VS
At a Glance
Power
270hp @ 5500
191hp @ 6100
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3000
181lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
23 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Ranger delivers 270hp @ 5500 while the Hyundai Santa Cruz produces 191hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Ranger returns 23 mpg est. while the Santa Cruz uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $33,550 for the Ranger 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
Ford RangerXL 2WD SuperCrew 5' Box 2026 - From $33,550
Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD 2026 - From $29,750
Performance
Power Output (hp)
270hp @ 5500
191hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3000
181lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
23 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
22 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
30 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
210.6in
195.9in
Width (in)
75.5in
75in
Height (in)
74.4in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
128.7in
118.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4240lbs
3779lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
48.5cu ft
27cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Santa Cruz
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ranger
Fuel Economy
Santa Cruz
Value
Santa Cruz
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Santa Cruz?
The Ranger gets 23 mpg est. and the Santa Cruz gets 26 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 Ranger or Santa Cruz?
The Ranger produces 270hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Santa Cruz delivers 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Ranger is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Santa Cruz?
The Ranger starts from $33,550 and the Santa Cruz from $29,750. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $3,800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or Santa Cruz?
The Ranger has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Santa Cruz can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Ranger 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