC just from its look, much like I did with the only other two cars I bought brand new. Overall I really like the SC. However, there are some things I'd change or eliminate.
First of all I only wanted 3 of the 9 things from the activity package (AP). That makes them ridiculously expensive, but remember I was in lust. I was also surprised by what Hyundai constituted as an activity and what it didn't. For example I don't see any way the wireless charger would be considered an activity, but can't understand why having a hitch wouldn't be. I really didn't want a moonroof, but had no choice because of it being part of the AP. It's not a feature I ever intend to use, and it has a greater potential for leaks than a solid roof, opening me up to an expensive repair in the future. The only reason I see for having the items you want, wrapped in a high priced "package", is improving their profits. I also don't understand the function of the incredibly small window in the rear. You couldn't get out through it if it became necessary so it really serves no purpose to me. The main item I wanted in the AP was the tonneau cover, particularly since it locks and you can stand on it. I now somewhat regret that. The bed of the SC is already smaller, but I hadn't paid attention to the structure that the tonneau cover rolled itself into taking up more of the bed. I didn't really notice until I loaded my kayak. Another AP feature, the wireless charger, seems like a good idea but it's situated in a "cave" under the dash. If you want your phone out to use your navigation, which I prefer, you can't see it quickly or easily. One more con, for me. The back seat is so high I can't look over my shoulder when checking for obstacles, cars, people or backing a trailer. This required that I had to get comfortable and trust the safety features with which the SC is loaded. I just can't seem to get the hang of backing the trailer as well or easily with the camera! I need to be able to look directly at the trailer. If I knew then what I know now I would have gotten the first, less expensive, trim level SE and only have the tow package added, which was something that could be added as a solo add-on. It would have saved me over $10,000.00.
The advanced safety features are nice to have. They have come in handy when in a well packed, tight spaced parking lot, into which I've parked driving straight in rather backed in, and backing out of the space been alerted to an oncoming vehicle I couldn't see due to the high back seat. I've learned to slowwwly back out of a space to make sure the sensors have time to "see" a problem.
I've lost track of the number of people who have asked me about my SC. I tell them all the good stuff, and let them sit in it. I refer them to my dealer, but since they're strangers I have no idea if the dealer's gotten any business from my referrals, which I only gave to people who were actively looking for a new vehicle.
There's a good chance I would purchase a SC again, the SE, unless something else that I perceived to be better caught my lust. I suspect if the SC goes the way my other vehicles have it will be my last. My previous, and favorite of all, I had for 20 years. You can probably understand my discomfort in having all the newest technology, especially since I'm not particularly tech savvy anyway. Having a keyless remote was about as techie as cars were back then. It is a pretty comfortable and quiet ride. I like all the movements I can do with the driver's seat. I also like that they have a rubber floor in the front. It never made sense to me that vehicles had carpet. The dirt and sand that got ground in could never be gotten out so you bought rubber mats to cover the carpet. Now you don't have to.
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