2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited
On paper, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road wins on 45 more hp, 154 more lb-ft torque, 17.3″ longer. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: 326 vs 281 hp, 23 vs 22 MPG.
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road leads on 45 more hp, 154 more lb-ft torque. The Santa Cruz Limited leads on $4,585 less. 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 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $47,335 | $42,750 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.4L I4 hybrid Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 326 hp | 281 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 22 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.2 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,030 lbs | 4,295 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 131.9" | 118.3" |
| Length | 213.0" | 195.7" |
| Width | 77.9" | 75.0" |
| Height | 75.3" | 66.9" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Double Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 5.0 ft | No published data |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 2yr/25k | 5yr/unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited starts at $42,750, $4,585 less than the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road at $47,335. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $81/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road?
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $83/year less on fuel; you need the extra 45 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,585 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited covers your needs; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road rates 23 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road produces 326 hp, 45 more than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited at 281 hp. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road also leads in torque at 465 lb-ft vs 311 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road runs a 2.4L I4 hybrid Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: 4WD on the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited.
Is the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road is 17.3″ longer at 213.0″ vs 195.7″. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a 13.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 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 Toyota Tacoma 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: Toyota trims, Toyota Tacoma trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Cruz trims
Tacoma vs Santa Cruz: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited compete directly in the midsize truck segment, where towing capacity, payload, and cab comfort separate the contenders. The $-4,585 gap adds up to $81/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 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road runs a 2.4L I4 hybrid Turbo; the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has 45 more hp (326 vs 281), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road also delivers 154 more lb-ft of torque (465 vs 311), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Drivetrains differ: 4WD on the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, AWD on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited.
Running Costs: Tacoma vs Santa Cruz
The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road saves roughly $83/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $415.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2026 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 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a 13.6″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road weighs 735 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 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $83/year less on fuel. Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited when you want to keep $4,585 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 Toyota or Hyundai or any dealership.