VS
At a Glance
Power
355hp @ 5600
281hp @ 5800
Torque
383lb-ft @ 4100
311lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
18 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
13200lbs
5000lbs
Engine
5.3L/325ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 delivers 355hp @ 5600 while the Hyundai Santa Cruz produces 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Silverado 1500 returns 18 mpg est. while the Santa Cruz uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $36,900 for the Silverado 1500 and $29,750 for the Santa Cruz. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chevrolet Silverado 15002WD Crew Cab 147" LTZ 2026 - From $36,900
Hyundai Santa CruzXRT AWD 2026 - From $29,750
Performance
Power Output (hp)
355hp @ 5600
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
383lb-ft @ 4100
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5.3L/325ci
2.5 L/152ci
Engine Layout
Inline
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Diesel
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/Paddle Shifters
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
18 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
18 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
21mpg
25 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
24gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
231.88in
195.9in
Width (in)
81.24in
75in
Height (in)
75.49in
66.9in
Wheelbase (in)
147.4in
118.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
4140lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
62.9cu ft
27cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
13200lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Silverado 1500
Fuel Economy
Santa Cruz
Value
Santa Cruz
Practicality
Silverado 1500
Pros & Cons
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Higher towing capacity (13200lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (18 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Silverado 1500 or Santa Cruz?
The Silverado 1500 gets 18 mpg est. and the Santa Cruz gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Santa Cruz is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Silverado 1500 or Santa Cruz?
The Silverado 1500 produces 355hp @ 5600 and 383lb-ft @ 4100 of torque while the Santa Cruz delivers 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Silverado 1500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Silverado 1500 and Santa Cruz?
The Silverado 1500 starts from $36,900 and the Santa Cruz from $29,750. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $7,150 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Silverado 1500 or Santa Cruz?
The Silverado 1500 has a braked towing capacity of 13200lbs and the Santa Cruz can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Silverado 1500 or the Santa Cruz?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider