2023 Honda Ridgeline vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had undergone a styling update a couple of years prior, featuring a new front end with bolder details, larger dual exhaust outlets, and more appealing wheels with aggressive tread tires. These changes gave it a more rugged appearance, although the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) packages with oversized fender flares were best avoided. The Ridgeline was available in four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, all equipped with a V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Prices ranged from $38,800 to $46,230, excluding a $1,345 destination charge. The Black Edition test vehicle, with extra-cost Platinum White Pearl paint and 18-inch black alloy wheels, had an MSRP of $49,866.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, while not a traditional pickup truck, was a unibody crossover with a small bed. Available in SE, SEL, Night, and the new XRT trims, the Limited trim was the top-tier option. The Santa Cruz was about 14 inches longer than the Hyundai Tucson, sharing a similar front end with a distinctive grille. The design was intentional, with protruding fenders and a sharply raked C-pillar. The interior was neither luxurious nor sparse, featuring high-quality materials and a cohesive design. The four-spoked steering wheel was a unique choice, and the fit and finish were commendable.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline shared its platform and components with the third-generation Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Passport. The Ridgeline's 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. This setup allowed up to 70 percent of power to be directed to a single rear wheel. The Ridgeline offered a 1,583-pound payload capacity and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. However, its unibody construction limited its off-road capabilities, with 7.6 inches of ground clearance and modest approach, breakover, and departure angles. On a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the Ridgeline averaged 22.6 mpg, between its EPA ratings of 21 mpg combined and 24 mpg highway. The Ridgeline's ride and handling were exceptional for a pickup truck, with a supple city ride, SUV-like highway comfort, and athleticism on twisty roads. It averaged 21.4 mpg on a test-driving route, surpassing its EPA combined rating.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Lower trims featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine in the higher trims produced 282 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain provided peppy performance and smooth shifts, with paddle shifters for added control. The Santa Cruz excelled in ride quality and maneuverability, making it ideal for city driving. It also had off-road capabilities, with a center locking differential and hill-descent control. However, its ground clearance and geometry were not suited for serious off-roading.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline prioritized function, with shelves in the front door panels, a giant storage console, a dual-action tailgate, and an in-bed trunk. The interior, similar to the Honda Passport, offered easy entry and exit, comfortable seats, and a quality feel. The rear seat was less roomy than the Passport but provided an elevated seating position and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seat cushion flipped up for additional cargo space, and the front featured a dashboard slot for smartphones, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console storage bin. The 64-inch cargo bed had a dual-action tailgate, a flat floor, and 33.9 cubic feet of volume. The Ridgeline also had a lockable, weatherproof, 7.3 cubic-foot trunk under the load floor.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, despite not being a traditional pickup, offered ample utility. The AWD version had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with a braked trailer, while the FWD version could tow 3,500 pounds. The bed measured 52 inches long and nearly 54 inches wide, with 43 inches between the wheel wells. It featured lockable underfloor storage, side cubbies, multiple tie-down points, and sliding rail anchors. The bed also had a sliding and locking tonneau cover, a dampened tailgate, and side steps in the rear bumper. Inside, the rear seats folded up for taller items, but rear legroom was limited to 36.5 inches. Heated front seats were standard on all but the base model, with ventilated seats available on the Limited trim.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline's infotainment system was dated, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and basic HondaLink services. Higher trims included a navigation system, premium sound system, cargo bed speakers, and wireless smartphone charging. The system was slow to load, and the voice recognition was delayed. The touchscreen interface was simple but lacked modern design standards. The wireless smartphone charger was unreliable, and the overall technology needed an overhaul.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SE and SEL trims. Upper trims had a 10.25-inch display with wired smartphone compatibility. The infotainment system was intuitive, with quick response times and clear graphics. However, it lacked a physical volume knob, relying on touch-sensitive buttons. Charging options included dual USB-A ports up front and two USB-A ports for rear passengers on the Limited trim. Wireless charging was standard on the top three trims and available on the SEL.

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline had aging driver-assistance systems, with standard Honda Sensing features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The adaptive cruise control system struggled to maintain a safe following distance. The Ridgeline received favorable crash-test ratings from the IIHS and top marks from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered a comprehensive set of advanced driver-assistance systems, including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection. The Limited trim featured Highway Drive Assist and a blind-spot view monitor. The NHTSA gave the Santa Cruz five stars in a front crash and a four-star rollover rating. The 2023 model received favorable ratings from the IIHS, with improvements expected for the 2024 model.