Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs Hyundai Santa Cruz

Whether it’s towing your boat out to the lake house, hauling power tools to the job site or transporting the kiddos to school, a pickup truck is the ultimate get-things-done vehicle. Now well into its fourth generation, the full-size Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck stands out thanks to its available diesel engine and Super Cruise hands-free driving assist on the very top trim.

Verdict: The 2024 Chevy Silverado looks good, offers a versitile range of engines, and can be had in three different cab sizes. It doesn't tow or haul quite as much as a Ford F-150, but we're impressed with its overall value, and the ZR2 trim's off-road chops.

Based on the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV, the Santa Cruz is not about towing the most weight, carrying the largest and heaviest loads, or driving to off-the-grid locations. Instead, it’s perfect for weekend do-it-yourself projects, hauling bulky items home from the big-box store, and carrying adventure gear on day trips. The 2025 Santa Cruz is better at these tasks than ever, thanks to new tech, styling updates, and off-roading enhancements.

Verdict: We realize the Santa Cruz’s styling isn’t broadly appealing, so if this Hyundai trucklet’s appearance is just too hard to accept, its direct rival, the Ford Maverick, might be more to your liking. If you like the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, consider getting a turbocharged version. It’s not as fuel-efficient, but it’s a ton more fun to drive.