Drives like a sporty SUV but has a bed for hauling
Bought the Limited version: Overall not a bad vehicle, it drives and handles like a sporty SUV (previous owner of a Audi TT, Volvo XC40 and a Toyota Tacoma traded in the last two for the Santa Cruz), but it has a bed to haul stuff. I wanted something that handled like a sport car/SUV but had a bed to haul stuff for home projects and yard work; the Santa Cruz seems to fit that niche.
Problems: Two occurrences of the left electronic display not working (no speedometer), have yet to figure out if it is something loose or the heat. The DCT has the tendency to stick or drag out between gear shifts. Had to get a hitch and 7 pin harness installed after purchase as it wasn't available at the time; dealer did not install the brake connector making the idea of a 7 pin harness useless. The windshield wipers should be reversed, currently the right-side wiper ends its swipe in front of the driver which tends to leave a streak that obstructs the drivers vision, when it rains (yes they are new wipers).
Needed Improvements: The areas that need improving are the electronic display, map feature should be between the gauges not over to the right, which requires you to look away from the road. Wish it had an economy setting so that you can take your foot off the gas and coast. Seat ventilation is weak, can hardly feel it. Wish you could adjust the angle of the rear seat thigh support to a flat angle for animals and loading boxes. Not a fan of the 7.5" wide rims as they are not a standard size like an 8" rim/tires. There is plenty of space under the front driver seat for underside storage compartment, which would be useful. The door storage is not large enough for large water bottles or anything useful, and the center console cup holders are not made for larger containers, should be one large and one standard. Add a pad to the molding where the drivers right knee tends to rest against the plastic of the center console. Another area needing improvement is the bed wheel well indent which prevents being able to lay a piece of plywood or drywall in the bed unless you rerst in on top of the wheel well indent 6" above the bed floor; can you widen the rear wheel base so as to have a 48.5 wide bed and no wheel well indents? The sound system could be improved, maybe add another set of speakers in the rear in the rear column?