2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline in Bentonville, AR

Santa Cruz or Ridgeline: Which Truck Makes More Sense in Bentonville?

If you’re deciding between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs the 2026 Honda Ridgeline in Bentonville, AR, you’re likely looking for a truck that delivers real capability without oversized bulk or rough ride quality. Many Northwest Arkansas drivers want something comfortable enough for commuting, versatile enough for weekend projects, and efficient enough for everyday life.

At Crain Hyundai of Bentonville, many drivers find themselves choosing between these two trucks because both deliver everyday comfort with real pickup capability. The differences come down to powertrain options, technology, interior refinement, efficiency, and long-term value—all areas where the Santa Cruz often pulls ahead.

What Bentonville Drivers Should Know

• Both prioritize comfort over traditional truck harshness
• Santa Cruz is more compact and maneuverable
• Ridgeline offers a longer bed and standard AWD

Bold Compact Energy vs Midsize Confidence

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out immediately with modern styling and a compact footprint. Its 4.3-foot integrated bed and athletic proportions make it easy to navigate tight parking areas around Bentonville while still offering real cargo versatility.

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline leans into a more traditional midsize presence. With its 5.3-foot bed and familiar pickup profile, it feels closer to a conventional truck, though it still rides smoother than body-on-frame competitors.

Design Snapshot

• Santa Cruz: Smaller and city-friendly
• Ridgeline: Longer 5.3-foot bed
• Santa Cruz: Sportier overall appearance

Turbo Flexibility vs V6 Simplicity

Performance is where these two trucks take different approaches.

The Santa Cruz gives buyers options: a 191-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder for efficiency or a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder for stronger acceleration. For 2026, turbo trims now use a refined 8-speed automatic transmission, improving low-speed smoothness and daily drivability. Turbo models come standard with AWD and reach 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds.

The Ridgeline simplifies the formula with a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 paired to a 9-speed automatic and standard AWD on every trim. It also runs to 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds and delivers consistent, linear power delivery.

If you value engine choice and available turbo punch, the Santa Cruz provides more flexibility. For a deeper dive into its towing strength and drivetrain setup, explore our 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Reliability, Towing Power, and 4WD Performance guide.

Performance Breakdown

• Santa Cruz: Two engine options (191 hp or 281 hp)
• Ridgeline: 280-hp V6 with standard AWD
• Turbo Santa Cruz slightly edges peak horsepower

Modern Cabin Design vs Proven Practical Layout

Inside, the Santa Cruz feels modern and digital-forward. Higher trims feature dual 12.3-inch displays, including a fully digital gauge cluster. The cabin mirrors Hyundai’s SUV lineup with upscale materials and a tech-focused layout.

The Ridgeline emphasizes usable space and functionality. It offers one of the roomiest rear seats in the midsize pickup segment. Its 7.3-cubic-foot in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate make loading and organizing cargo simple.

Both trucks seat five comfortably.

Interior Highlights

• Both offer five-passenger seating
• Ridgeline delivers more rear-seat room
• Santa Cruz feels more modern and upscale

Bigger Screens or Straightforward Controls?

Technology plays out differently in each truck.

The Santa Cruz includes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Upper trims add a digital gauge cluster and available Bose premium audio.

The Ridgeline includes a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. Wireless charging is standard, and navigation is available on higher trims.

Drivers who prioritize screen size and digital presentation may prefer the Santa Cruz. Those who prefer a simpler, familiar interface may lean toward the Ridgeline.

Technology Overview

• Santa Cruz: 12.3-inch standard touchscreen
• Ridgeline: 9-inch touchscreen
• Both include wireless smartphone connectivity

Everyday Confidence on Bentonville Roads

Both trucks include advanced driver-assist technology designed for real-world safety.

The Santa Cruz includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency 

braking, and driver-attention warning as standard. Adaptive cruise control and highway driving assist are available on upper trims.

The Ridgeline includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition as standard equipment. Parking sensors appear on select trims.

To see how these systems work in real-world driving, read Enhance Your Drive: Discover the Benefits of Hyundai SmartSense. 

Safety Snapshot

• Both include automatic emergency braking
• Ridgeline includes adaptive cruise standard
• Santa Cruz expands advanced systems on higher trims

Power, AWD & Fuel Efficiency (Gas Models Only)

Both trucks focus exclusively on gas-powered performance.

The Santa Cruz gives drivers a choice: efficient 191-hp commuting power or a 281-hp turbo engine with standard AWD. Turbo AWD models tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Ridgeline uses a single 280-hp V6 with standard AWD and also tows up to 5,000 pounds.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

• 191 hp (base) / 281 hp (turbo)
• AWD available; standard on turbo trims
• 22/30 mpg (base FWD)
• 19/27 mpg (turbo AWD)
• Up to 5,000 lbs towing

Honda Ridgeline

• 280 hp
• AWD standard
• 18/24 mpg (most trims)
• 18/23 mpg (TrailSport)
• 5,000 lbs towing

Capability & Efficiency Highlights

• Santa Cruz delivers stronger highway MPG
• Both tow up to 5,000 pounds
• Ridgeline simplifies with standard AWD

Long-Term Confidence: Warranty Matters

Warranty coverage is one of the Santa Cruz’s biggest advantages.

Hyundai provides a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

The Ridgeline includes a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with 2 years/24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

You can learn more about that coverage in America’s Best Warranty: Comprehensive Protection at Crain Hyundai of Bentonville.

Ownership Advantage

• Santa Cruz: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage
• Longer complimentary maintenance
• Ridgeline warranty is shorter

The Bottom Line for Bentonville Drivers

Both trucks deliver smooth ride quality and 5,000-pound towing capability. The Ridgeline shines in rear-seat space and midsize practicality.

However, for most buyers weighing the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline in Bentonville, AR, the Santa Cruz offers the stronger overall value. It delivers better highway fuel economy, available turbocharged performance, more modern displays, and significantly longer warranty coverage, all in a compact, easier-to-maneuver package.

Planning a weekend getaway? Check out 6 Favorite Camping Destinations Near Bentonville, AR to see why a compact AWD truck fits Northwest Arkansas living.

FAQs

Which truck is more fuel efficient in Bentonville, AR?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers higher highway MPG ratings, reaching up to 30 mpg with the base engine, compared to the Honda Ridgeline’s 24 mpg highway rating on most trims.

Do both trucks tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. When properly equipped, both the Santa Cruz (with the turbo AWD setup) and the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Which truck offers better warranty coverage?
The Santa Cruz provides a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which exceeds the Ridgeline’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.

Tags: 2026 Honda Ridgeline, 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Bentonville AR trucks, compact pickup truck, Hyundai warranty, midsize pickup truck, Santa Cruz vs Ridgeline, towing capacity
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