VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
278hp @ 6000
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
317lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
22 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
6300lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 278hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Santa Cruz returns 22 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 21 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,750 for the Santa Cruz and $43,815 for the Tacoma. 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
Hyundai Santa CruzLimited AWD 2026 - From $29,750
Toyota TacomaTRD Off Road Double Cab 5' Bed AT (Natl) 2026 - From $43,815
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
278hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
317lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
21 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
18 (Est)mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
195.9in
213in
Width (in)
75in
77.9in
Height (in)
66.9in
74.6in
Wheelbase (in)
118.3in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4191lbs
4630lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
27cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
6300lbs
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
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Hyundai Santa Cruz
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Santa Cruz
Fuel Economy
Santa Cruz
Value
Santa Cruz
Practicality
Tacoma
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Better fuel economy (22 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Tacoma
Higher towing capacity (6300lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (21 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Santa Cruz or Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz gets 22 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 21 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 Santa Cruz or Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 278hp @ 6000 and 317lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Santa Cruz and Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz starts from $29,750 and the Tacoma from $43,815. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $14,065 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa Cruz or Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Tacoma can tow 6300lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa Cruz or the Tacoma?
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.