What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Ranger against the Hyundai Santa Cruz and explore their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
- 3-liter EcoBoost engine and rear-wheel drive, it achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- With front-wheel drive, it achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The compact truck segment is heating up with the arrival of the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz. This stylish and versatile pickup truck is challenging the dominance of the Ford Ranger, a long-time favorite among truck enthusiasts. Both trucks offer unique features and capabilities, making the choice between them a difficult one. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Ranger against the Hyundai Santa Cruz and explore their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Power: A Duel of Engines
1. Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes with a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbocharged diesel V6 engine generating 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz is powered by a single engine option: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Towing and Payload Capacity: Who’s the Stronger Hauler?
1. Ford Ranger: The Ranger offers impressive towing and payload capacities. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 7,500 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,860 pounds. This makes it a capable choice for hauling heavy loads and towing trailers.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz has a lower towing and payload capacity compared to the Ranger. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,753 pounds. While still respectable, these figures may not be sufficient for those who require maximum hauling and towing capabilities.
Fuel Efficiency: Which Truck Sips Less Gas?
1. Ford Ranger: The Ranger’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. With the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine and rear-wheel drive, it achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Opting for the Power Stroke diesel engine improves fuel economy to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz delivers impressive fuel efficiency for a compact truck. With front-wheel drive, it achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Choosing the all-wheel-drive system slightly reduces fuel economy to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Comfort: Which Truck Offers a Plusher Ride?
1. Ford Ranger: The Ranger’s interior is rugged and functional, with a focus on durability and practicality. It offers comfortable seating for five passengers and a spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom. The infotainment system is user-friendly and includes a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz takes interior comfort and refinement to a higher level. Its cabin is more upscale, with soft-touch materials, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. The infotainment system is more advanced, featuring a larger touchscreen display, a premium Bose audio system, and wireless smartphone charging.
Off-Road Prowess: Which Truck Handles the Rough Stuff Better?
1. Ford Ranger: The Ranger is known for its off-road capabilities, thanks to its robust chassis, high ground clearance, and available four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing. It also offers an optional Tremor Off-Road Package that enhances its off-road performance with features like all-terrain tires, an upgraded suspension, and skid plates.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz is not as off-road capable as the Ranger, but it still offers decent off-road performance for light off-roading adventures. It comes with standard front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel-drive system with a lockable center differential. However, its lower ground clearance and lack of a dedicated off-road package limit its off-road capabilities.
Safety Features: Which Truck Keeps You Safer?
1. Ford Ranger: The Ranger comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offers a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility around the vehicle.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz matches the Ranger in terms of safety features, offering automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It also includes a rear cross-traffic alert system and a driver attention warning system.
The Verdict: Which Truck Wins the Battle?
The Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz are both excellent compact trucks with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ranger offers superior towing and payload capacity, better off-road capabilities, and a more rugged interior. On the other hand, the Santa Cruz boasts better fuel efficiency, a more comfortable and refined interior, and a more advanced infotainment system. Ultimately, the choice between these two trucks depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize towing and off-roading, the Ranger is your pick. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology, the Santa Cruz is the way to go.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which truck has a higher towing capacity?
- The Ford Ranger has a higher towing capacity of 7,500 pounds compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz’s 5,000 pounds.
2. Which truck has better fuel efficiency?
- The Hyundai Santa Cruz has better fuel efficiency, achieving up to 29 mpg on the highway compared to the Ford Ranger’s 26 mpg.
3. Which truck has a more comfortable interior?
- The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a more comfortable and refined interior with soft-touch materials, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.
4. Which truck is better for off-roading?
- The Ford Ranger is better for off-roading due to its robust chassis, high ground clearance, and available four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing.
5. Which truck has more advanced safety features?
- The Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.