2026 Ram 1500 Limited vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited
259 more hp and 210 more lb-ft torque vs $33,205 less and 5 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 540 vs 281 hp, 17 vs 22 MPG.
The 1500 Limited leads on 259 more hp, 210 more lb-ft torque. The Santa Cruz Limited leads on $33,205 less, 5 MPG better. 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 | 2026 Ram 1500 Limited | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $75,955 | $42,750 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 540 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 521 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 15 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 21 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 17 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 33.0 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,767 lbs | 4,295 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 144.5" | 118.3" |
| Length | 232.9" | 195.7" |
| Width | 82.1" | 75.0" |
| Height | 77.6" | 66.9" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 5.6 ft | No published data |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited starts at $42,750, $33,205 less than the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited at $75,955. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $585/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited is the stronger pick when you need the extra 259 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo; 210 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $33,205 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.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited rates 22 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited produces 540 hp, 259 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited at 281 hp. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited also leads in torque at 521 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited runs a 3.0L I6 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: 4WD on the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited.
Is the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited is 37.2″ longer at 232.9″ vs 195.7″. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited has a 26.2″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited comes with 4WD, while the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses AWD. 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 Ram 1500 comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Ram trims, Ram 1500 trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Cruz trims
How the 1500 and Santa Cruz Stack Up
Two full-size trucks built for work and weekend. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited ($75,955) and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited ($42,750) take different approaches to the same job. The $-33,205 gap adds up to $585/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: 1500 vs Santa Cruz
The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited runs a 3.0L I6 Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited has 259 more hp (540 vs 281). A gap that large affects towing confidence, highway merging, and how loaded the vehicle can feel before it struggles. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited also delivers 210 more lb-ft of torque (521 vs 311), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: 4WD on the 2026 Ram 1500 Limited, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited.
What It Actually Costs to Own
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.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited is 37.2″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited has a 26.2″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Ram 1500 Limited weighs 1,472 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 Ram 1500 Limited when you need the extra 259 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited when you want to keep $33,205 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs.
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 Ram or Hyundai or any dealership.