2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE vs 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck

$4,950 less and 5 mpg better vs 119 more hp and 249 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,950 price gap, 191 vs 310 hp, 24 vs 19 MPG.

The short answer

The Santa Cruz SE leads on $4,950 less, 5 MPG better. The Colorado Work Truck leads on 119 more hp, 249 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

$4,950
Price Gap
119 HP
HP Diff
5 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
Starts at $30,250
VS
Higher price
2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck
Starts at $35,200

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
2.7L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
191 hp
vs
310 hp
Torque
181 lb-ft
vs
430 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
vs
4WD
Fuel Economy
24 MPG combined
vs
19 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$30,250Santa Cruz SE
$35,200Colorado Work Truck
Engine
2.5L I4Santa Cruz SE
2.7L I4 TurboColorado Work Truck
Horsepower
191 hpSanta Cruz SE
310 hpColorado Work Truck
Torque
181 lb-ftSanta Cruz SE
430 lb-ftColorado Work Truck
Drivetrain
AWDSanta Cruz SE
4WDColorado Work Truck
City MPG
21Santa Cruz SE
17Colorado Work Truck
Highway MPG
29Santa Cruz SE
21Colorado Work Truck
Combined MPG
24Santa Cruz SE
19Colorado Work Truck
Fuel Tank
17.7 galSanta Cruz SE
21.4 galColorado Work Truck
Curb Weight
3,922 lbsSanta Cruz SE
4,520 lbsColorado Work Truck
Wheelbase
118.3"Santa Cruz SE
131.4"Colorado Work Truck
Length
195.7"Santa Cruz SE
213.0"Colorado Work Truck
Width
75.0"Santa Cruz SE
74.9"Colorado Work Truck
Height
66.7"Santa Cruz SE
78.8"Colorado Work Truck
NHTSA Overall
5/5 starsSanta Cruz SE
4/5 starsColorado Work Truck
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kSanta Cruz SE
3yr/36kColorado Work Truck
Powertrain
10yr/100kSanta Cruz SE
5yr/60kColorado Work Truck
Corrosion
7yr/unlimitedSanta Cruz SE
6yr/100kColorado Work Truck
Roadside Assistance
5yr/unlimitedSanta Cruz SE
5yr/60kColorado Work Truck

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.

Spec2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck
Pricing
MSRP$30,250$35,200
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I42.7L I4 Turbo
Horsepower191 hp310 hp
Torque181 lb-ft430 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWD4WD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2117
Highway MPG2921
Combined MPG2419
Fuel Tank17.7 gal21.4 gal
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,922 lbs4,520 lbs
Wheelbase118.3"131.4"
Length195.7"213.0"
Width75.0"74.9"
Height66.7"78.8"
Truck Specs
Cab TypeCrew CabCrew Cab
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars4/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSPNo published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE starts at $30,250, $4,950 less than the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck at $35,200. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $87/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,950 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $461/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Who should choose the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck?

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck is the stronger pick when you need the extra 119 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo; 249 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE or 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck?

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE rates 24 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE or 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck?

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck produces 310 hp, 119 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE at 191 hp. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck also leads in torque at 430 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck uses a 2.7L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, 4WD on the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE bigger than the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck?

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck is 17.3″ longer at 213.0″ vs 195.7″. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck has a 13.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE and 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE comes with AWD, while the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 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 Chevrolet Colorado 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, Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Colorado trims

Official sources

How the Santa Cruz and Colorado Stack Up

Two compact trucks built for work and weekend. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE ($30,250) and 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck ($35,200) take different approaches to the same job. The $4,950 gap adds up to $87/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Santa Cruz vs Colorado

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck uses a 2.7L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck has 119 more hp (310 vs 191). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck also delivers 249 more lb-ft of torque (430 vs 181), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, 4WD on the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE saves roughly $461/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,305. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck is 17.3″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck has a 13.1″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck weighs 598 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE when you want to keep $4,950 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck when you need the extra 119 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. At $87/month more, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck 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 Chevrolet or any dealership.

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