2025 Honda Ridgeline Vs. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Full Comparison
Comparing the Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz is easy work – especially if you're looking for reasons to prefer the Ridgeline pickup. Practical and capable, the Honda Ridgeline has everything the Hyundai Santa Cruz lacks at the base level – and tons of extra perks higher in the lineup.
Here, we'll review everything you need to know about how these models measure up. Phil Hughes Honda has the answers and the winner of this rivalry on-site when you're ready for a firsthand look. Schedule your tour and test drive today.
Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz at a Glance
- The Honda Ridgeline offers a higher standard towing capacity and better standard performance specs than the Santa Cruz.
- Although the Santa Cruz gets better fuel efficiency thanks to its weaker engine, the Ridgeline has a bigger fuel tank.
- For more storage space, choose the Ridgeline; it's got 33.9 cubic feet in its larger truck bed than the 27 cubic feet in the rear of the Santa Cruz.
- Both the Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz earn five-star NHTSA safety ratings1 and "Great" J.D. Power reliability scores,2,3 but the Ridgeline has more appealing ownership costs than the Santa Cruz.4,5
Pricing and Cost of Ownership
We know what you're itching to learn: How does the Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz compare in terms of power and performance? We'll get there. First, we want to quell your wallet-related concerns.
Cost-conscious drivers will likely feel pulled toward the Ridgeline – a vehicle with that iconic Honda reliability in truck form. Parts are often readily available and easy to find, resulting in lower shipping rates. Add to that its typically lower-than-average ownership costs, according to RepairPal,4 and the Honda Ridgeline becomes a smart investment.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz may sport a less costly MSRP, but you'll pay for it later with its higher ownership costs, as determined by RepairPal.5 And, of course, you're getting more of everything when you choose the Ridgeline.
Performance and Driving Experience
Onto one of the highlights of our Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz rivalry: performance and driving experience. Although these models are in different segments, the Hyundai Santa Cruz masquerades as a pickup truck (it's actually a sport activity vehicle), so they can be compared in a straightforward manner.
With ease, the Honda Ridgeline proves itself more capable and practical than the Santa Cruz in nearly every way. It has a larger engine, specifically a 3.5-liter V-6 unit, whereas a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Santa Cruz. Compared to the robust V-6 of the Ridgeline, the Santa Cruz can only be described as anemic, a claim that its power specs prove.
Where the Ridgeline produces 280 horsepower, the Santa Cruz lags behind with only 191. While the Ridgeline makes 262 pound-feet of torque, the Santa Cruz only makes 181 pound-feet. Where the Ridgeline gets standard road-gripping and traction-boosting all-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz feels a bit unreliable with standard front-wheel drive.
The only way the Hyundai Santa Cruz keeps pace with the Honda Ridgeline is via the XRT and Limited trims, which add a turbocharger to the engine and boost specs to 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.
A smaller fuel tank and a less versatile automatic transmission round out the additional ways the Santa Cruz can't match the utility and smoothness of the Ridgeline.
We find a merit for the Santa Cruz regarding ride height, with the Santa Cruz riding at a tall 8.6 inches, while the Ridgeline keeps a lower profile with about 7.6 inches.
 |  | |
| 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 280 | 191 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Standard Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration Time | 7.2 s6 | N / A |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs7 | 3,500 lbs8 |
| Payload Capacity | 1,583 lbs9 | 1,411 lbs9 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 18 / 24 / 2110 | 22 / 30 / 2511 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Length / Width / Height | 210.2 / 78.6 / 70.8 in | 195.7 / 75 / 66.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,420 lbs | 3,778 lbs |
| Max Bed Length / Width | 83 / 60 in | 52.1 / 53.9 in |
| Bed Cargo Space | 33.9 cu ft | 27 cu ft |
| Interior Features |
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| Exterior Features |
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| J.D. Power Score | 82 out of 1002 | 80 out of 1003 |
| NHTSA Rating | 5 stars1 | 5 stars1 |
| Factory Warranties |
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| 2025 Honda Ridgeline | Used Hyundai Santa Cruz |
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
You're looking for a fresh ride that keeps up, handles the roads with ease, and brings along the essentials with finesse. Sure, both models in our Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz matchup can manage this, but which does it better?
The numbers speak for themselves, but it's clear which delivers more:
- The Ridgeline tows up to 5,000 pounds7 at every level.
- The Santa Cruz tows up to 3,500 pounds8 on lower-tier trims and 5,000 pounds8 only at the highest two levels.
- Ridgeline payload capacity varies at every level but always exceeds 1,500 pounds.
- Every Santa Cruz sports a 1,411-pound payload capacity.9
Which pickup will best keep up with your lifestyle, whether at work or play?
Fuel Consumption and Efficiency
When it comes to MPG values and fuel efficiency, both vehicles in our Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz comparison are confidently capable, though a little different.
The Honda Ridgeline keeps things a little simpler than its Hyundai competitor – a point in its favor. It comes with standard all-wheel drive that provides an EPA-estimated 18/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)10 on most models. The only deviation is for the TrailSport trim, which gets an EPA-estimated 18/23/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).10
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is admittedly a little more fuel-efficient, but not by much. Its most efficient ratings are on front-wheel-drive models, offering an EPA-estimated 22/30/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).11
Swapping to AWD, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers an EPA-estimated 21/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).11 That turbocharged engine and AWD garner an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).11 And, finally, the off-road-capable XRT trim gets an EPA-estimated 18/26/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).11
Although slightly more fuel-savvy, the Ridgeline takes you further with a 19.5-gallon tank, while the Santa Cruz runs on a 17.7-gallon capacity. All things considered, these models remain fairly similar.
Cargo and Storage Capacity
So far, the Honda Ridgeline has proven it's engineered for real life – more so than its Hyundai competitor. It features improved standard engine specifications, standard all-wheel drive, and a more robust standard towing capacity. Now, we'll get the opportunity to review how its roomy cargo area and clever storage solutions surpass the Santa Cruz, too.
For one, the Honda Ridgeline has more room for your weekend gear or DIY home renovation material with an available 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the truck bed. The Santa Cruz won't fit as much in its 27 cubic-foot bed area. Similarly, the Ridgeline truck bed measures 83 inches with the tailgate down; in contrast, the Santa Cruz is significantly shorter, measuring only 52.1 inches.
Both are cleverly equipped for everyday life with trunk-bed storage compartments, though the Ridgeline has a cargo net for easy organization. The Santa Cruz lacks this feature.
Exterior Design and Styling
Intelligent handling and serious towing prowess aren't the only things the Ridgeline and Santa Cruz excel in – they're also appealing to the eye. We'll give it to the Hyundai Santa Cruz here – it gives the Ridgeline a run for its money.
While the Ridgeline has that iconic midsize pickup truck look, complete with a defined truck bed, the Santa Cruz goes for a more refined look that toes the line between truck and SUV. Here's a quick look at how the two compare:
- Both have off-road-centric models with signature badging and decals.
- Roof rails are a Ridgeline standard feature but available on the Santa Cruz.
- The Santa Cruz has more neutral paint shades, while the Ridgeline benefits from a sporty, attention-grabbing Radiant Red Metallic II color.
- Enjoy rear privacy glass on either model lineup.
Interior Features and Comfort
As for the interior, you'll find more standard comforts and conveniences inside the Ridgeline compared to the Santa Cruz. The Ridgeline approaches real truck utility with a comfort-first cabin through the use of three-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 7-inch meter display – none of which you'll find on the Santa Cruz.
Both will have wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, however, but only the Ridgeline will give you a standard wireless phone charger for added convenience.
Safety Features and Rating
In the Honda Ridgeline vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz rivalry, both models have earned a five-star Overall Safety Rating by the NHTSA. And it's no surprise why. The Honda Ridgeline is equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, and the Santa Cruz gets the SmartSense suite. Both models come equipped with these standard driver assistance aids:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Blind Spot Information System
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Cross Traffic Alert
Warranty and Reliability
The new Honda Ridgeline for sale and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are DIY experts that provide ample peace of mind through their respective warranty coverages and reliability scores. Each has different merits that may appeal to different types of drivers.
The Honda Ridgeline, for example, comes with a wider range of coverage, including a warranty for genuine replacement parts, accessories, and remanufactured parts. The Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn't come with similar coverage, which can result in more expensive repairs and installation of select parts. However, the Santa Cruz does have longer warranty durations.
As far as reliability goes, the two are very similar. J.D. Power gives the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz "Great" ratings in Quality & Reliability.2,3 However, as we mentioned above, the Honda Ridgeline gets a lower-stress ownership experience compared to the Santa Cruz,4,5 partly due to numerous recalls of the Hyundai model already.
Handle the Roads Like a Pro With the 2025 Honda Ridgeline
A larger frame, more cargo space, and capable truck utility – the Honda Ridgeline surpasses the Santa Cruz in nearly every category. It's your do-anything-in-comfort model, giving you a workday reprieve when you leave the construction site and weekend capability when you want to get away. Allow us to make it easier to get behind the wheel with our Honda lease deals.
Customer Reviews On The Honda Ridgeline:
1Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/honda/ridgeline
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2025/hyundai/santa-cruz
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/cars/honda/ridgeline/2025
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/hyundai/santa-cruz
6This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/ridgeline/performance
7Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
8Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.
9Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.
10Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
11All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
12Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
13Roadside Assistance services provided by third-party providers for vehicles with an eligible service plan, subject to limitations and restrictions. Roadside Assistance is not a warranty; refer to the vehicle's Owner's Handbook for warranty details. Excludes costs for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, and expenses from accidents, abuse, racing, vandalism, and certain other conditions. Contact our dealership for details.
