Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Subaru Baja
Overview | |
Years produced2003-2006 | Years produced2022-Present |
MSRP$23,120 | MSRP$28,750 |
Listings56 | Listings9649 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews Summary | |
Reviews SummaryBased 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. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 165 hp H4 | Engine2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower165 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City19 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway30 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 165 hp H4 | Engine Name2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Torque166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower165 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City19 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway25 | MPG Highway30 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length41.5 in | Bed Length52.1 in |
Curb Weight3610 lbs | Curb Weight3778 lbs |
Height65.1 in | Height66.7 in |
Length193.3 in | Length195.7 in |
Width70.1 in | Width75.0 in |
Wheelbase104.3 in | Wheelbase118.3 in |
Maximum Payload1075 lbs | Maximum Payload1744 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Standard Payload1075 lbs | Standard Payload |
Maximum Towing Capacity2400 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity2400 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2003-2006 | 2022-Present |
MSRP | $23,120 | $28,750 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | 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. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 165 hp H4 | 2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Horsepower | 165 hp @ 5600 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
MPG City | 19 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 30 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 165 hp H4 | 2.5L 191 hp I4 |
Torque | 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 165 hp @ 5600 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 19 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 25 | 30 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 41.5 in | 52.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3610 lbs | 3778 lbs |
Height | 65.1 in | 66.7 in |
Length | 193.3 in | 195.7 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 75.0 in |
Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 118.3 in |
Maximum Payload | 1075 lbs | 1744 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Standard Payload | 1075 lbs | |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2400 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 2400 lbs | |

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