2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz was available in three trim levels in Canada: Preferred, XRT, and Ultimate. Each model was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $44,994 to $53,494, including destination charges. The XRT variant, priced at $50,494, featured a revised front styling, new wheel designs, and paint colours, enhancing its pickup truck appearance. The XRT's off-road capabilities were improved with a better approach angle and standard all-terrain tires. Inside, the Santa Cruz boasted a high-tech dashboard with a panoramic curved display, two 12.3-inch digital screens, and practical storage solutions, maintaining its solid and quality transmission shifter.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline, unique among pickups, was built on a unibody platform, unlike its body-on-frame rivals. Its exterior styling, with a snub nose and curvaceous lines, set it apart from other midsize trucks, though it appeared somewhat dated. In Canada, the Ridgeline was offered in Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims. The TrailSport, our test vehicle, featured off-road enhancements like all-terrain tires and a front skid plate. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior was predominantly black plastic but boasted excellent fit and finish. The Ridgeline's cabin was designed for practicality, with features like tri-zone automatic climate control and a focus on durability, making it suitable for both work and play.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivered an engaging driving experience with its turbocharged engine producing 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm. The engine ran on regular gas, offering a fuel economy of 11.1 L/100 km combined for the XRT trim. However, the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) exhibited quirks, such as turbo lag and uneven power delivery, which were partially mitigated by switching to Sport mode. The XRT's all-terrain tires provided a comfortable ride but compromised handling on paved roads. The Santa Cruz's compact dimensions made it easy to park, and it handled light off-roading well. However, brake performance was a concern during mountain descents, especially given its 2,268-kilogram towing capacity.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The V6 was smooth and responsive, while the transmission efficiently utilized its nine gears. The Ridgeline's unibody construction contributed to a refined ride quality, with precise handling and minimal road noise. The TrailSport's all-terrain tires did not detract from its ride or handling. However, the Ridgeline's off-road capabilities were limited compared to rivals, and its towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and payload capacity of 718 kilograms were not class-leading.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's cabin resembled a crossover SUV, offering style and quality materials. It featured practical storage solutions, including a new shelf for the front passenger, a sizable centre console, and a deep tray beneath the back-seat cushions. The four-foot cargo bed included a locking in-floor trunk and a retractable tonneau cover. Heated front seats were standard, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and artificial leather upholstery. Rear-seat space was snug for taller adults, but the soft, padded front seat backs improved comfort.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline was available only as a four-door crew cab with a 5-foot, 4-inch bed. Its cargo box featured a dual-action tailgate and could accommodate a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood. The bed was made from reinforced sheet molding compound, eliminating the need for a bedliner. A 207-litre lockable in-bed trunk provided additional covered cargo space. Inside, the Ridgeline offered reasonable headroom and legroom, with a high-and-wide centre console for front-seat occupants. Rear-seat comfort was less impressive due to upright angles for under-seat storage. Heated outboard rear seats were available on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Advanced features like a digital key system and fingerprint scanning were available, with over-the-air updates ensuring up-to-date technology. The user interface was intuitive, with physical controls for the infotainment and climate systems. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on higher trims, and Hyundai's connected services offered a range of remote and safety features.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. SiriusXM satellite radio was standard on most models, with an eight-speaker audio system on the Black Edition. Wireless phone charging was standard, but the Ridgeline's USB ports were outdated, with only USB-A for data. The infotainment system's graphics were basic, but the interface was functional, with physical buttons for key functions. The Ridgeline's user interface prioritized practicality, with easy-to-use controls for heated seats, the steering wheel, and climate settings.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz included standard driver-assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The XRT trim added intersection collision braking, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist was standard on the Ultimate trim. The Santa Cruz received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for moderate overlap frontal-impact and driver assistance technologies, while the NHTSA awarded it five stars in collision evaluations and four stars for rollover resistance.

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline was the only midsize pickup with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, earning five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing. The IIHS had not published full results, but the Ridgeline received "Good" scores in side and moderate front overlap tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Honda Sensing driver aids were mostly unobtrusive, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to accelerate, and the lack of a 360-degree camera was noted.