### The End of an Era: Hyundai Santa Cruz's Reliability Concerns As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it's time to bid farewell to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, a compact pickup that, despite its promise, has failed to live up to expectations. The 2026 model year will mark the Santa Cruz's final bow, leaving behind a void in the compact pickup segment that Ford's Maverick has seemingly filled. ### A Troubled Past The Hyundai Santa Cruz's reliability record has been a topic of concern, with the first couple of years on the market (2022 and 2023) being particularly problematic. Consumer Reports (CR) has reported several recalls, including a critical one for a faulty tow-hitch harness module that posed a fire hazard. However, later versions of the Santa Cruz have seen significant improvements, with higher CR ratings and fewer recalls. ### J.D. Power's Take J.D. Power has also weighed in on ...
### The End of an Era: Hyundai Santa Cruz’s Reliability Concerns
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it’s time to bid farewell to the Hyundai Santa Cruz, a compact pickup that, despite its promise, has failed to live up to expectations. The 2026 model year will mark the Santa Cruz’s final bow, leaving behind a void in the compact pickup segment that Ford’s Maverick has seemingly filled.
### A Troubled Past
The Hyundai Santa Cruz’s reliability record has been a topic of concern, with the first couple of years on the market (2022 and 2023) being particularly problematic. Consumer Reports (CR) has reported several recalls, including a critical one for a faulty tow-hitch harness module that posed a fire hazard. However, later versions of the Santa Cruz have seen significant improvements, with higher CR ratings and fewer recalls.
### J.D. Power’s Take
J.D. Power has also weighed in on the Santa Cruz’s reliability, with its initial models receiving a more favorable rating. However, as with CR, the later versions have shown significant improvement.
### A New Era Dawns
The Ford Maverick, introduced in 2021, has been a significant player in the compact pickup segment, and its sales have outpaced those of the Hyundai Santa Cruz. As the Santa Cruz’s production comes to an end, it’s clear that the Maverick has established itself as a viable alternative.
### A Buyer’s Guide
If the Hyundai Santa Cruz is on your shopping list, it’s essential to know about its reliability. While the first couple of years have been problematic, later versions have seen significant improvements. As with any purchase, it’s crucial to do your research and weigh the pros and cons.
### Conclusion
The Hyundai Santa Cruz’s departure from the market marks the end of an era for the compact pickup segment. While the Santa Cruz has had its share of reliability concerns, it’s clear that the Ford Maverick has established itself as a more reliable and viable alternative. As we look to the future, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the automotive world.
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