Modern manufacturers are revising the pickup trick to offer versatile alternatives to the conventional pickup. Honda’s Ridgeline and Hyundai’s Santa Cruz are two small pickup trucks that blend the utility of a work vehicle with the style and safety of an SUV. The Hyundai Ridgeline is a delightfully unique option with a bold body and luxurious interior, much like Honda’s powerful Ridgeline.
We’ve compared these two vehicles’ specifications and features to help you decide which one might be best for you. If you’re looking for an alternative pickup truck in the McKinney, Texas, area, Huffines Hyundai McKinney can help you find your match. Read on to learn how the 2022 models of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Honda Ridgeline compare.
Engine and Power
The 2022 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a standard 2.5-liter I4 engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai pairs the I4 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can upgrade to a turbocharged engine or all-wheel drive. Drivers can also switch between special drive modes on the Ridgeline depending on their terrain and conditions, with mud, snow, and sand settings.
However, the Santa Cruz is the more fuel-efficient option, getting 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. The Ridgeline is slightly behind at 18 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the road, and 21 mpg combined. The Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Santa Cruz’s towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds with the standard engine and 5,000 with the turbocharged engine. Payload capacity caps at 1,583 pounds for the Ridgeline and 1,906 pounds for the Santa Cruz.
Exterior Features
The Ridgeline’s rugged personality and powerful tires give it the appearance of a classic, adventurous pickup truck. It offers impressive cargo space in the bed with a length of 63.6 inches and a width of 60 inches. Its versatile dual-hinged tailgate allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo, and it offers extra hidden storage in the bed. The Ridgeline comes in seven colors: Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Pacific Pewter Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, and Modern Steel Metallic.
Other exterior features on the Ridgeline include:
- An electronic tailgate lock, daytime running lights.
- An anti-theft system.
- A rearview camera with all-around visibility.
- Heated mirrors.
- Headlamps that automatically adjust at dusk.
Comparatively, the Santa Cruz is a compact pickup with a body resembling Hyundai’s smaller SUVs. Its bed is notably smaller than the Ridgeline’s, sitting 52 inches long and 53.9 inches wide. Though the bed is smaller, it’s full of function. Hyundai cleverly designed the bed with angles that support work materials like wood and metal. It opens smoothly and features a series of hidden small-item storage compartments throughout. The Santa Cruz comes in six colors: Phantom Black, Mojave Sand, Hampton Gray, Blue Stone, Sage Gray, and Ice White.
Other exterior features on the Santa Cruz include:
- Daytime running lights.
- Heated mirrors.
- An automatic security system.
- An in-bed power outlet.
- An optional bed cover.
Interior Features
Both vehicles feature heated seats, a sunroof, and durable seats that keep passengers comfortable even in the rockiest terrains. The Ridgeline’s interior is classic and functional, while the Santa Cruz has a modern, innovative style. Though the Ridgeline’s cabin is roomier and more functional, the Santa Cruz might be suitable for drivers who want to blend the luxe feel of a sports car with the exterior of a pickup.
Honda Ridgeline Interior Features
The Ridgeline’s interior focuses on user-friendly, intuitive design. The infotainment system features easy-to-use controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The system pairs with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it responds to voice commands for simple, hands-free actions. Music plays through a seven-speaker audio system, you can connect devices using USB or auxiliary cords, and one subwoofer comes standard for a high-quality listening experience.
The Ridgeline’s spacious cabin offers 46.7 inches of legroom and 56.6 inches of hip room in the back seat so passengers can lounge. There are plenty of clever built-in storage compartments, too, like tiered compartments surrounding the center console, overhead and under-seat bins, and flexible buckets in each door. Upper trim levels come with additional luxuries like noise-canceling interior, three-zone climate control, built-in navigation, and wireless charging.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior Features
The SE’s base trim comes with an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch crystal clear touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a built-in USB port. Six speakers comprise the audio system, and the car’s large touch screen is a focal point of its cabin. While you can seat three in the rear row of the Santa Cruz, two might fit more comfortably. The rear offers 36.5 inches of legroom, 53.5 inches of hip room, and 56.1 inches of shoulder room.
In terms of comfort, the Santa Cruz offers a single-zone climate control standard with an upgrade to dual-zone climate control in upper trims. Seats are plush and comfortable on all trim levels, high-quality materials, and extra storage in the cabin, both in an overhead apartment and under the rear seats. The Santa Cruz automatically filters interior air for a clean cabin, and both the front and rear enjoy individual cup holders.
Safety
Both vehicles come with a comprehensive set of safety features so you can feel comfortable trekking through any condition. Both the Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz come standard with safety features like:
- Lane-keeping assistance.
- Pre-collision safety systems.
- Tire pressure monitoring.
- Emergency braking assist.
- Child safety locks.
- Stability control.
- Optional blind-spot monitoring.
If you’re interested in comparing these two compact pickup trucks to choose the right one for you, stop by Huffines Hyundai in McKinney, Texas, for a test drive. We have a vast inventory of athletic, versatile new SUVs and pickup trucks. Our expert team of technicians in our Parts and Service department can equip and protect your new compact pickup so you can enjoy all the durability these vehicles offer. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to purchase, our inviting staff aims to give you the best experience in the North Texas area.