2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited vs 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
$25,950 less and 5 mpg better vs 74 more hp and 72 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $25,950 price gap, 281 vs 355 hp, 22 vs 17 MPG.
The Santa Cruz Limited leads on $25,950 less, 5 MPG better. The Sierra 1500 Denali leads on 74 more hp, 72 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited | 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,750 | $68,700 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 5.3L V8 |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 15 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 19 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 17 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 24.0 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,295 lbs | 5,110 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 147.0" |
| Length | 195.7" | 231.9" |
| Width | 75.0" | 81.2" |
| Height | 66.9" | 75.5" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | No published data | 5.8 ft |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited starts at $42,750, $25,950 less than the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali at $68,700. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $457/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $25,950 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $562/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is the stronger pick when you need the extra 74 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo; 72 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited rates 22 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali produces 355 hp, 74 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited at 281 hp. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali also leads in torque at 383 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali uses a 5.3L V8. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, 4WD on the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited bigger than the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is 36.2″ longer at 231.9″ vs 195.7″. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali has a 28.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited comes with AWD, while the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali uses 4WD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The GMC Sierra 1500 offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Cruz trims, GMC trims, GMC Sierra 1500 trims
Santa Cruz vs Sierra 1500: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali compete directly in the compact truck segment, where towing capacity, payload, and cab comfort separate the contenders. The $25,950 gap adds up to $457/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Under the Hood
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali uses a 5.3L V8. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali has 74 more hp (355 vs 281). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali also delivers 72 more lb-ft of torque (383 vs 311), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, 4WD on the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali.
Running Costs: Santa Cruz vs Sierra 1500
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited saves roughly $562/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,810. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is 36.2″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali has a 28.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali weighs 815 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited when you want to keep $25,950 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs. Choose the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali when you need the extra 74 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. At $457/month more, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or GMC or any dealership.