2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline | Webb Hyundai Merrillville
2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline | Webb Hyundai Merrillville
Webb Hyundai Merrillville | (219) 736-2277 | 1000 W 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
Santa Cruz or Ridgeline: which unibody pickup is right?
Both are unibody pickups with nearly identical peak output and the same 5,000-pound maximum tow rating. The Santa Cruz starts $11,045 lower and returns better EPA figures. The Ridgeline is larger and makes all-wheel drive standard rather than optional.
| Specification | 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $29,750 | $40,795 |
| Maximum horsepower | 281 hp (2.5L Turbo) | 280 hp (V-6) |
| Maximum towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| EPA city/hwy mpg | 22/30 (FWD 2.5L) | 18/24 |
| All-wheel drive | Available HTRAC | Standard i-VTM4 |
| Warranty (powertrain) | 10 yr / 100,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Which one should a Northwest Indiana buyer pick?
The towing numbers are a tie, so the decision comes down to size and budget. A Santa Cruz Limited at $43,700 is fully loaded for roughly what a Ridgeline costs to start. Buyers who need the larger bed and cabin will still prefer the Honda. Buyers commuting US-30 or Interstate 65 will notice the Hyundai fuel economy advantage every week.
Webb Hyundai Merrillville stocks the Santa Cruz and serves Merrillville, Crown Point and Valparaiso.
Key takeaways
- The Santa Cruz starts at $29,750 MSRP.
- Maximum towing is 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged engine.
- Hyundai covers the powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
- The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is the closest competitor in this segment.
- Webb Hyundai Merrillville serves Merrillville and Crown Point.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Is the Santa Cruz better than the Ridgeline?
They tow the same 5,000 pounds and make nearly identical power. The Santa Cruz costs $11,045 less to start and is more fuel efficient. The Ridgeline is larger and includes all-wheel drive as standard.
Which tows more, Santa Cruz or Ridgeline?
Both are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Is the Santa Cruz smaller than the Ridgeline?
Yes. The Santa Cruz is a compact pickup and the Ridgeline is a midsize pickup.
Does the Santa Cruz come with all-wheel drive standard?
Not on every trim. HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on SE, SEL and SEL Activity and standard on XRT and Limited.
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