We were invited to travel to Palo Alto to experience the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but as usual, all opinions are my own.
We arrived in sunny California at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palo Alto, who could ask for a more perfect setting to kick off a California Coast Line drive to experience the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Because I know you love checking out our travels, I want to start by giving you a quick view of the Four Seasons Palo Alto.
The hotel lived up to the expectations but also offered a personalized service, such as the bar tender, knowing all about my need for a wine with less carbs to stick to my keto lifestyle.
That is more than service, it is an experience! So I can assure you, I experienced the Four Seasons service!
I will be sharing an up-close review of the hotel, but for now just my room view to get you excited!
Let’s get to our driving adventure!
New Adventures With The Hyundai Santa Cruz
The California Coastline
We were able to test drive the 4 cylinder 2.5L turbo on the highway and hubby and I were excited to drive and feel how it hugged the curves and embraced the road ahead of us!
Along the highway, the ocean was just calling us for a visit, we had to stop.
I couldn’t resist, had to go down and enjoy the Pacific Ocean for a few minutes!
If you know me, you know the ocean makes me happy, so a perfect and adventurous ride had to include beach time and checking out some local hiking spots!
The stop at the Davenport Roadhouse, which offered Cali favorite fresh pastries, awesome coffee and that small town feel.
We drove around and a small Hispanic Catholic Church called the Latina in me to stop and dar gracias!
Gratitude is everything, always, right?
Not sure if you know it, but Latinos are one of the largest segments of hiking & camping adventures and growing!
We hike & paddle weekly & camp at least 3 times a year. We love leaving the urban scene to put the sneakers on and try new paths!
Hyundai’s Santa Cruz made sure the city/outdoor exploring needs were of the first and main concerns to make sure the vehicle catered to weekly commutes, weekend needs and even home project cargo needs!
As we were driving, I saw myself checking beyond the tech and cargo, and envisioning how this vehicle would meet those needs.
As you know I’m an avid hiker – paddling is also a hobby hubby and I enjoy, along with hubby’s passion for fishing.
So let’s focus on the Hyundai Santa Cruz’s bed:
The size allows us to bring our kayaks on a rack on the roof or using the back by sliding it down to fit them in.
One of my favorite features is the hidden (lockable) compartment, under the bed.
It offers a plug, which allows you to fill it with ice and empty it once it’s all melted and bring drinks, food, camping supplies or just keep your catch of the day cold, while you find a place to camp or hit your favorite loop trail.
The locking bed cover assured me that camping items and backpacks will be safely locked. It also is reassuring that my items will be locked and out of sight.
After seeing the Santa Cruz, I was ready to take it on our new adventures!
The more I learned about the innovation and different features on this Sport Adventure Vehicle, SAV for short, the more excited I felt for all of you who are reading this! You will enjoy exploring new paths every weekend with the Hyundai Santa Cruz, like we did!
Ocean Gazer
Whether you’re an ocean lover like me …
Trail Seeker
A trail seeker and tree observer …
Nature Explorer
On a hunt for hidden treasures and spots to explore …
Foodie On A Mission
Or just a foodie that enjoys local favorites on your way to your next destination …
“Whatever your goal or whatever makes you jump in your vehicle to go out and play, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers innovation, space, design and capability to take you where your next adventure leads you to.”
Let’s Talk about some of these features!
4 cylinder 2.5L turbo
Awesome driving modes will give you the power and versatility of an SUV with an extra cargo add on!
Tow Capacity
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is rated to tow up to 3500 lbs., while the turbo engine will tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Advanced HTRAC AWD and Towing Capability
Both 2.5L four-cylinder and 2.5L four-cylinder turbo models offer HTRAC all-wheel drive capability for complete confidence when pursuing adventures of all kinds or for that extra peace of mind when driving in an unexpected snowfall.
The HTRAC AWD system was developed as a multi-mode system, providing an electronic, variable-torque-split clutch with active torque control between the front and rear axles. The Sport setting gives a more agile feel by sending more torque to the rear wheels, for a sporty, dynamic experience.
This system has a wide range of torque distribution variability, tuned for conditions such as straight-line acceleration, medium- and high-speed cornering, and hill starts. For those customers who like to tow their weekend gear with them, the 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated at 3,500 lbs. for towing and the 2.5L Turbo AWD model boasts a generous 5,000 lbs. of towing capability.
The vehicle handled very well on highway, windy mountain twists and coastal California roads.
Tech Favorites
Advanced Infotainment, Connectivity and Convenience
Santa Cruz provides seamless connectivity and technology that helps drivers escape from the daily stress of long commutes, heavy traffic, road hazards and distractions. Drivers also expect to stay connected wherever they go, and the Santa Cruz provides this capability.
Santa Cruz offers a standard eight-inch color touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available to make staying connected easier than ever. Wireless pairing automatically connects an Android or Apple smartphone, so the driver can keep their phone in a pocket, backpack or purse.
Owners can keep their devices charged on an available Qi wireless charger. Santa Cruz offers Digital Key supported by a dedicated smartphone app. The Hyundai Digital Key app also allows smartphones to control selected vehicle systems remotely. Users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the panic alert and start the engine.
Digital Key allows owners to leave traditional keys at home and allows secure sharing of keys with family and friends. Digital Key is currently compatible only with phones using the Android operating system.
The Santa Cruz navigation system offers split-screen functionality that enables multi-tasking capabilities. Santa Cruz also offers an eight-speaker Bose Premium sound system.
Interior Design
The interior of the Santa Cruz expresses a sophisticated and refined appearance. The contrasting rugged yet refined motif matches the boldness of the exterior, boasting a technical ambience that appeals to those who appreciate cutting-edge technologies in their daily lives.
Design teams focused on ease of ingress and egress and ergonomic comfort on long drives.
The premium center stack display features an edgeless infotainment screen appearance, with an impressive 10 inches of visibility.
The optional center digital cluster display also measures 10 inches. Under the rear seats is convenient, in-cabin storage. Completing the premium ambience is an available Bose audio system.
Alexa, Google enabled, plus Siri (which I love being able to just use my Apple Watch to turn it on,) set the temperature and get the vehicle ready before I even open the door!
Design
Love the concept of adding width to the body of the Tucson to widen the front/bumper and still provide the platform to handle the bed attached to it. I also LOVE the color of the car too! If I did end up buying this car I would contact a company that offers car detailing Canberra to make sure it always looked pristine. I think it’s such a beautiful car!
The forward view of Santa Cruz deploys a hidden lighting signature that becomes visible within the grille only when illuminated.
The daytime running lamps (DRLs) present a parametric jewel design with high-tech precision detailing. A bold, cascading grille anchors the front view, supported by a skid plate element in the lower front fascia. Voluminous hood and fenders further communicate an imposing first impression.
In profile, Santa Cruz signals a sporty yet capable spirit. The A- and C-pillars present faster forward and rearward rakes than typical open-bed utility vehicles.
Large 20-inch alloy wheels with a multi-faceted, triangular design are surrounded by armor-like wheel arches, conveying both wheel-articulation potential and off-road capability. Powerful body side volumes contrast with precise triangular sheer-edged surfaces and tight radius character lines.
From the rear, a horizontal “T” lighting signature adds visual width and distinguishes Santa Cruz from anything on the road. The functional rear open bed area features secure, lockable in-bed storage, integrated corner bumper steps and a lockable tonneau cover, seamlessly integrated with the overall design.
The rear tail lamps are embossed with: “Designed in California” as a testament to the passion of Hyundai’s California-based design team. Small, discrete design details such as this can be found throughout the exterior and interior.
Let’s Talk Details:
Inside
It is a sporty vehicle, we drove the top of the line, when you dress to go hiking, the interior design gives you that look and feel.
I felt, though that the panel beautifully integrated the infotainment and offered a nice, sporty design for the customers the vehicle is aiming to reach.
Space
I’m not tall and yet my legs were pretty close to the panel, Not sure how my 6’8″ son would fit. That being said, hubby (6’2″) drove it and he said he fit very comfortably in the driver’s seat.
I strongly believe the Hyundai Santa Cruz will fill a segment that is looking for space and cargo on an SUV but don’t want to bring the messy tents, wet suits and dirty boots and catch of the day in their nice interior space.
It will be the companion for the city drivers who need a compact SUV during the week, but also need that cargo space for weekend outings, beach visits, hiking, kayaking & so much more!
For me, The Hyundai Santa Cruz inspired me to keep exploring, it also left me excited to come back to Cali to explore the Sequoias on local trails, breathtaking ocean views, while also wishing I had the Santa Cruz to take us to those destinations.
That’s what a great vehicle does for you, it offers the answers to your needs and provides the perfect ride to fit your lifestyle!
You can check out a quick vehicle overview here: Santa Cruz
Can’t wait to hear what you think and hope you’ve enjoyed our Adventures With The Hyundai Santa Cruz.
As usual, give us a Trendy Shout!
I enjoy going for a ride too. However with the restriction here right now, we can’t really go far. But I really enjoyed your pictures. Your car is soo cool
Looks like the perfect car to drive up the coast. I have always wanted to drive along the California coast.
I love the style and the technology features of this car it’s amazing! Definitely a perfect car for a long road trip.
Wow, that is a really nice looking vehicle. I need to check it out. I bet my husband would love it.
That is a cool car. It is something that my husband might like.