Review: Santa Cruz Hyundai Proves Its Worth in Snowy Conditions

When it comes to navigating snowy roads, many car owners worry about their vehicle's capabilities. In this review, we'll take a closer look at how the Hyundai Santa Cruz handled the harsh winter weather.

One of the standout features of our test vehicle was its heated side mirrors. These came on automatically when the rear defrost was activated, and they worked seamlessly without drawing attention to themselves – until we needed them, that is! When we returned to dry pavement after a week-long snowy adventure, we were impressed by how quiet and comfortable the Michelins performed.

But it wasn't just on paved roads where the Santa Cruz shone. When snow became slippery and sloppy, our all-wheel-drive Toyota Highlander friend struggled to make headway in the driveway. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Cruz navigated the incline with ease, thanks to its winter tires.

Over the course of a 12-hour drive through freezing rain and heavy snow, we put the Santa Cruz's capabilities to the test. From packed-snow roads to steep driveways, this truck proved itself to be more than capable of handling even the most challenging conditions.

One particularly impressive feature was Snow mode, which allowed us to crawl forward inch by inch as we gained traction and speed on a snowbank. We also appreciated the tried-and-true practice of repeatedly shifting between forward and reverse gears to create enough runway for the truck to work with.

Our test drive began on a long, slightly-inclined driveway covered in deep but dry, light, and fluffy snow. With our daughter scheduled to arrive overnight, we wanted to clear a path for her Hyundai Tucson-based SUV to use when she arrived. The Santa Cruz proved more than up to the task, creating tracks that allowed us to safely make our way down the driveway.

In the end, it was a call from our regular plow driver, Jake, that summed up our experience with the Hyundai Santa Cruz: 'I'm not surprised you didn't have any issues – this truck is built for snow!'

With its impressive winter tires, Snow mode, and capable all-wheel-drive system, the Santa Cruz Hyundai proved itself to be an excellent choice for navigating snowy roads. Whether you live in a region that sees heavy snowfall or just like to hit the trails on the weekends, this truck is definitely worth considering.

Review santa cruz hyundai