2023 Ford Ranger vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Fords are built tough, but can the new Ranger stand up against the latest Santa Cruz? The great thing about Ford trucks is that they come in many shapes and powertrains for an adaptable ride that fits your style. On the other hand, Hyundai has a knack for creating award-winning vehicles. This is a tough battle, but the dedicated team at Essential Ford of Stuart is here to find the winner between the 2023 Ford Ranger and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz! To see what we currently have, you can always browse our new inventory online! 

2023 Ford Ranger vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

When you choose Ford, you get to choose from a range of possibilities that best suit your personality and driving style. This is especially true for the 2023 Ranger with two distinct cab options and available add-on packages to enhance your powertrain. The Santa Cruz is still a very capable pickup truck which is expected from a critically-acclaimed car manufacturer, but the lack of choices makes it feel rather bland in comparison since not all drivers are the same.


Performance

The new Ford Ranger comes well-equipped with a robust 2.3L EcoBoost engine capable of 270 horsepower and 310 ft.-lb. of torque. With the available trailer tow package, the Ranger can tug around up to 7,500 pounds. Other available packages include the Tremor Off-Road Package with a heavier suspension and increased ground clearance, the Terrain Management System with 4 selectable drive modes, and three distinct levels of performance packages to boost your driving experience. Even without opting for additional packages, the Ranger is a workhorse in its own right with a double A-arm front suspension with nitrogen-pressurized shocks for smooth driving over rough and unpredictable terrain and an electronic-shift-on-the-fly system to transform your Ranger into a four-wheeler without slowing down.

The new Santa Cruz has a lot to go up against, so we’re not surprised that it can’t keep up with Ford’s prized contender. Although the 2.5L turbo engine in the Santa Cruz can support up to 281 horsepower, the absence of additional driving enhancements and available packages feels lackluster. All it has to offer is an available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system and the choice between an 8-speed automatic transmission and an 8-speed DCT. Even the towing capacity falls short by up to 5,000 pounds compared to the Ranger’s 7,500-pound towing capacity.

Safety & Features

Both trucks come equipped with standard safety and driver-assist packages. The Ranger comes with Ford Co-Pilot 360 while the Santa Cruz has Hyundai SmartSense. They’re both fairly similar so there’s not much to say in that department, but as expected of Ford, the Ranger is built with strength and durability in mind. This includes a high-strength steel frame for added protection should you find yourself in the middle of a tumble, and steel skid plates for a shielded undercarriage that’s available in the FX4 and Tremor Off-Road packages. The new Santa Cruz isn’t as buff when it comes to the frame itself. Instead, you get the support of rain-sensing windshield wipers and various camera monitors. This isn’t so bad for proactive safety, but it won’t do you any good if an unfortunate accident were to happen.


Interior

With the new Ford Ranger, you have the pleasure of choosing between the passenger-friendly Supercrew cabin and the storage-focused Supercab. And because the Ranger is an incredible heavy-duty vehicle, there are bucket seats in the front row to help keep you secured in place during your grand adventures. The dual LCD instrument cluster comes in handy by displaying all of your driver information, and the 8-inch infotainment screen can give you easy access to the dynamic B&O Sound System delivering 660 watts through 10 speakers. You’ll also be thrilled to know that the Ranger provides ample under-seat storage to stash away your goods where they won’t be in your way.

There’s still much to admire in the Santa Cruz’ cabin space like ambient lighting, leather trims, and a sunroof. However, those who prioritize functionality may find these features to be superficial. In that case, the only technology to be considered useful would be the Dynamic Voice Control and dual automatic temperature system. Seasoned audiophiles may also prefer the Ranger’s robust B&O sound system over the Bose setup in the Santa Cruz.

Bottom Line

There’s a reason why Ford has such a dedicated fan base, and it’s because of big and tough vehicles like the latest 2023 Ranger. It’s powerful, durable, and offers room for increased utility and all-terrain capability. The Santa Cruz is a decent truck overall, but much of it is for show.


Ask Us About The 2023 Ford Ranger!

Looking to get your hands on a new Ford Ranger? Call Essential Ford of Stuart at (727) 287-0955 to ask about our current stock of Ford-tough vehicles! We have a wide range of Fords that are crafted for optimal performance and durability to act as your reliable companion everywhere you go. You’re also free to shop our new inventory online at any time.