Toyota Tacoma vs Hyundai Santa Cruz

2024 Toyota Tacoma
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$28,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$28,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1995-Present

Years produced

2022-Present

MSRP

$31,500

MSRP

$28,750

Listings

9784

Listings

9649

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Excellent reputation for reliability

  • Great off-road capability

  • Standard advanced driver-assistance tech

Cons

  • Noisy cabin

  • Manual-adjust seats can be troublesome

  • Interior skews functional even in the top trim

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Impressive technology

  • Great warranty

Cons

  • On-pavement handling with all-terrain tires

  • Cramped back seat

  • Not much cargo space

Reviews Summary

The fourth-gen Tacoma is also the first Tacoma to share a platform with the larger Toyota Tundra. (The TNGA-F platform also underpins the Sequoia and the just-revived Land Cruiser.) It launches in six trim levels, each powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the Tacoma's first-ever hybrid powertrain is due in the spring of 2024, along with two additional trims. We traveled to Malibu, CA to drive the all-new Tacoma in all of its gas-only guises.

Reviews 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.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.4L 228 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

2

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

228 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

30
2024 Toyota Tacoma
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$28,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Toyota Tacoma
$31,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
$28,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1995-Present
2022-Present
MSRP
$31,500
$28,750
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.4

4.6

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Excellent reputation for reliability

  • Great off-road capability

  • Standard advanced driver-assistance tech

Cons

  • Noisy cabin

  • Manual-adjust seats can be troublesome

  • Interior skews functional even in the top trim

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Impressive technology

  • Great warranty

Cons

  • On-pavement handling with all-terrain tires

  • Cramped back seat

  • Not much cargo space

Summary
The fourth-gen Tacoma is also the first Tacoma to share a platform with the larger Toyota Tundra. (The TNGA-F platform also underpins the Sequoia and the just-revived Land Cruiser.) It launches in six trim levels, each powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the Tacoma's first-ever hybrid powertrain is due in the spring of 2024, along with two additional trims. We traveled to Malibu, CA to drive the all-new Tacoma in all of its gas-only guises.

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

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.4L 228 hp I4
2.5L 191 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
FWD
Seating Capacity
2
5
Horsepower
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
MPG City
20
22
MPG Highway
26
30
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