2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2024 Toyota Tundra

Toyota has been trying to crack the full-size pickup truck code for over 30 years. The company’s first try was the T100, followed by three generations of Tundras that got bigger and more capable with each redesign. The 2024 Tundra is a massive Texas-built truck, but it still can’t match the towing and payload capacities of the segment leader, and it bests only the Ram 1500 when it comes to towing a trailer. The Tundra also lacks the diversity of configurations you’ll find at the Chevy, Ford, and Ram stores.

Verdict: When you talk to longtime Tundra owners and recent converts, the common theme is reliability. We can’t tell you if the current third-generation Tundra is reliable after many years of service, but Toyotas are well-known for their dependability. So, if you like the 2024 Toyota Tundra and it can serve your needs, help it to pull up a chair to the big boy's truck table.

Based on the Hyundai Tucson compact crossover SUV, the Santa Cruz is not about towing the heaviest loads or driving to off-the-grid locations. Instead, it’s perfect for weekend DIY projects, hauling bulky items home from the big-box store, and carrying adventure gear on day trips. The 2025 Santa Cruz is better at these tasks than ever thanks to new tech, styling updates, and off-roading enhancements.

Verdict: We realize the Santa Cruz’s styling isn’t broadly appealing. If this Hyundai trucklet’s appearance is just too hard to accept, then its direct rival, the Ford Maverick, might be more to your liking. If you like the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, you’ll find it plenty fun to drive.