Honda
Ridgeline
Hyundai
Santa Cruz
Honda Ridgeline vs Hyundai Santa Cruz: 2021 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Hyundai Santa Cruz comes out ahead of the Honda Ridgeline on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Ridgeline
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall. The Ridgeline is consistently praised for its superior ride quality, handling, and daily driving comfort, attributed to its unibody construction and independent rear suspension which make it feel more like a car or SUV than a traditional truck. The V6 engine is appreciated for its smooth, naturally aspirated power delivery and VTEC character.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. Feedback indicates frustration with Honda's packaging, where desirable features (e.g., premium audio) are locked behind top trims like the Black Edition, which may not offer a Bose system.
Known issues
- ⚠Transmission problems (2017-2019 6-speed): rough shifting, clunking, requiring premature fluid changes or flushes as early as 35,000 miles, significant reliability concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Poor driver-assist system implementation: auto high beams described as "unusable" (cycling on/off erratically), radar cruise control described as "jerky" in traffic, lane-keeping assist ineffective on back roads. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission behavior (9-speed): described as "lazy" or unrefined with paddle shifters, can get warm under heavy load. Frequency: recurrent.
Santa Cruz
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for its concept and significant concerns about execution and value. The vehicle is frequently described as a "truckish car" or "crossover truck" that is appreciated for its unique styling, comfortable and well-appointed interior (especially in higher trims), good driving manners, and the utility of a small bed for light hauling. Many owners express genuine love for their vehicles, citing a sense of community among owners.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. Feedback is mixed: one owner recommended the SEL with the Activity Package as a "good bang for the buck," while others praised the top Limited trim for its premium interior and features like ventilated seats.
Known issues
- ⚠Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) performance and reliability: jerky shifts, gear hunting, concerns about failure in stop-and-go traffic or demanding use, recalls for early models (2022) for faulty control boards. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Disappointing real-world fuel economy: reported 20-25 MPG combined, often lower than expectations for a vehicle of its size. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Underpowered base 2.5L engine: described as slow and unresponsive. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Honda Ridgeline, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Honda Ridgeline is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Ridgeline or the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda Ridgeline and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda Ridgeline or the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Honda Ridgeline is classed as a Pick-up, the Hyundai Santa Cruz as a SAV, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Ridgeline or the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.7 L/100km combined versus 11.5 L/100km for the Honda Ridgeline, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Ridgeline or the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.