The problem is the Santa Cruz isn't really a mid-size truck, it's in the same vein as a Maverick. It should ride better as it has a small SUV front-wheel drive based drive train and suspension. It's not made to face the same obstacles of a real truck, it's more like a small front wheel or AWD car or SUV with a tiny box on the back.
I simply belong to both online owner forums and have been asked my opinion comparing the two platforms, simple as that. No offense meant either way.
Fair points, and no offense taken. Was simply comparing the two platforms from a driving & capability perspective regarding my personal experiences & opinions. I will point out that the Hyundai 2.5L engine is a much closer comparison to the 2.3L engine in the Ranger than the 2.0L in the Maverick, and Hyundai gave up some bed space to make the back seat feel more like the Ranger cab than the Maverick. This is what makes it feel more like a mid-size truck when driving than a compact. I always tell people just go drive one. I was not a fan of Hyundai until I drove the Santa Cruz, and still not a fan of many of their other platforms.
Won’t argue with sales statistics. There are many reasons why the Maverick is so popular, including offering a hybrid option as well as a slightly lower price point (most people are seeking the lowest price point when purchasing these low budget vehicles). Like I previously stated, I drove them all before purchasing, including the Maverick & Ranger, then chose based on the most comfortable seating, interior layout, paved road comfort (95% of miles driven), and of course warranty terms & coverages. As for personal past issues, our 2017 Ford Expedition Limited was a mechanical nightmare from the rear end that exploded at only 27k miles, constant cam phaser issues, warped & leaking exhaust manifolds, the list goes on & on. My 2021 Ford F250 had a transmission design flaw that Ford has been aware of (CDF drum) and has no intention of recalling in hopes it fails outside of warranty so the customer pays out of pocket vs warranty. You are truly rolling the dice regarding any new vehicle you purchase today whether you get a lemon or not. But I was simply comparing my personal experiences and opinions after driving both vehicles. Nothing more, nothing less.
no matter what the specs say , can't get past the looks... especially if somebody is hauling something like a washer/dryer or working man stuff in one, it just looks "off" to me and I would need a paper bag over my head for fear of being seen in it 
... but im old school, and I skipped most of that...
You must use a different user name in the other forums as a search didn't find this user name in them. So who asked you to compare them?
It just seamed like a strange out of left field thread to me, The one thing I will say is the picture he posted of that Tremor is one fine looking truck.
I have a Santa Cruz and the bed seems bigger to me than it looks. But my 2019 Ranger, ‘Ol Butterscotch, is my very favorite.
So, this is basically what I’ve tried to point out. I could ignore the post if it was in the “other vehicles” or “non-Ranger vehicles” or whatever it’s called thread but the original post is in the primary Ranger5g forum.
The 2013 Santa fe 2.0t we owned was virtually trouble free, but pre purchase mpg epa, was 27/21 , but hyundai got caught willfully falsifying the mpg test , and was rerated to 24/19 , they were fined $100m , then came the theta II engine debacle where they were fined $200m and had to replace what ultimately might be 1 m engines. But Hyundai and KIA keep improving, but for me can't say I have any plans to own again. I have seen reports they are having issues with some of their newer engines so the 100k/10yr power train warranty is a good thing.
Make sure you point out how much more reliable that Passat is than the new Tacoma….
