What To Know
- However, the Santa Cruz is more fuel-efficient, getting up to 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, compared to the Baja’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
- If you’re looking for a compact pickup that’s fuel-efficient, has a nice interior, and is capable off-road, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great option.
- The Santa Cruz gets up to 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, compared to the Baja’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to compact pickups, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Subaru Baja are two of the most popular options on the market. Both offer unique features and capabilities that make them appealing to a wide range of buyers. But which one is the right choice for you?
Powertrain and Performance
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 comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. The Subaru Baja is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.
In terms of performance, the Subaru Baja has a slight edge over the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, while the Santa Cruz takes 8.5 seconds. However, the Santa Cruz is more fuel-efficient, getting up to 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, compared to the Baja’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,750 pounds. The Subaru Baja has a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,400 pounds.
Interior and Features
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a more modern and upscale interior than the Subaru Baja. It features a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and heated and cooled seats. The Baja has a more rugged and utilitarian interior, with a simpler infotainment system and cloth seats.
Off-Road Capability
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is more capable off-road than the Subaru Baja. It has a higher ground clearance, a more sophisticated all-wheel drive system, and a locking rear differential. The Baja has a lower ground clearance and a less sophisticated all-wheel drive system.
Price
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a starting price of $23,990, while the Subaru Baja has a starting price of $26,645.
Which One is Right for You?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Subaru Baja are both great compact pickups, but they offer different features and capabilities. The Santa Cruz is more fuel-efficient, has a more modern interior, and is more capable off-road. The Baja is more powerful, has a higher towing capacity, and is less expensive.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact pickup that’s fuel-efficient, has a nice interior, and is capable off-road, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great option. If you’re looking for a compact pickup that’s powerful, has a high towing capacity, and is less expensive, the Subaru Baja is a great option.
The Verdict: Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Subaru Baja
The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Subaru Baja are both great compact pickups, but they offer different features and capabilities. The Santa Cruz is more fuel-efficient, has a more modern interior, and is more capable off-road. The Baja is more powerful, has a higher towing capacity, and is less expensive.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a compact pickup that’s fuel-efficient, has a nice interior, and is capable off-road, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great option. If you’re looking for a compact pickup that’s powerful, has a high towing capacity, and is less expensive, the Subaru Baja is a great option.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which compact pickup has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a better fuel economy than the Subaru Baja. The Santa Cruz gets up to 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, compared to the Baja’s 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which compact pickup has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Subaru Baja has a higher towing capacity than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Baja has a maximum towing capacity of 2,700 pounds, while the Santa Cruz has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Q: Which compact pickup has a more modern interior?
A: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a more modern interior than the Subaru Baja. The Santa Cruz features a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and heated and cooled seats. The Baja has a more rugged and utilitarian interior, with a simpler infotainment system and cloth seats.