Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz: Which Compact Truck Is Right for Everyday Utility?

The Ford Maverick vs Hyundai SANTA CRUZ prove that when it comes to pickups, bigger isn't always better. Providing an affordable alternative to larger pickups, they combine practical truck features with superior handling, performance, and fuel economy. But you may be unsure which of the two to choose. In our Ford Maverick and Hyundai SANTA CRUZ comparison, our team at Stivers Ford of Montgomery will assess their specifications to help you make an informed decision.

Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz - Performance and Capability

When comparing the Ford Maverick vs Hyundai SANTA CRUZ, both feature a capable base powertrain and a more powerful turbocharged option. The Maverick's standard powertrain is a hybrid system comprising a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produces 191 horsepower. The SANTA CRUZ also features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower, meaning both trucks offer comparable acceleration. They won't push you back in your seat, but they're more than capable of keeping up with Montgomery traffic.

There's little to separate the turbocharged options either. Both vehicles have an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that becomes standard on the higher trims. The Maverick produces 250 horsepower while the SANTA CRUZ delivers 281 horsepower. Despite its smaller horsepower, the turbocharged Maverick reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the turbocharged SANTA CRUZ. Unlike the SANTA CRUZ, though, the Maverick also features a performance-focused trim: new this year, the Lobo comes equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and upgraded brakes.

Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz - Towing Capacity Compared

The turbocharged SANTA CRUZ's higher horsepower makes it the superior towing option, with a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the Maverick with the optional tow package. The SANTA CRUZ also performs better at the base level, with its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds surpassing the Maverick's 2,000-pound capacity.

Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz - Fuel Economy Compared

The Maverick's hybrid engine makes it the clear winner in terms of fuel economy. The EPA estimates this model will achieve 42 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. Choose AWD and fuel economy dips slightly to 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Even the nonhybrid version outranks the SANTA CRUZ, though. Both the gas-powered Maverick and base SANTA CRUZ achieve 22 mpg in the city, but the Maverick delivers 30 mpg on the highway while the SANTA CRUZ produces 26 mpg. The gap widens even more when you choose the turbocharged SANTA CRUZ, which achieves 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz - Comfort and Interior Features

Ford and Hyundai both offer spacious cabins that comfortably seat five people. Their dimensions are virtually identical, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. Both models also feature six-way adjustable driver seats and four-way adjustable front passenger seats as standard. However, only the Maverick has lumbar support for the driver and front passenger from the base level, so you may feel more supported in the Ford truck on long drives.

There's little to separate the cloth upholstery both brands use at the base level, but the gap widens at the top end. While the Maverick's premium synthetic is attractive, it's not as sumptuously soft as the leather used on the SANTA CRUZ Limited trim.

Before 2025, we'd have given the Hyundai the infotainment edge, but Ford has enhanced its offerings this year. The Maverick's new 13.2-inch touchscreen display, available on all trim levels, is a significant improvement over the previous 8-inch screen. It also reigns supreme over the Hyundai's 12.3-inch version. Both vehicles help you easily expand your available apps with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Only the Hyundai recognizes voice commands and supports wireless charging, but the Maverick does offer in-car Wi-Fi, which is missing on the SANTA CRUZ.

Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz - Safety and Reliability

First-class engineering and an assortment of driver-assistance features should help you feel safe in either the Maverick or the SANTA CRUZ. The latter's overall five-star safety rating, as determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's crash tests, is impressive, but the Maverick's four-star result isn't too far behind.

Ford combines a range of driver-assistance features in its Co-Pilot360 system, while Hyundai provides SmartSense. Both have several key inclusions from the base trim upwards, such as active lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and a backup camera for safer reversing. The SANTA CRUZ also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which you'll pay extra for in the Maverick. However, only the Ford offers parking sensors as an option for its top trims.

Both trucks received strong J.D. Power consumer ratings this year, with the SANTA CRUZ's quality and reliability rating of 87 just beating the Maverick's rating of 85. However, it's important to note that J.D. Power considers any score between 81 and 90 to be “great.”

Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz Pricing Compared

Both trucks offer excellent value for money, but the Ford Maverick's slightly lower price points give it the edge. At the entry level, the Maverick XL costs $29,840 while the SANTA CRUZ SE costs $30,245. At the top end, the Maverick Lobo High costs $43,120, slightly less than the SANTA CRUZ Limited at $44,245. With five different Maverick trims and four different SANTA CRUZ trims, Ford offers you more choices, so you won't spend money on features you don't need.

Final Verdict: Which Truck Is Best for You?

Both trucks are quality vehicles, but the availability of fuel-efficient hybrid versions, lower prices, and a wider range of trims all tip the scales slightly in the Ford Maverick's favor. If you'd like to learn more about this capable compact truck, contact Stivers Ford of Montgomery online or call us at 888-825-8308. Ask about our flexible financing options that can help you drive away in a new Ford Maverick sooner.

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