2025 Jeep Gladiator vs. Hyundai SANTA CRUZ
When you’re in the market for a pickup truck, choices such as the 2025 Jeep Gladiator and the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ stand out for their unique offerings. Each vehicle brings something different to the table, making it crucial to understand their features, performance, and pricing. Whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising around town, this car feature comparison by our team at Auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) will help you determine which pickup fits your adventurous lifestyle best.
Design and Exterior Features
The Jeep Gladiator maintains its rugged, off-road-ready aesthetic with signature features such as removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and three roof options: the Sunrider for Hardtop, Zipperless Sunrider Soft Top, and Black Freedom Top Hardtop. Its high-strength steel bed and lightweight aluminum components enhance durability and fuel efficiency, while the available Corning Gorilla Glass windshield offers added protection during adventurous drives on the trails around Auburn, California. A variety of wheel designs, including 17-inch and 20-inch options, and new paint colors such as Fathom Blue and military olive drab-inspired ’41 complement the Gladiator’s bold exterior.
In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ features a more modern and sleek design, blending the ruggedness of a truck with the sophistication of an SUV. It boasts a new front fascia, grille, and larger headlamps, giving it a more aggressive and commanding presence. Hyundai has designed the SANTA CRUZ’s bed for functionality, with storage on both sides, an available 115-volt power outlet, and a sealed underfloor bin with drains.
The SANTA CRUZ also offers a lockable tonneau cover for added security and an XRT trim with all-terrain tires and front tow hooks for off-road enthusiasts. The exterior color options, such as Sage Gray, Rockwood Green, and Canyon Red, enhance its bold appearance.
Performance and Capability
Jeep has designed the 2025 Gladiator for off-road excellence, with its sturdy build and advanced four-wheel-drive systems. It features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine generating 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Options such as Rock-Trac and Command-Trac offer great traction on tough terrains. The truck’s maximum towing capacity is 7,700 pounds, and it can handle a payload of 1,725 pounds. Off-road features include Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials, sway bar disconnects, and steel skid plates for rugged adventures.
Meanwhile, the new SANTA CRUZ offers a more urban-friendly performance with its unibody construction and two engine options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivers a more spirited 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The SANTA CRUZ’s towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine, and it provides a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its car-like suspension. While it may not match the Gladiator’s off-road prowess, the SANTA CRUZ excels in fuel efficiency and everyday drivability, making it a versatile choice if you need a capable yet refined vehicle for both city and light off-road use.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside both vehicles cater to comfort and technology, though they do so in different ways. The new Jeep Gladiator features available heated 12-way power front seats with premium materials such as quilted nappa leather trim. Designed for practicality, the Gladiator has a durable wash-out interior and best-in-class rear-seat legroom. Technology-wise, it boasts a class-leading 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Uconnect 5, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also includes a removable Bluetooth speaker for outdoor entertainment, making it a versatile choice for both rugged and everyday use.
Conversely, the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ leans heavily into a more upscale cabin experience, drawing inspiration from its TUCSON SUV sibling. It features a redesigned dashboard with a panoramic infotainment screen that combines two 12.3-inch displays, offering a sleek and cohesive look. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trim levels, enhancing connectivity and convenience.
The SANTA CRUZ’s interior features include available leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Although the rear seats may not be as spacious as those in the Gladiator, the SANTA CRUZ offers a comfortable and tech-savvy environment, making it ideal for both urban driving and light off-road adventures around Auburn.
Pricing, Reliability, and Ownership Costs
The 2025 Gladiator starts at an MSRP of $38,695 for the base Sport model and goes up to $61,995 for the top-tier Mojave X trim. In contrast, the 2025 SANTA CRUZ is more affordable, with an MSRP of $28,650 for the base SE model, reaching up to $42,650 for the fully loaded Limited trim. This price difference reflects the Gladiator’s focus on off-road capability and rugged features, while the SANTA CRUZ offers a more urban-friendly and versatile design.
When it comes to reliability, Consumer Reports expects the new Jeep Gladiator to have about average reliability, with a predicted reliability score of around 3 out of 5. Although J.D. Power gave the 2025 SANTA CRUZ a reliability score of 87 out of 100, Consumer Reports predicted it to be less reliable than the average new car.
Ownership costs for both vehicles vary significantly. The Jeep Gladiator’s five-year ownership cost is estimated to be around $65,152, which includes depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and loan interest. The Gladiator’s higher costs are partly due to its lower fuel efficiency and higher maintenance expenses. In comparison, the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ has a lower estimated five-year ownership cost of approximately $51,628. This includes similar categories of expenses but benefits from better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
Make the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle
In the battle of the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ vs. Jeep Gladiator, your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle and preferences. If you crave rugged adventures, off-road capabilities, and a classic pickup design, the new Jeep Gladiator holds the edge. However, if you prefer a stylish, comfortable ride with a tech-rich interior and a budget-friendly price tag, the SANTA CRUZ might be your best bet.
Visit us at Auburn CDJR today to explore the 2025 Jeep Gladiator in person and take one for a test-drive. Your next adventure awaits.