2023 RAM 2500 vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel presented a familiar yet distinct appearance, closely resembling the Power Wagon but with notable differences. It featured an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a sleek, blacked-out look, omitting the graphics, 17-inch wheels, and the 12,000-pound Warn winch of its counterpart. The Rebel's aggressive stance was complemented by a Rebel-specific grille and a crew-cab configuration with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. It offered a choice between a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine and a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six, the latter unavailable in the Power Wagon due to cooling requirements.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz was a compact unibody crossover with a small bed, available in trims like SE, SEL, Night, and the new XRT, with the Limited trim being the top-tier option. It was about 14 inches longer than the Hyundai Tucson, sharing a similar front end with a distinctive grille. The design was intentional, with protruding fenders and a sharply raked C-pillar, making it stand out. Inside, the Santa Cruz offered high-quality materials and a cohesive design, with a funky four-spoked steering wheel and a horizontal trim bar delineating driver and passenger spaces.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel came with a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It also offered a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six with 370 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, using a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel option, though more efficient, was a costly upgrade and not the towing champion. The V8 provided a maximum towing capacity of 16,870 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,140 pounds. The Rebel's off-road capabilities were enhanced with 20-inch wheels, off-road tires, and a locking rear differential, making it nearly as capable as the Power Wagon.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque in lower trims, while the turbocharged version in our tester delivered 282 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided a peppy performance. The Santa Cruz excelled in maneuverability, making it ideal for city driving and tight spaces. It also featured an AWD system with a center locking differential for off-road performance, though its ground clearance and geometry limited its off-road capabilities.

Entering the 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some physical effort, with large handles aiding the climb into the cab. The interior offered options for cloth or leather upholstery, with our test vehicle featuring premium Natura Plus leather and bucket seats. The back seat was spacious, with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. Storage was ample, with hidden compartments and a versatile cargo box with options like a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz, while not a traditional pickup, offered practical utility. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with AWD and a robust cargo bed measuring 52 inches long and nearly 54 inches wide. Lockable underfloor storage and multiple tie-down points enhanced its functionality. Inside, the rear seats folded up for taller items, though rear legroom was limited. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, with ventilated seats available on the Limited trim.

The 2023 RAM 2500 featured a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and an advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The truck also offered enhanced camera systems and trailering technologies, such as blind-spot cameras and Trailer Reverse Steering Control.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims had a 10.25-inch display with wired compatibility. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though it lacked a physical volume knob. Charging options included USB-A ports and wireless charging on higher trims.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, crash-test ratings were unavailable due to its size and weight.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz provided a robust set of safety features, with all trims equipped with forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Limited trim added adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot view monitor. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in front crash tests, though the IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model.