Subaru Baja vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
Remember the Subaru Baja? That quirky yellow pickup truck-meets-outback mashup from the early 2000s? Well, the spirit of the Baja is back, and it’s kicked off a niche rivalry.
Hyundai’s Santa Cruz has stormed onto the scene, reviving the compact, lifestyle-focused truck that seemed lost to time. So, how do the old-school Baja and its modern successor stack up? Let’s dive in.
Old Quirks vs. New Tech
Picture the Baja, and imagine its boxy charm and two-tone paint jobs. It’s a funky little workhorse, ideal for hauling bikes around or tackling a light trail.
Inside, it’s pure early-2000s Subaru—simple and functional. The Santa Cruz, on the other hand, is sleek and modern.
It looks like a crossover SUV with the back chopped off. Loaded with tech, the Santa Cruz’s interior offers the comforts you’d expect in a modern ride.
The Heart of the Matter
Under the hood, the Baja keeps old-school with a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer engine. It’s enough oomph for daily driving, but don’t expect to be drag racing.
The Santa Cruz offers a standard peppy 4-cylinder or a punchy turbocharged option. This newer engine tech translates to better fuel economy and more power on tap.
Utility with a Twist
Both the Baja and Santa Cruz boast the cleverness of a multi-tool. The Baja has its nifty switchback feature: drop the tailgate and fold down the rear seats, and your cargo bed magically extends into the cabin.
While the Santa Cruz’s bed is smaller, it rocks a lockable trunk hidden underneath. Perfect for sandy beach towels or muddy gear you want out of sight.
Let’s be honest: the Baja is a cult classic. It’s got character and nostalgia going for it. But if you want practicality, modern performance, and a smoother ride, the Santa Cruz takes the win. It’s a true contender in the emerging world of “sport-adventure vehicles.”
However, the Baja holds a special place in automotive history. It was bold, weird, and unlike anything else on the road. One day, Subaru will surprise us with a Baja revival. Until then, we’ve got the Santa Cruz to carry the torch.
Features
Subaru Baja (2003-2006)
- Design: Quirky, boxy, two-tone paint jobs, SUV/pickup hybrid
- Engine: Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder (165 horsepower, 166 lb-ft torque)
- Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive (AWD), choice of automatic or manual transmissions
- Utility: The “Switchback” system allows the bed to extend into the cabin, with a 1,050-lb payload capacity
- Features: Simple and functional interior, basic amenities like air conditioning, CD player
- Pros: Unique character, fun to drive, surprisingly capable off-road
- Cons: Underpowered compared to modern trucks, dated interior, limited features
Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022 – Present)
- Design: Sleek, modern crossover truck styling
- Engine: Standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque), optional turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (281 horsepower, 311 lb-ft torque)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard, AWD available, 8-speed automatic transmission
- Utility: Short bed, innovative under-bed storage trunk, up to 1,600+ lb payload capacity (varies by trim)
- Features: Tech-rich interior with modern infotainment, available digital instrument cluster, extensive safety features
- Pros: Comfortable ride, powerful turbo engine option, fuel-efficient, wide range of creature comforts
- Cons: Smaller bed than traditional trucks, not as off-road-focused as some rivals
Feature Highlights
Here’s where the Baja and Santa Cruz differ:
- Technology: The Santa Cruz wins hands down. Modern infotainment, driver aids, and safety features were unavailable when the Baja was around.
- Comfort: Santa Cruz’s emphasis on a car-like ride and interior quality trumps the Baja’s practical approach.
- Power: The Santa Cruz outperforms the Baja significantly, especially with the optional turbo engine.
- Fuel economy: Modern engines in Santa Cruz offer better fuel efficiency.
Which One to Choose
- Subaru Baja: If you want old-school charm, a quirky vehicle, and decent off-road chops, the Baja’s low price on the used market makes it an exciting contender. Just expect something other than modern features or refinement.
- Hyundai Santa Cruz: If you value comfort, technology, power, and fuel efficiency in a versatile package, then the Santa Cruz is the clear winner.
