The frontier-santa cruz rivalry: discover the pros and cons of each truck
What To Know
- The compact pickup truck segment has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and two of the most popular contenders in this space are the Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
- In terms of towing and payload capacity, the Nissan Frontier takes the lead with a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,610 pounds.
- The Frontier offers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine, while the Santa Cruz offers 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine.
The compact pickup truck segment has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and two of the most popular contenders in this space are the Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Both trucks offer unique features and capabilities, making them appealing to different types of buyers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz, helping you make an informed decision about which truck is right for you.
Performance and Capability
Under the hood, the Nissan Frontier offers a choice of two engines: a 3.8-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 152 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of towing and payload capacity, the Nissan Frontier takes the lead with a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,610 pounds. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, while not as capable as the Frontier, can still tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul up to 1,753 pounds.
Interior and Features
The interior of the Nissan Frontier is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The dashboard is well-designed and user-friendly, with easy-to-reach controls and a large touchscreen display. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a more modern and upscale interior, with premium materials and a sleek design. The infotainment system is intuitive and feature-rich, providing a wide range of connectivity and entertainment options.
Exterior and Styling
The Nissan Frontier has a rugged and muscular exterior, with a bold grille and aggressive lines. The Hyundai Santa Cruz, in contrast, has a more refined and sporty appearance, with a curved roofline and sleek headlights. Both trucks offer a variety of exterior customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles to their liking.
Safety and Reliability
Both the Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Frontier has received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Santa Cruz has received a four-star rating.
In terms of reliability, the Nissan Frontier has a slightly better track record than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. According to J.D. Power, the Frontier has received higher scores for quality and reliability than its Korean counterpart.
Fuel Economy and Price
The Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are both fuel-efficient compact pickups. The Frontier offers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the V6 engine, while the Santa Cruz offers 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder engine.
The Nissan Frontier has a starting price of $30,590, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz has a starting price of $24,480. The price of both trucks can vary depending on the trim level and options selected.
Which Truck Is Right for You?
The Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are both excellent choices in the compact pickup truck segment. The Frontier offers superior performance and capability, while the Santa Cruz provides a more modern and refined experience. Ultimately, the best truck for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Final Note: The Final Verdict
In the battle of the compact pickups, both the Nissan Frontier and the Hyundai Santa Cruz have their strengths and weaknesses. The Frontier is the more capable truck, with better towing and payload capacity, while the Santa Cruz offers a more comfortable and feature-rich interior. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which truck has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Nissan Frontier has a higher towing capacity of 6,720 pounds, compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz‘s 5,000 pounds.
Q: Which truck has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Frontier has a more spacious interior, with more room for passengers and cargo.
Q: Which truck has a better fuel economy?
A: The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a better fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, compared to the Nissan Frontier‘s 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which truck has a higher safety rating?
A: The Nissan Frontier has a higher safety rating of five stars from the NHTSA, compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz‘s four-star rating.
Q: Which truck is more reliable?
A: The Nissan Frontier has a slightly better reliability track record than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, according to J.D. Power.
