Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz: Compact Pickup Comparison

The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are two compact pickup trucks with different approaches to utility. The Maverick is a more conventional pickup with a hybrid engine, towing and hauling limits, and a bouncy ride. The Santa Cruz is classier and more comfortable, with a more SUV-like design, but lacks heavy hauling strength. The best choice depends on intended use. The Maverick offers an impressive 38 mpg combined and can tow up to 4,000 pounds, while the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a more robust payload capacity.

The 2025 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are two distinct compact pickup trucks, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. The Maverick is a more conventional pickup truck, featuring a hybrid engine, robust towing capabilities, and a bouncy ride. In contrast, the Santa Cruz is designed with a more SUV-like appearance, emphasizing comfort and class, but with less heavy hauling strength.

Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick, with its hybrid engine, offers an impressive 38 mpg combined fuel efficiency. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for those who need to haul equipment or small trailers. However, its ride is described as bouncy, which might not be ideal for those seeking a smoother ride. The Maverick's unique feature is its Lobo trim, which focuses on handling rather than hauling. The Lobo features a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Lobo's handling is enhanced by a suspension drop, torque-vectoring differential, and a quicker steering rack, making it a more agile truck on the road.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz, on the other hand, is designed with a more SUV-like appearance and focuses on comfort and class. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a more robust payload capacity. The Santa Cruz XRT trim introduces a set of 18-inch all-terrain tires, which enhance its off-road capability and grip. The Santa Cruz features a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Cruz's off-road performance is further enhanced by its 8.6 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive system.

Choosing the Right Truck

The choice between the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz depends on the intended use. The Maverick is ideal for those who need a truck with impressive fuel efficiency and towing capabilities, but may not prioritize a smooth ride. The Santa Cruz, with its SUV-like design and enhanced off-road capability, is a better choice for those who value comfort and class, but may not need the heavy hauling strength of the Maverick.

Conclusion

Both the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz offer unique features that cater to different user needs. The Maverick's hybrid engine, robust towing capabilities, and impressive fuel efficiency make it a practical choice for those who need to haul equipment or small trailers. The Santa Cruz's SUV-like design, enhanced off-road capability, and more robust payload capacity make it a better choice for those who value comfort and class. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the intended use and personal preferences.

References

[1] https://driving.ca/reviews/2025-ford-maverick-hyundai-santa-cruz-pickup-comparison