2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2024 Honda Ridgeline: Price, Trim Levels, and More

March 22nd, 2024 by

Whether you’re preparing to embark on your next adventure or pick up supplies for a home improvement project, the 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ has you covered. This appealing truck offers comfort and style for all types of drivers. Hyundai is consistently improving its lineup, and the latest SANTA CRUZ is a testament to this commitment. You can expect high standards from the Hyundai brand and our Hyundai of Auburn dealership here in Alabama. We’ve put together this overview comparing the 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ to one of its top competitors, the Honda Ridgeline, to highlight its best features.

New Hyundai Santa Cruz For Sale

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz in silver on a dirt road in Alabama.

2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ vs. 2024 Honda Ridgeline

At first glance, the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ and Honda Ridgeline may seem similar. Both trucks have an aggressive stance that appeals to passersby. However, as you look closer, you’ll realize many differences between these pickups that could make one a better option for you. Our Hyundai of Auburn team is here to help you understand what you can expect from these vehicles so you can make an informed decision.

Price

You’ll enjoy a lower starting MSRP with the 2024 SANTA CRUZ, which ranges from $26,650 for the base model to $41,070 for the top-of-the-line trim. The starting MSRP for the Honda Ridgeline is a little higher. The base trim is $39,750, and you can expect a starting MSRP of $46,350 if you want the highest Ridgeline model. Your price varies depending on the trim level, upgrades, features, color, and materials you select for your pickup. At Hyundai of Auburn, we frequently offer special deals and incentives to help our valued customers save money.

Trims

You can choose from five trims when you shop for your 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ: the SE, SEL, Night, XRT, and Limited. The base model has exceptional features, including an LED cargo light, 18-inch alloy wheels, and Hyundai’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction system, HTRAC. Higher trims offer upgraded elements to enhance convenience, comfort, and versatility.

If you opt for the Ridgeline, you’ll only have four trims to choose from: the Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Edition. With the base model, you’ll get Honda’s intelligent variable torque management AWD system, unibody construction, and ample tech and safety features to keep you safe and connected on the road.

Performance

While the 2024 SANTA CRUZ and Ridgeline are suitable for on-road and off-road adventures, they have different engines and specs to consider. Regardless of the Ridgeline trim you choose, you’ll get the same 3.5-liter V-6 under the hood. With a nine-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission, this engine delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, except in the TrailSport, which gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg on the highway.

With the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ, you can choose the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque or the 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is an eight-speed automatic, but with the turbo variant, you get an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

Fuel economy for the SANTA CRUZ depends on whether you have front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. FWD models get 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. AWD variants can get up to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, depending on your setup.

Safety

Hyundai prides itself on creating safety technology that helps you stay alert and aware as you travel around Alabama. The 2024 SANTA CRUZ comes with an array of driver-assist technologies. Standard features on all trims include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, high beam assist, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, and a driver attention warning. The Ridgeline shares some of these advanced safety systems, but you won’t get a driver attention warning, and you have to upgrade to get LED daytime running lights, which are standard on the SANTA CRUZ.

Exterior

The exterior of the SANTA CRUZ provides a fresh look for a pickup. It has sleek lines that give it a more aerodynamic appearance than the Ridgeline, which has the typical boxy look of a truck. All but the Night trim are available in six colors: California Sand, Hampton Gray, Blue Stone, Phantom Black, Atlas White, and Sage Gray. For the Night trim, you can choose Hampton Gray or Phantom Black.

Honda offers the Ridgeline in up to seven colors, depending on the area where you live. Your options may include Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Diffused Sky Blue Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic II, and Sonic Gray Pearl.

Interior

The 2024 SANTA CRUZ and the Ridgeline cabs provide seating for five passengers. Inside the Hyundai, you’ll enjoy stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats. The SEL and higher trims feature an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and heated front seats. Upper-level Ridgeline models offer leather-trimmed seating surfaces, and both trucks have an available power sunroof that allows natural light to fill the cabin.

Technology

The 2024 SANTA CRUZ and Ridgeline provide modern technology features to keep you and your passengers connected and entertained. Lower SANTA CRUZ trims have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration with an 8-inch touch screen for seamless interaction with apps and more through your smartphone. You can upgrade to a higher trim for a 10.25-inch touch screen. All Ridgeline models have a 9-inch touch screen and a wireless phone charger. Bluetooth hands-free audio streaming is standard on both trucks to enhance your listening pleasure as you cruise.

Learn More at Hyundai of Auburn

To learn more about the 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ and take one for a test drive, stop by our Hyundai of Auburn dealership from nearby or even Montgomery. We’ll guide you through the buying process, including answering your questions and helping you with financing. Our team works hard to ensure your satisfaction even after you drive home in your new Hyundai. You can bring your vehicle to us for regular maintenance and auto service anytime. We also have a wide variety of used trucks and SUVs for sale.