2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Chevrolet Colorado

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.

Available only in a crew-cab, short-bed body style, the Colorado offers one powertrain, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and five trim levels. Talk about simplicity! Last redesigned for the 2023 model year, the Colorado is mostly unchanged for 2026. White Sands paint replaces Harvest Bronze on the Trail Boss and ZR2, and a new Bronze Accent Package is available. Additionally, Chevy has discontinued the snorkel and the rubber bed mat options.

Verdict: In most ways, the 2026 Colorado is an impressive midsize truck. However, it plays runner-up to the Toyota Tacoma, which is not only more versatile and available with a wider range of dealer accessories but also trades on its legendary reputation for long-term reliability.