Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz: Compact Truck Clash

The compact truck segment is heating up, and two contenders are vying for attention: the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Both offer a unique blend of car-like ride and truck utility, but which one is the right fit for your needs? Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Performance & Capability

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick impresses with its standard hybrid powertrain, delivering an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city, a remarkable figure for a pickup. If you crave more power, the available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine offers 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. With a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs, the Maverick can handle most everyday tasks with ease.
• Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz offers two engine choices: a 2.5-liter inline-4 with 191 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque or a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine can tow up to 5,000 lbs, out-towing the Maverick, while its payload capacity is slightly lower at 1,609 lbs.

 

Fuel Efficiency: The Maverick's Ace in the Hole

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick's standard hybrid powertrain is its biggest advantage in terms of fuel efficiency. It's the most fuel-efficient truck on the market, making it a great choice for budget-minded drivers and those prioritizing eco-friendliness.
• Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz's fuel economy is less impressive, with the base engine achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined and the turbocharged engine getting 23 mpg combined.

 

Interior Comfort & Technology: Modern vs. Luxurious

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick's interior prioritizes functionality and practicality, with clever storage solutions and comfortable seating. It also features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz's cabin boasts a more upscale feel with premium materials and a stylish design. It offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims.

 

Exterior Design: Rugged vs. Sporty

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick embraces a classic truck aesthetic with a boxy silhouette and a rugged front end. Its design is understated and functional, focusing on practicality and utility.
• Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz features a more sculpted and sporty design, with bold lines and a sloping roofline. It's a head-turner that appeals to those seeking a more stylish and car-like appearance.

 

Safety: Protecting What Matters

• Ford Maverick: The Maverick comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of driver-assist technologies that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.Higher trims offer additional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The 2023 Maverick received a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.  
• Hyundai Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz also boasts a strong safety suite with standard features like forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims get adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. It received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was also named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.  

 

What the Experts Say:

Ford Maverick:
 

Edmunds: "If you want a compact truck that looks like a truck, drives like a truck, and feels like a truck — congratulations! You've found it!."

J.D. Power: "The 2022 Ford Maverick has all the makings of a game-changer among midsize pickups. It's an affordable, entry-level truck offering great utility, comfort, and practicality without the garage-busting size and fuel thirst."  

 

Hyundai Santa Cruz:
 

Edmunds: "The Santa Cruz combines compact-truck utility with funky looks and a fun-to-drive attitude... it has a long list of features and a premium interior that certainly justify the bigger price tag."

Santa Cruz Forums: "It is a nice vehicle. My fifth top reason out of 5, was because of the tonneau cover. I can not understand why it is so unlikable. It is retractable and lockable. Can be removed, if need be. Also with a bed extender, it is length forgivable. Oh well."

  

 

The Verdict: Choosing Your Ideal Compact Truck

Both the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz offer a unique blend of car-like ride and truck versatility. The best choice for you depends on your priorities:

• Ford Maverick: If you prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality, the Maverick is a fantastic option.
• Hyundai Santa Cruz: If you value a more upscale interior, a sportier design, and stronger towing capabilities, the Santa Cruz might be a better fit.

   

Read More:
Ford Ranger vs Toyota Tacoma: The Maui Truck Showdown
Ford F-150 vs. Ram 1500: Which Truck is the Ultimate Workhorse for Maui?
Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender: Off-Road Icons Clash in an Epic Showdown

 

Experience the Ford Maverick at Valley Isle Motors Ford!

We invite you to visit Valley Isle Motors Ford to experience the Ford Maverick firsthand and discover why it's making waves in the compact truck segment. Our knowledgeable team will take the time to understand your needs and preferences, helping you find the perfect truck for your lifestyle and budget. And don't let credit concerns hold you back; we work with a variety of lenders to offer financing solutions for all credit situations. We're committed to making your car-buying experience enjoyable and stress-free, so you can focus on the excitement of hitting the open road in your new Maverick.