What To Know
- In this article, we’ll compare the Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz in terms of their performance, fuel efficiency, towing and payload capacity, interior features, safety features, and price.
- In terms of towing and payload capacity, the Ford Ranger has a clear advantage over the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
- The Ranger can tow and haul more weight than the Santa Cruz, making it a better choice for those who need a truck for work or recreation.
The Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz are two of the most popular midsize pickup trucks on the market. Both offer a good mix of capability and fuel efficiency, but there are some key differences between the two trucks. In this article, we’ll compare the Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz in terms of their performance, fuel efficiency, towing and payload capacity, interior features, safety features, and price.
Performance
The Ford Ranger is available with two engine options: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is only available with one engine option: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of performance, the Ford Ranger has a slight edge over the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Ranger’s EcoBoost engine produces more horsepower and torque than the Santa Cruz’s engine, and the Ranger’s diesel engine provides even more torque. This makes the Ranger a better choice for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Fuel Efficiency
The Ford Ranger gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway with the EcoBoost engine and 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway with the diesel engine. The Hyundai Santa Cruz gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Cruz has a slight edge over the Ford Ranger. The Santa Cruz’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than the Ranger’s EcoBoost engine, and the Santa Cruz’s diesel engine is even more fuel-efficient.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ford Ranger has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,860 pounds. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,750 pounds.
In terms of towing and payload capacity, the Ford Ranger has a clear advantage over the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Ranger can tow and haul more weight than the Santa Cruz, making it a better choice for those who need a truck for work or recreation.
Interior Features
The Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz both offer a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The Ranger’s interior is more spacious than the Santa Cruz’s, but the Santa Cruz’s interior is more stylish and modern.
Both trucks come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The Ranger offers a larger touchscreen and more features than the Santa Cruz, but the Santa Cruz’s infotainment system is easier to use.
Safety Features
The Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Ranger offers more standard safety features than the Santa Cruz, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Santa Cruz offers some safety features that the Ranger doesn’t, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. However, the Ranger’s standard safety features are more comprehensive.
Price
The Ford Ranger has a starting price of $25,580. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a starting price of $23,990.
In terms of price, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the more affordable option. However, the Ranger offers more standard features and a more powerful engine.
Which Truck Is Right for You?
The Ford Ranger is the better choice for those who need a truck for work or recreation. It has a more powerful engine, a higher towing and payload capacity, and more standard safety features. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the better choice for those who want a stylish and fuel-efficient truck. It has a more comfortable and modern interior, and it’s more affordable than the Ranger.
Rock-Solid and Capable: The Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a venerable workhorse, renowned for its unwavering capability and unwavering dependability. Whether traversing rugged terrains, hauling hefty payloads, or towing substantial loads, the Ranger stands as a steadfast companion. Its muscular stance, coupled with its robust engine options, empowers drivers to conquer any challenge that may arise.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz: A Refined and Versatile Performer
The Hyundai Santa Cruz, on the other hand, epitomizes a harmonious blend of style and functionality. Its sleek design belies its inherent toughness, making it equally adept at navigating urban streets as it is at tackling off-road adventures. With its potent turbocharged engine and innovative features, the Santa Cruz delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined.
Interior Comfort and Convenience: A Comparative Perspective
When it comes to interior comfort and convenience, both the Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz offer compelling attributes. The Ranger’s spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and cargo, while its intuitive infotainment system ensures seamless connectivity and entertainment. The Santa Cruz, on the other hand, boasts a stylish and well-appointed interior, featuring advanced technology and creature comforts that cater to the modern driver’s needs.
Safety First: A Comprehensive Comparison
In the realm of safety, both the Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz prioritize the well-being of their occupants. An array of advanced safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control, come standard on both trucks. However, the Ranger goes the extra mile by offering a more comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, providing enhanced peace of mind on every journey.
The Cost Equation: Value for Money
When considering the financial aspect, the Hyundai Santa Cruz holds a slight edge over the Ford Ranger. Its lower starting price makes it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. However, it’s important to note that the Ranger offers a broader range of trim levels and optional features, allowing buyers to tailor their truck to their specific needs and preferences.
The Verdict: Choosing the Perfect Truck for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz hinges on your individual requirements and preferences. If you prioritize raw power, towing and payload capacity, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, the Ranger stands as the undisputed choice. However, if you seek a stylish and versatile truck that offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior at a more affordable price, the Santa Cruz emerges as the ideal contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which truck has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Ranger has a more powerful engine than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Ranger’s EcoBoost engine produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Santa Cruz’s engine produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Q: Which truck has a higher towing and payload capacity?
A: The Ford Ranger has a higher towing and payload capacity than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds and haul up to 1,860 pounds, while the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul up to 1,750 pounds.
Q: Which truck has a more comfortable interior?
A: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a more comfortable interior than the Ford Ranger. The Santa Cruz’s interior is more spacious and stylish, and it offers more features than the Ranger’s interior.