2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Toyota RAV4

$28,750 · Crossover

$29,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz grabs attention with its unique crossover-truck fusion, sporting a length of 195.7 inches, offering a distinct utility profile right from its $28,750 starting price. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 stands as the efficiency king, boasting a superb 30 MPG combined, surpassing the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined by a solid 5 MPG margin. While the RAV4 generates slightly more power at 203 hp compared to the Santa Cruz's 191 hp, both front-wheel-drive crossovers utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 also offers better fuel economy on the highway at 35 MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 30 MPG, making it a clearer choice for long-haul commuters focused purely on minimizing fuel stops. However, the slightly larger dimensions of the Santa Cruz hint at a potentially more sprawling presence on the road compared to the RAV4’s tighter 180.9-inch length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is the practical family choice as it offers dedicated cargo space measured at 37.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its unique crossover-truck styling and slightly lower starting MSRP of $28,750.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz provides compelling value starting at $28,750, significantly undercutting the RAV4's $29,800 entry point.

Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...

You prioritize a lower entry cost, with the Santa Cruz starting at $28,750 compared to $29,800 for the RAV4.
You desire the distinct visual statement and utility blend of a compact crossover truck.
You prefer a vehicle with a longer wheelbase for potentially different on-road dynamics, measuring 195.7 inches in length.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the RAV4 achieves 35 Highway MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 30 Highway MPG.
You require dedicated, enclosed storage, as the RAV4 offers 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want slightly more raw output from the base engine, evidenced by the RAV4's 203 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Santa Cruz	Toyota RAV4
Length	195.7"	180.9"
Width	75.0"	73.0"
Height	66.7"	67.0"
Wheelbase	118.3"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	203 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/30 MPG	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	389.4/531.0 mi.	391.5/507.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.5 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.5 in.	47.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2025 Toyota RAV4.

What is the primary difference in fuel efficiency between the two crossovers?

The Toyota RAV4 is the clear leader in fuel consumption, achieving 30 MPG combined, whereas the Hyundai Santa Cruz manages 25 MPG combined. This 5 MPG difference is substantial for daily drivers.

Which vehicle is more powerful in its base configuration?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 offers a slight performance edge with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Santa Cruz's 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.

How do the starting prices compare for the base FWD models?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz enters the market at a lower point with an MSRP of $28,750, while the base Toyota RAV4 is priced slightly higher at $29,800.

Does the difference in dimensions affect utility?

Yes, the RAV4 provides 37.6 cubic feet of enclosed cargo capacity, a dedicated metric not specified for the longer 195.7-inch Santa Cruz, which blends a crossover cabin with a small truck bed.

Are the transmissions the same in both vehicles?

Both the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2025 RAV4 are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting similar shifting characteristics across both front-wheel-drive models.