Hyundai Santa Cruz Vs Rivian: Battle Of The Compact Pickups

What To Know

  • The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian both offer a wide range of features, but the Rivian has a clear edge in terms of technology.
  • The Rivian, on the other hand, is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a full-size electric pickup truck with impressive performance and features.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian are two of the most highly anticipated vehicles of 2023. Both vehicles offer unique features and capabilities, making them appealing to a wide range of consumers. In this blog post, we will compare the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian in terms of their design, performance, features, and price. We will also provide our recommendation for which vehicle is the better choice for different types of buyers.

Design: A Clash of Styles

The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian have very different designs. The Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck with a sleek and modern look. It has a unibody construction, which makes it more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient than traditional body-on-frame pickup trucks. The Rivian, on the other hand, is a full-size electric pickup truck with a rugged and futuristic design. It has a quad-motor all-wheel-drive system that gives it incredible off-road capabilities.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Rivian is powered by four electric motors that produce a combined 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque. It is available with a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration.

In terms of performance, the Rivian is the clear winner. It is much faster and more powerful than the Santa Cruz. However, the Santa Cruz is more fuel-efficient, getting up to 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Rivian, on the other hand, has an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles on a single charge.

Features: Technology and Convenience

The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian both offer a wide range of features, but the Rivian has a clear edge in terms of technology. The Rivian comes standard with a 16-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of driver assistance features. The Santa Cruz, on the other hand, has a smaller 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a more limited suite of driver assistance features.

Another area where the Rivian excels is in terms of convenience. The Rivian has a spacious cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It also has a number of innovative features, such as a built-in air compressor and a removable roof. The Santa Cruz, on the other hand, has a smaller cabin and less cargo space.

Price: Value for Money

The Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $23,990, while the Rivian starts at $67,500. This makes the Santa Cruz a much more affordable option for budget-minded buyers. However, the Rivian offers a lot more features and capabilities for the money.

Which Vehicle is Right for You?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian are both excellent vehicles, but they are best suited for different types of buyers. The Santa Cruz is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a compact and fuel-efficient pickup truck. The Rivian, on the other hand, is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a full-size electric pickup truck with impressive performance and features.

The Verdict: A Close Call

The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian are both excellent vehicles, but they are best suited for different types of buyers. The Santa Cruz is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a compact and fuel-efficient pickup truck. The Rivian, on the other hand, is a good choice for buyers who are looking for a full-size electric pickup truck with impressive performance and features. Ultimately, the best vehicle for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

In addition to the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Rivian, there are a number of other pickup trucks on the market that are worth considering. Some of these vehicles include the Ford Maverick, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Chevrolet Colorado. These vehicles offer a variety of features and capabilities, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.

Frequently Discussed Topics

  • Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?

A: The Rivian has a better warranty than the Santa Cruz. The Rivian comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, while the Santa Cruz comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

  • Q: Which vehicle has a better towing capacity?

A: The Rivian has a better towing capacity than the Santa Cruz. The Rivian can tow up to 11,000 pounds, while the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

  • Q: Which vehicle has a better payload capacity?

A: The Rivian has a better payload capacity than the Santa Cruz. The Rivian can carry up to 1,760 pounds, while the Santa Cruz can carry up to 1,500 pounds.