The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ and the 2025 Honda Ridgeline are two impressive vehicles in the compact pickup truck segment. The SANTA CRUZ stands out with a combination of comfort and practicality. Based on the Hyundai TUCSON platform, it delivers car-like handling and impressive capability, while the midsize Honda Ridgeline features a unibody construction for enhanced ride comfort. In this article, our team at Ciocca Hyundai of Williamsport compares the features, capabilities, and performance of these two trucks to help you make an informed decision.
Pricing and Fuel Efficiency
The SANTA CRUZ starts at $28,500, making it significantly more affordable than the Ridgeline's $40,150 starting MSRP. This competitive pricing, along with its versatile design, makes it an attractive option if you're looking for the functionality of a pickup without the bulk of traditional trucks.
The SANTA CRUZ features impressive EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings, achieving 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with the base engine in front-wheel drive. The Ridgeline offers a lower 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The SANTA CRUZ's superior fuel economy and more compact dimensions make it particularly suitable for urban environments and daily commuting. Even with all-wheel drive, the SANTA CRUZ maintains efficient fuel consumption at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Performance, Engine Specifications, and Handling
The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ offers two engine options. The base 2.5L four-cylinder engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims feature a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine that generates an impressive 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque and is coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Honda Ridgeline has a 3.5L V-6 engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The SANTA CRUZ's turbocharged engine allows it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, which is comparable to the Ridgeline's acceleration time.
The SANTA CRUZ offers better maneuverability with a turning diameter of 39.6 feet, while the Ridgeline requires 43.4 feet to turn around. Both vehicles provide confident handling and a comfortable ride, but the SANTA CRUZ's smaller footprint gives it an advantage in tight spaces. The SANTA CRUZ also features a sport-tuned suspension for enhanced comfort and agility.
Towing Capacity and Hauling Features
The impressive 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ towing capacity is ideal for your outdoor adventures. The base engine handles up to 3,500 pounds, while the turbocharged engine matches the Honda Ridgeline's maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity. The SANTA CRUZ maintains a competitive payload capacity of 1,411 pounds compared to the Ridgeline's 1,509 pounds.
The SANTA CRUZ's standard 4.3-foot bed can extend to 6.2 feet with the tailgate down, while the Ridgeline offers a longer 5.3-foot bed. Both trucks provide innovative storage solutions. The SANTA CRUZ offers functional under-bed storage, while the Ridgeline features a practical in-bed trunk. The SANTA CRUZ's bed measures 53.9 inches wide and 19.2 inches high, offering ample space for various cargo needs.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ interior offers a standard 12.3-inch touch screen, with higher trims featuring dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and digital gauges. Although both vehicles accommodate five passengers comfortably, the Ridgeline offers slightly more interior space, with 109.7 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to the SANTA CRUZ's 101.8 cubic feet.
The SANTA CRUZ features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and USB-C ports, as well as innovative features such as a fingerprint scanner for personalized driver settings. It offers 41.4 inches of front passenger legroom, which is slightly more than the Ridgeline's 40.9 inches.
Safety and Reliability
The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ safety features include standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The available blind-spot view monitor enhances safety on higher trims. Both the Hyundai and Honda trucks earned high safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The SANTA CRUZ performed well in most test categories, including the small overlap front driver-side and passenger-side tests.
For added peace of mind, Hyundai offers a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, and three-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance. This surpasses the Ridgeline's three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage, and two-year/24,000-mile complimentary maintenance.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
The SANTA CRUZ is 195.9 inches long, 75 inches wide, and 66.9 inches high, with a wheelbase of 118.3 inches, making it ideal for urban environments. The Ridgeline is notably larger at 210.2 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, and 70.8 inches tall, with a 125.2-inch wheelbase.
Ground clearance is identical for both vehicles at 8.6 inches. The SANTA CRUZ offers 27 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the Ridgeline provides 33.9 cubic feet. Despite its smaller size, the SANTA CRUZ offers competitive interior space with 41.4 inches of front legroom, which is slightly more than the Ridgeline's 40.9 inches.
Experience the 2025 SANTA CRUZ at Ciocca Hyundai of Williamsport
The 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ stands out with its innovative design, efficient performance, and competitive pricing. Its modern technology, safety features, and versatility make it ideal for everyday use. If you're in Muncy, Pennsylvania, we invite you to visit Ciocca Hyundai of Williamsport to experience this exceptional vehicle firsthand. Our friendly team will answer any questions you may have and help you explore your financing options. You can also contact us to learn more about our current offers or schedule a test drive to help you decide whether the 2025 SANTA CRUZ fits your lifestyle.
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