Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Honda Ridgeline

If you choose the Hyundai, you’ll have the choice of two engines. The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine can be upgraded to a turbocharged version that produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

If you’re looking at the Honda, it offers a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to similar horsepower, both trucks will accelerate swiftly. However, the upgraded engine on the Hyundai produces more torque, which means towing heavy items or tackling steep ascents will feel effortless.

Depending on the engine you select, you’ll get different fuel economy. The Hyundai achieves an EPA-estimated 21 city/27 highway MPG.¹ If you’re driving the Honda, it achieves an EPA-estimated 18 city/24 highway MPG.

When you choose the Santa Cruz, you’ll have more city and highway miles to travel. So, go on, leave the pump in the dust.

The screens look brighter in the Santa Cruz due to their larger displays. Upgrade to the twin 10.25-inch displays. Behind the wheel, a digital instrument cluster appears, showing your gas gauges and which systems are engaged. In the center, a stunning touchscreen navigation system leads you to new adventures.

A much smaller premium display, the Honda 4.2-inch Multi-Information Interface, appears behind the wheel of the Ridgeline. You’ll also have a display audio touchscreen that spans eight inches.

As mentioned, both trucks offer impressive infotainment displays, and they both work with these smartphone integration features:

• Apple CarPlay®
• Android Auto™

Does one of your back-seat passengers want to share a new song with you? They can easily do so in the Hyundai since it also supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™. You heard that right—they can pair their phone without a cord, which Honda drivers and passengers will have to do.

While both the Hyundai and the Honda provide available blind spot visibility, the Hyundai offers two separate systems. You’ll have access to the optional Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and a Blind-Spot View Monitor, dedicated to televising your active blind spot.

In the Hyundai, an optional Surround View Monitor will display every angle, so you’ll be aware of anything lurking around your truck. While the Honda offers a multi-angle rearview camera, it doesn’t provide as comprehensive a view as you can get in the Santa Cruz.

At the end of the day, you can easily feel tired, which may adversely affect your driving. Well, with standard Driver Attention Warning in the Hyundai, this system senses when your vehicle may be drifting on the road due to drowsy or distracted driving. It sends out warnings—both visual and audible—to let you know.

Unfortunately, the same type of system cannot be found in the Ridgeline.