Both the 2025 Nissan Frontier and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz are midsize trucks with style and modern tech. Yet, when it comes to real truck capability, the Frontier stands tall. It feels ready for work and play around Edmonton, from city streets to the trails. The Santa Cruz, though stylish and smooth, feels more like a crossover than a pickup.
Power That Feels Confident
The 2025 Nissan Frontier comes with a 3.8 litre V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 281 lb ft of torque. It uses a smooth nine speed automatic transmission and part time all wheel drive. This combination gives the Frontier strong towing power and quick response on steep climbs or during passing. It can tow up to 6680 pounds, which is more than enough for a small boat or a loaded trailer heading out to Jasper.
The Santa Cruz runs on a smaller 2.5 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine. It makes 281 horsepower and 311 lb ft of torque. While it pulls well, the truck’s unibody design limits its toughness and long term durability compared to the Frontier’s traditional body on frame build. The Hyundai feels more like an SUV with a bed than a true truck.
Real Truck Strength and Capability
The Nissan Frontier feels built to last. Its strong chassis and suspension handle heavy loads and rough terrain with ease. Hill descent control and off road tuned shocks on the PRO 4X trim add confidence on gravel and uneven roads. Payload capacity reaches up to 1610 pounds, giving it the edge for hauling gear or construction materials.
The Santa Cruz, on the other hand, has a lighter build and smaller four foot bed. While it can tow up to 5000 pounds, it’s better suited for light weekend tasks. Its shorter bed and lower payload make it less useful for serious work or long hauling.
Comfort and Tech That Work Together
Inside the Frontier, the cabin feels both practical and modern. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats reduce fatigue on long trips, and the new 12.3 inch infotainment screen keeps everything clear and easy to reach. Heated seats, heated steering wheel, and wireless smartphone connectivity are standard. The top trims add navigation and a premium Fender audio system that brings crisp sound on every drive.
The Santa Cruz interior is well designed but feels more compact. Rear seats are tighter, and the upright backrest makes longer rides less comfortable. The dual 12.3 inch digital screens look sleek, but most of the advanced tech and comfort features are limited to higher trims.
Safety That Stays Consistent
Every Frontier model now comes standard with important safety assists. These include blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation. The available 360 degree camera system helps drivers see obstacles around the truck when parking or towing.
While the Santa Cruz also includes modern safety tools, adaptive cruise and some driver assists are limited to upper trims. The Frontier makes safety accessible from the start, giving drivers peace of mind in all conditions.
A Truck Made for Alberta Roads
The 2025 Nissan Frontier feels like the right size for life in Alberta. It is powerful enough for real work yet comfortable for daily drives. Its solid frame, capable towing, and refined tech make it the better pick over the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Visit West End Nissan in Edmonton, AB to see the new 2025 Frontier in person. Experience how it combines strength, comfort, and dependability for every road and season.