Open Today Sales: 8:30 AM-9 PMOpen Today Service: 8 AM-5 PM
You’ve planned the trip, booked the campsite, and set aside the supplies. Now, you just need a compact truck to take you on this adventure that goes well beyond the borders of San Diego, Kearny Mesa, or Chula Vista, CA.
If you’re torn between the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and the Hyundai Santa Cruz, our team at Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego can help you decide. Let’s ride!
MAX HORSEPOWER
MAX TOWING CAPACITY
XTRACAB
These trucks are built on the spirit of adventure. When you’re ready to get out of that rut, expand your horizons, and test the limits of your courage, they’re ready to stand by your side through it all. Let’s see how they fare when you take your journey off the map!
One major off-roading difference these trucks bring to the table is their drivetrains. The Toyota Tacoma is available with 4-wheel drive, while the Santa Cruz offers all-wheel drive. What’s the difference? Only one is well-suited for the remote off-road trails you frequent.
All-wheel drive intuitively distributes power between each wheel independently for the ideal amount of traction on paved surfaces. It can also handle some light off-roading. Four-wheel drive, on the other hand, splits power evenly between all the wheels. This gives you more capability to bowl over large obstacles and trudge through mud—making it ideal for off-roading.
Is it that elusive 8-point buck, tonight’s campsite, or that scenic overlook? Whatever you’re hunting for, you’ll be able to find it at the helm of the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter. It comes chock-full of integrated off-roading equipment like Old Man Emu® shock absorbers and frame-mounted rock rails to protect the underbody.
Whether it’s your travel trailer or your jet skis, there’s always something to hitch to your truck. That’s why it’s important to choose the model that can pull the most weight. The traditional body-on-frame build of the Toyota Tacoma makes it the clear front-runner here. The question is, by how much?
The i-FORCE engines are another secret to the strength of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. They include:
The engines available with the Hyundai Santa Cruz need to catch up. Its standard 2.5L inline 4-cylinder is only capable of 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while its optional 2.5L inline 4-cylinder turbo kicks out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
You’ll be able to pull an admirable 5,000 pounds with the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Toyota Tacoma, however, will be able to haul the extra weight of your travel trailer. It has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
Whether it’s the carabiner on your belt loop or the water bottle pouch on the side of your pack, practicality makes your journeys easier. Luckily, the Tacoma and the Santa Cruz come packed with specialized solutions that will help make storing and trekking even simpler.
How long is your next camping excursion? If you’re out for weeks at a time, your truck bed will be filled to the brim. That makes your truck’s payload essential. The Santa Cruz can carry up to 1,411 pounds. If you’re bringing an extra cooler and all your climbing gear, you’ll appreciate the 1,709-pound maximum payload capacity of the Tacoma.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is only offered with one cab configuration. The Tacoma goes one step further. It comes standard with a Double Cab and is also available with the unique XtraCab, which takes practicality to a new level.
It replaces the rear seats with lockable storage under the floor and in the back panel. The passenger seat can also fold flat to transform into a workspace.
Now that you know how both the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and the Hyundai Santa Cruz will fare on your next adventure, it’s time to choose the one you’ll take with you. If you’re looking for the truck that’s more powerful, practical, and off-road-ready, the Tacoma is the clear choice.
When you’re ready to hit the trails around San Diego, Kearny Mesa, and Chula Vista, CA, schedule a test drive at Norm Reeves Toyota San Diego today!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2024 Tacoma for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop Toyota Tacoma Value Your Trade Apply for Financing Schedule a Test Drive
