2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition
$3,695 less and 49 more lb-ft torque vs 14.5″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $3,695 price gap, 281 vs 280 hp, 20 vs 21 MPG.
The Santa Cruz Limited leads on $3,695 less, 49 more lb-ft torque. The Ridgeline Black Edition leads on 14.5″ longer. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 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 | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited | 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $43,700 | $47,395 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 18 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 25 | 24 |
| Combined MPG | 20 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 19.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,191 lbs | 4,504 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 125.2" |
| Length | 195.7" | 210.2" |
| Width | 75.0" | 78.6" |
| Height | 66.9" | 70.8" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| 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 | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited starts at $43,700, $3,695 less than the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition at $47,395. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $65/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $3,695 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver; 49 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Who should choose the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $100/year less on fuel; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition rates 21 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited produces 281 hp, 1 more than the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition at 280 hp. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition uses a 3.5L V6.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited bigger than the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition?
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is 14.5″ longer at 210.2″ vs 195.7″. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition has a 6.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Honda Ridgeline 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, Honda trims, Honda Ridgeline trims
How the Santa Cruz and Ridgeline Stack Up
Two compact trucks built for work and weekend. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited ($43,700) and 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition ($47,395) take different approaches to the same job. The $3,695 gap adds up to $65/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 Ridgeline
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition uses a 3.5L V6. The 1 hp difference (281 vs 280) is marginal in daily driving. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited also delivers 49 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 262), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition saves roughly $100/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $500.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition is 14.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition has a 6.9″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition weighs 313 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 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited when you want to keep $3,695 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $100/year less on fuel. At $65/month more, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition 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 Honda or any dealership.