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Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (281 HP vs 579 HP), trunk space and price (28,800 $ vs 148,300 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Hyundai Santa Cruz or Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Key differences

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • significantly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly lighter
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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

  • clearly more power
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Santa Cruz

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Hyundai Santa Cruz is significantly cheaper – starting at 28,800 $ , while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class costs 148,300 $ . That’s a price difference of around 119,500 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Hyundai Santa Cruz performs clearly better – achieving 22 mpg, compared to 13 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. That’s a difference of about 9 mpg.

G-Class

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers clearly more power – delivering 579 HP compared to 281 HP. That’s roughly 298 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class delivers substantially more torque with 859 lb-ft compared to 311 lb-ft. That’s about 548 lb-ft more.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Hyundai Santa Cruz is clearly lighter – 3,779 lbs compared to 5,842 lbs. The difference is around 2,063 lbs.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai Santa Cruz stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $28,800
Santa Cruz

Hyundai Santa Cruz

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 191 - 281 HP
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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

General
View detailed analysis

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a city-friendly pickup with SUV manners, serving up a smooth ride and a surprisingly upscale cabin while still handling weekend projects without the drama. It doesn’t try to out-macho the big rigs; instead it wins with smart packaging, easy parking, and just enough adventure vibe to make every grocery run feel like a mini road trip.

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Reviews Hyundai Santa Cruz

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often affectionately called the "G-Wagon," is an iconic symbol of luxury blended with rugged off-road capability. Its distinctive and timeless boxy design has captivated auto enthusiasts around the world for decades, seamlessly bridging the gap between old-world charm and modern extravagance. Beyond its elite status, the G-Wagon offers a plush and technologically advanced interior, making it a favorite among those who crave both adventure and sophistication.

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Reviews Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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Hyundai Santa Cruz
Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
28,800 - 42,800 $
Price
148,300 - 186,100 $
FuelEconomy City
18 - 22 mpg
FuelEconomy City
13 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
26 - 30 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
16 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
17.7 gal
Fuel tank capacity
26.4 gal

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Pickup
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,779 - 4,295 lbs
Curb weight
5,842 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Trunk Volume
-
Length
195.9 in.
Length
182 - 191.9 in.
Width
75 in.
Width
76 - 78.1 in.
Height
66 in.
Height
77 - 80 in.

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Type
, Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 281 HP
Power HP
443 - 579 HP
Torque
181 - 311 lb-ft
Torque
413 - 859 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Engine Displacement
3 - 4 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What is the price of the Hyundai Santa Cruz?

Starting from 28,800 $.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.