The Hyundai Santa Cruz versus Honda Ridgeline debate has been heating up ever since these two unique unibody pickup trucks hit the market. With their car-based construction but truck-like capabilities, they offer a compelling blend of comfort, utility, and affordability. But which one comes out on top? Let’s take a closer look at how the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Honda Ridgeline compare. Then browse our new Santa Cruz inventory at Greenville Hyundai!
Similarities between the Hyundai Santa Cruz & Honda Ridgeline
As “unibody” trucks, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Honda Ridgeline share a similar car-derived chassis and frame design rather than utilizing a traditional body-on-frame truck setup. This design gives them a smoother, more sedan-like ride compared to conventional pickups. Despite their crossover underpinnings, both the Santa Cruz and Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Santa Cruz and Ridgeline are also neck-and-neck in terms of performance, with the Santa Cruz producing 281 horsepower from its turbocharged engine versus the Ridgeline’s 280 horsepower from a V6. Plus, both have an impressive set of standard safety tech and practical storage solutions for all your gear.
Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. Honda Ridgeline: Truck Bed
While their towing capacities are nearly identical, the Hyundai Santa Cruz provides more room in its truck bed. It measures 5.3 feet long compared to just 4.3 feet for the Honda Ridgeline’s bed. That said, both pickups let you securely store items out of sight in the truck bed. The difference is that the Santa Cruz truck bed features a lockable tonneau cover, while the Ridgeline has an in-bed trunk that locks.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: Safety Features
When it comes to advanced safety aids, the Hyundai Santa Cruz pulls ahead of the Honda Ridgeline. For instance, Hyundai’s pickup offers a blind-spot view monitor, a surround view monitor, and a safe exit warning to alert you of approaching vehicles or cyclists before opening the door. The Ridgeline, on the other hand, offers none of these features.
Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. Honda Ridgeline: Tech Features
Tech is another area where the Hyundai Santa Cruz versus Honda Ridgeline matchup favors the Hyundai. Its larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen provides superior smartphone integration via wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity. In contrast, the Ridgeline’s infotainment system is smaller at just nine inches and requires a cord. Additionally, the Santa Cruz offers Hyundai’s innovative Digital Key which allows you to use your smartphone as a vehicle key. The Ridgeline only has traditional push button start and a key fob-activated remote engine start.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: Reliability
With the Hyundai Santa Cruz being a newer model, there isn’t much long-term data on its reliability yet. However, early reports from Santa Cruz drivers have been positive with few major issues arising so far. The same can’t be said for the Honda Ridgeline, which has been recalled 10 times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since its debut. Ridgeline owners have reported a myriad of problems ranging from electrical system faults to issues with the forward collision warning system, transmission, and more.
Furthermore, Hyundai’s superior warranty coverage provides extra peace of mind. With the Santa Cruz, you’ll enjoy a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Honda, meanwhile, only gives you three years/36,000 miles of limited coverage and five years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage for the problem-ridden Ridgeline.
Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. Honda Ridgeline: Price
Lastly, perhaps the biggest advantage that the Hyundai Santa Cruz has over the Honda Ridgeline is its much lower starting price. The base Santa Cruz SE trim starts at just $26,650. To get into a base Ridgeline Sport, you’re looking at $38,800—over $12,000 more than the Santa Cruz!
Test Drive the New Hyundai Santa Cruz in Greenville, TX
Want to experience the unibody truck that’s taking the segment by storm? Head to Greenville Hyundai today to test drive the new Hyundai truck. Our expert team will put you behind the wheel to see if it’s the right fit for your needs. We’ll make sure you drive away in a Santa Cruz with the trim level, options, and pricing that work best for your lifestyle and budget. Visit us or call ahead to schedule your Santa Cruz test drive today!
