Suv Showdown: Honda Cr-v Vs Hyundai Santa Cruz – Uncovering The True Champion

What To Know

  • Fuel economy for the Santa Cruz varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, ranging from 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the base engine with front-wheel drive to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive.
  • The CR-V LX trim, which serves as the base model, includes features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
  • The base SE trim comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a comprehensive suite of safety features.

In the realm of compact crossover SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and style. However, discerning buyers may wonder which one emerges as the superior choice. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of each model, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to determine which one truly reigns supreme.

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Honda CR-V boasts a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers a spirited performance, enabling the CR-V to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds. When equipped with front-wheel drive, the CR-V achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces fuel efficiency to 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines. The base engine is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for everyday driving but may feel somewhat sluggish when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. The optional 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a more potent option, generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the Santa Cruz accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.4 seconds. Fuel economy for the Santa Cruz varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, ranging from 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the base engine with front-wheel drive to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive.

Interior Space and Comfort

When it comes to interior space, the Honda CR-V offers a roomier cabin than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The CR-V provides ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently transport cargo. The cargo area is also quite spacious, measuring 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to a maximum of 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz, while not as spacious as the CR-V, still offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior. The front seats are supportive and offer good visibility, while the rear seats provide decent legroom and headroom for adults. The cargo area is also respectable, offering 35.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to a maximum of 58.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Features and Technology

Both the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Santa Cruz come well-equipped with a range of features and technologies. The CR-V LX trim, which serves as the base model, includes features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trim levels add features such as a larger touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a premium audio system.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz also offers a generous array of features and technologies. The base SE trim comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a rearview camera, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Higher trim levels add features such as a larger touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a premium audio system.

Safety

Both the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Santa Cruz have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The CR-V earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The Santa Cruz also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

Price

The Honda CR-V has a starting price of $26,800 for the LX trim. The top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at $36,800. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a starting price of $25,000 for the SE trim. The top-of-the-line Limited trim starts at $39,720.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are both excellent compact crossover SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and style. However, each vehicle has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The Honda CR-V is the more spacious and fuel-efficient choice, making it an excellent option for families or those who frequently transport cargo. The CR-V also offers a slightly more powerful base engine and a more engaging driving experience.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz, on the other hand, offers a more powerful optional engine, a more rugged exterior design, and a more affordable starting price. The Santa Cruz is also available with a pickup bed, which can be a valuable asset for those who need to haul cargo or equipment.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, fuel efficiency, and a spirited driving experience, the Honda CR-V is the better choice. If you prioritize a powerful engine, a rugged exterior design, and an affordable price, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the better choice.

Insights into the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Cruz

1. Which vehicle offers a more powerful engine?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a more powerful optional engine, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that generates 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

2. Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?

The Honda CR-V has a more spacious interior, offering more headroom, legroom, and cargo space than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

3. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?

The Honda CR-V is more fuel-efficient than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, achieving up to 34 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.

4. Which vehicle has a more affordable starting price?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a more affordable starting price, with the base SE trim starting at $25,000.

5. Which vehicle offers a pickup bed?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the only vehicle in this comparison that offers a pickup bed, which can be a valuable asset for those who need to haul cargo or equipment.

What You Need to Learn

1. What are the key differences between the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The key differences between the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Santa Cruz include:

  • Space: The Honda CR-V has a more spacious interior and cargo area than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The Honda CR-V is more fuel-efficient than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
  • Engine Power: The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a more powerful optional engine.
  • Price: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a more affordable starting price.
  • Pickup Bed: The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the only vehicle in this comparison that offers a pickup bed.

2. Which vehicle is better for families?

The Honda CR-V is the better choice for families due to its more spacious interior and more fuel-efficient engine.

3. Which vehicle is better for off-roading?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the better choice for off-roading due to its more rugged exterior design and available all-wheel drive system.