2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited vs 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
$550 less vs 17.3″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $550 price gap, 281 vs 278 hp, 22 vs 21 MPG.
The Santa Cruz Limited leads on $550 less. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road leads on 17.3″ longer. 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 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,750 | $43,300 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.4L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 278 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 18.2 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,295 lbs | 4,630 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 131.9" |
| Length | 195.7" | 213.0" |
| Width | 75.0" | 77.9" |
| Height | 66.9" | 74.6" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Double Cab |
| Bed Length | No published data | 5.0 ft |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | No published data |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 2yr/25k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited starts at $42,750, $550 less than the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road at $43,300. That gap is small enough that monthly payments are nearly identical. Focus on which vehicle fits your life, not the sticker.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $550 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $91/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the stronger pick when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited rates 22 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited produces 281 hp, 3 more than the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road at 278 hp. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road also leads in torque at 317 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road uses a 2.4L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, 4WD on the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited bigger than the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is 17.3″ longer at 213.0″ vs 195.7″. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a 13.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited comes with AWD, while the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 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 Toyota Tacoma 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, Toyota trims, Toyota Tacoma trims
Santa Cruz vs Tacoma: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road compete directly in the compact truck segment, where towing capacity, payload, and cab comfort separate the contenders. The $550 price gap works out to less than $10/month on a typical loan, so the cost difference is negligible. Pick on fit, not on price.
Under the Hood
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road uses a 2.4L I4 Turbo. The 3 hp difference (281 vs 278) is marginal in daily driving. Drivetrains differ: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, 4WD on the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road.
Running Costs: Santa Cruz vs Tacoma
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited saves roughly $91/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $455.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is 17.3″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a 13.6″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road weighs 335 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 $550 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
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 Toyota or any dealership.