2025 Honda Ridgeline vs Hyundai Santa Cruz | Chatham Honda
2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Truck Versatility Meets Urban Adventure
Drivers in Chatham, ON, love trucks that work hard but still fit into everyday life. That’s where the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz come into focus. Both trucks aim to bridge rugged utility with the comfort and tech modern drivers want. But despite being close on paper, these two mid-size pickups each bring a unique personality to the road. Let’s dive into how they measure up for local adventures, whether you’re hauling gear to Rondeau Provincial Park or cruising downtown Chatham.
Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Honda Ridgeline packs a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Santa Cruz counters with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, nudging ahead in torque with 311 lb-ft and 281 horsepower. The Ridgeline’s strength shines in towing, pulling up to 4,998 lbs — perfect for towing a camper or trailer for a weekend away. The Santa Cruz offers a lighter towing capacity of 1,678 lbs, suitable for smaller loads.
Despite the Ridgeline’s larger engine, it stays competitive with fuel economy ratings of 11.3 L/100 km combined. The Santa Cruz edges it out slightly, sipping just 10.7 L/100 km combined. So, if efficiency matters most for your Chatham commutes, Hyundai takes a slim win here.
Tech and Comfort for Every Drive
Both trucks feel modern inside, but they cater to different tastes. The Ridgeline’s 9-inch touchscreen is paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Santa Cruz goes bigger with a 12.3-inch display. Drivers seeking luxury touches might appreciate the Ridgeline’s leather seating, power-adjustable heated front seats, and even a heated steering wheel — comforts that can make cold Ontario mornings more bearable.
The Santa Cruz, meanwhile, leans into tech flair with available remote app control for its climate system. However, its interior materials trend toward synthetic leather rather than the Ridgeline’s genuine leather surfaces. For daily drives or longer trips out to Lake Erie, both trucks offer comfort and connectivity, but the Ridgeline feels a bit more upscale.
Safety and Value for Chatham Drivers
Safety is always top of mind, especially for families. The 2025 Ridgeline has earned solid marks, boasting a 5-star overall NHTSA rating and six airbags. Hyundai’s Santa Cruz offers eight airbags, but full crash test results for the 2025 model remain pending. Tech-wise, both come equipped with modern driver assists like adaptive cruise control, though the Santa Cruz adds a standard 360º view camera, giving drivers extra confidence in tight city parking spots around Chatham.
In terms of price, the Ridgeline starts at $54,990, while the Santa Cruz offers a more affordable entry point at $47,499. That makes the Hyundai a tempting choice for budget-minded drivers, though the Ridgeline’s premium features and towing power justify its higher tag.
Which Truck Fits Your Chatham Lifestyle?
For Chatham drivers deciding between these two versatile trucks, the choice may come down to lifestyle. The Honda Ridgeline is the rugged companion for bigger jobs and longer hauls, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals to urban drivers seeking efficiency and modern tech in a playful package. No matter which you choose, both prove that modern trucks can be as much about comfort as capability. Visit Chatham Honda in Chatham, ON, to test drive the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and see how it fits your Ontario adventures.
*All pricing is based on Chatham ON, MSRP and does not include taxes and fees. Dealer pricing may differ. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.