2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline in Fort Smith, AR

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

Pickup buyers in Fort Smith don’t always need a full-size truck, but they do expect real capability. Whether it’s hauling materials across town, loading up for a weekend at the lake, or simply navigating daily traffic through the River Valley, comfort and practicality matter just as much as horsepower.

That’s why the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Honda Ridgeline frequently end up on the same shopping list. Both offer pickup utility with smoother ride quality than traditional body-on-frame trucks. Where they differ is in how they balance size, powertrain options, interior design, technology features, efficiency, and long-term ownership coverage.

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, those distinctions tend to guide the final decision.

What Fort Smith Drivers Should Know

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

Bold Compact Energy vs Midsize Confidence

Hyundai takes a modern, athletic approach with Santa Cruz, pairing distinctive styling with a 4.3-foot integrated bed. Its smaller footprint makes navigating Rogers Avenue traffic, parking lots, and everyday errands around Fort Smith noticeably easier while still providing real hauling capability.

The Ridgeline presents a more traditional midsize pickup stance. With its 5.3-foot bed and familiar proportions, it feels closer to what many truck buyers expect, while still delivering smoother ride quality than most body-on-frame competitors.

H3: Design Highlights

• 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 separate in philosophy.

Buyers choosing the Santa Cruz can select between a 191-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder or a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5L engine. Turbo trims now pair with a refined 8-speed automatic transmission for 2026, improving low-speed smoothness. AWD is available across the lineup and standard on turbo models. When properly equipped, turbo versions reach 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds.

The Ridgeline simplifies the equation with one powertrain: a 280-horsepower 3.5L V6 paired to a 9-speed automatic and standard AWD. Acceleration is similarly strong at around 6.0 seconds to 60 mph, delivering smooth and consistent power delivery.

Drivers who value engine flexibility and stronger peak output may appreciate Santa Cruz’s turbo option, while those preferring a straightforward V6 setup with AWD included on every trim may prefer Ridgeline’s approach.

For a closer look at how Santa Cruz balances durability, towing strength, and available AWD capability, explore our in-depth breakdown of the Santa Cruz’s truck-focused engineering.

Performance Snapshot

• Santa Cruz: 191 hp (base) / 281 hp (turbo)
• Ridgeline: 280-hp V6
• Both reach 5,000 lbs towing when properly equipped

Modern Cabin Design vs Proven Practical Layout

Inside, Santa Cruz reflects Hyundai’s current SUV design language. Higher trims offer dual 12.3-inch displays, including a fully digital instrument cluster. The layout feels contemporary and tech-forward without becoming overwhelming.

The Ridgeline emphasizes practicality and space. Rear-seat room is among the most generous in the midsize pickup segment, and the 7.3-cubic-foot in-bed trunk combined with a dual-action tailgate adds meaningful everyday usability.

Both trucks seat five passengers comfortably and manage daily driving duties with ease.

Interior Highlights

• Both offer five-passenger seating
• Ridgeline provides more rear-seat room
• Santa Cruz offers a more modern display layout

Bigger Screens or Straightforward Controls?

Technology execution differs between the two trucks.

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 features a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. Wireless charging is standard, and navigation is available on select models.

Those prioritizing larger standard displays and a more digital presentation may lean toward Santa Cruz, while buyers who prefer a traditional interface may find Ridgeline’s setup appealing.

Technology Overview

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

Everyday Confidence on Fort Smith Roads

Both trucks include comprehensive driver-assistance technology designed to reduce daily driving stress.

The Santa Cruz offers lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and driver-attention warning as standard. Adaptive cruise control and additional highway-assist features are available on higher 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.

For commuting, highway travel, and family use in the River Valley, both provide strong confidence.

Safety Snapshot

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

You can learn more about how Hyundai SmartSense works in everyday driving conditions in our in-depth safety technology guide.

Power, AWD & Fuel Efficiency

Both trucks are powered exclusively by gas engines.

The Santa Cruz allows buyers to choose between efficiency and performance. Base FWD models achieve up to 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, while turbo AWD models return 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway. Turbo AWD trims tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Ridgeline delivers 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway on most trims (18/23 on TrailSport), with 5,000 pounds of towing capacity standard across the lineup.

Capability & Efficiency Highlights

• Santa Cruz delivers stronger highway MPG
• Both tow up to 5,000 pounds
• Ridgeline includes AWD standard on all trims

Long-Term Confidence: Warranty Matters

Warranty coverage is one of the clearest distinctions between these trucks.

Hyundai provides:

• 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty
• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance

Honda provides:

• 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 2 years/24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance

For buyers planning long-term ownership, Hyundai’s extended powertrain coverage can offer added peace of mind. Hyundai’s industry-leading coverage is explained in more detail in our breakdown of America’s Best Warranty.

Ownership Advantage

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

The Bottom Line for Fort Smith Drivers

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

For many drivers in Fort Smith, however, Santa Cruz offers stronger highway fuel economy, available turbocharged performance, modern digital displays, and significantly longer warranty coverage in a more maneuverable package.

Whether you’re loading up for a weekend getaway or exploring scenic spots around the River Valley, a versatile midsize pickup makes local adventures easier. If you’re planning your next outing, take a look at some of the best hiking destinations near Fort Smith and see why practical truck capability matters beyond the jobsite.

To explore trims, colors, and availability, visit Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith and see the latest 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz models in person.

FAQs

Is the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz more fuel-efficient than the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
Yes. Santa Cruz offers up to 30 mpg highway with the base engine, compared to Ridgeline’s 24 mpg highway rating on most trims.

Can both the 2026 Santa Cruz and 2026 Ridgeline tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes. Turbo AWD Santa Cruz models and all Ridgeline trims are rated up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Does the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offer better warranty coverage than the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
Yes. Santa Cruz includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, exceeding Ridgeline’s 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.

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