2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 RAM 1500

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.

The Hemi V8 is back for the 2026 model year, now marked by what Ram calls a “Symbol of Protest” badge. As much as we’d like to say it’s better than ever, it’s actually the same as it’s ever been. The 5.7-litre Hemi spins out 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque, well below the less-expensive Hurricane turbocharged inline-six’s 420 hp and 469 lb-ft, and way behind the optional High Output Hurricane engine’s 540 hp and 521 lb-ft. But the fact that it’s an option at all will be enough to entice some buyers back to the Ram fold.

Verdict: There’s a lot to like about the 2026 Ram 1500, including its characterful Hemi V8, but if you’re looking for the best version of Ram’s popular pickup, you should think long and hard about how you plan to use the truck. With 12 trim levels in Canada and two cab sizes and bed lengths to go along with its four powertrain choices, there are plenty of ways to configure a Ram truck to your exact needs.