2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of configurations, including nine trims and various cab and bed options. The off-road-focused ZR2 model was available only in a crew cab with a short bed. The Silverado's exterior, refreshed in 2022, maintained its appeal with squinty headlamps and a large grille that varied in style depending on the trim. Inside, the Silverado boasted a modern cabin with improved materials, leather in higher trims, and a mix of digital screens and physical controls for essential functions.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, though not a traditional pickup, presented a unique design as a unibody crossover with a small bed. It shared design elements with the Hyundai Tucson, featuring a distinctive grille and sharp styling. The interior was well-crafted for its price point, with high-quality materials and a cohesive design. The Santa Cruz's compact size made it stand out, offering maneuverability and ease of parking, ideal for city driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came with four engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder with 310 horsepower and two V8s, the larger producing 420 horsepower. The ZR2 model tested featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine provided strong performance, and the ZR2 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-inch lift and Multimatic shocks for versatile terrain handling. The optional ZR2 Bison package added further off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine with 191 horsepower in lower trims, but the tested model featured a turbocharged engine with 282 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivered peppy performance with smooth shifts from the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Cruz excelled in ride quality and maneuverability, making it suitable for urban environments. Its AWD system and off-road capabilities were demonstrated in events like the Rebelle Rally, though it required some modifications for serious off-roading.

The Silverado 1500 provided a range of interior options, from basic vinyl seats in the WT trim to luxurious features in the High Country trim. The ZR2 trim offered a balance of luxury and off-road readiness, with ample rear legroom in the crew cab configuration. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 13,300 pounds with the diesel engine, though the ZR2's unique suspension limited it to 9,000 pounds. The bed featured multiple tie-downs and an optional Multi-Flex tailgate for versatility.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz, while not a traditional truck, offered practical utility with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds in AWD form. Its compact bed was surprisingly spacious, with lockable storage and multiple tie-down points. The interior featured fold-up rear seats for additional cargo space, though rear legroom was limited compared to larger vehicles. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, with ventilated seats available on the Limited trim.

The Silverado 1500's lower trims included a seven-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with built-in Google features and extensive trailering technology, including multiple camera views and a towing checklist.

The Santa Cruz's SE and SEL trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, while upper trims had a 10.25-inch display with wired compatibility. The infotainment system was intuitive, though it lacked a physical volume knob. Charging options were limited, with USB-A ports standard and wireless charging available on higher trims.

The Silverado 1500 came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and Super Cruise for hands-free driving on mapped roads. The NHTSA rated it five stars overall, but the IIHS gave mixed ratings, with some areas rated poorly.

The Santa Cruz offered comprehensive safety features, including forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added advanced features like Highway Drive Assist and a blind-spot view monitor. The NHTSA rated it five stars in front crashes, but the IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model.