2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz

In this 2023 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz comparison, we’ll look at the numbers. This includes performance stats, cabin size, bed size, payload, towing, and more. We’ll also look at standard features, packaging, and price.

This bumper-to-bumper look at the two trucks is for pickup enthusiasts as well as serious shoppers. Let’s go.

1. Gas Mileage

   Better fuel economy is often the first reason that the Maverick is singled out over the Santa Cruz. There’s a good reason for that, and it’s not just because the Maverick is the only midsize hybrid truck.

   Both Maverick engines have better fuel economy than the Santa Cruz engines. There’s basically no scenario where you can get better fuel economy if you buy the Hyundai.

   While the Santa Cruz driver is earning only 22 mpg, the Maverick driver is earning 42 miles per gallon in city driving. That’s a 20 mile difference, nearly twice as much. On the interstate, the hybrid earns 33 mpg while the Santa Cruz earns only 26 mpg.

   

   Then there’s the Maverick turbo. Earning 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, it beats the standard Santa Cruz (22/26 mpg) and the Santa Cruz turbo (19/27 mpg).

   You can definitely save at the pump, but only if you choose one of the Mavericks. That’s quite an incentive to pick the Ford truck.

2. Price Range

   The 2023 Maverick price range is $22,595 to $28,355. That covers three trims: XL, XLT and Lariat. There is no charge for switching from the hybrid to the turbo.

   Like most trucks, all-wheel drive is an extra expense. Plus, there are special off-road packages you won’t find on the Hyundai. Still, it’s hard to see how the Maverick could ever set you back as much as the Santa Cruz.

   The Hyundai truck has five trim levels. Santa Cruz prices range from $25,700 to $40,070. All wheel drive is an extra expense. In order to score the turbo, you’ll definitely have to pay more than you would with the Maverick turbo.

3. Powertrain Comparison

   The 2023 Ford Maverick is powered by a 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain. It can challenge the Santa Cruz standard gas-powered engine. This unit also produces 191 horsepower. So that’s encouraging for those who feared the hybrid technology would pay a power penalty.

   As previously stated, the Santa Cruz Turbo pays a big fuel economy penalty to achieve its 281 horsepower. The much thriftier Maverick Turbo still has a very peppy output. It is rated for 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

   Standing behind the Maverick, there’s the Built Ford Tough reputation and all the know-how that comes from the top selling American truck. The Santa Cruz is Hyundai’s first truck, and it has no history behind it.

   What about payload and towing? How does the Maverick measure up?

   You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that it holds its own again and again.

4. Towing Capacity

   First, let’s take a look at the advertised 3,500-lb rating for the standard Santa Cruz engine and the 5,000-lb rating for the turbo. It seems like Hyundai is going to win this contest. However, you have to look at the fine print.

   To achieve these better ratings, the owner must pay for an aftermarket trailer brake controller. Plus the vehicle must be wired to receive it. These aftermarket changes are not under warranty, and they come at a definite expense.

   So, what if you don’t invest more money for towing? The 2023 Santa Cruz base engine can tow 1,650 lbs. Turbos can tow 3,500 lbs. That is not as much as the Ford models.

   With the Ford tow package, the Maverick Hybrid can pull 2,000 pounds. The Maverick turbo can pull 4,000 pounds. Any necessary upgrades are done by Ford and are covered under warranty.

5. Bed Size and Payload Capacity

   When you choose the Santa Cruz truck, the four-foot bed is half a foot shorter than the Maverick’s bed. The published payload rating is 1,521 pounds, but you have to wonder how you can fit that much stuff in a 27-cubic foot space.

   On the other hand, the Maverick bed measures 33 cubic feet. It is 4-feet, six inches long. It is rated for 1,500 pounds. The flat tailgate can handle up to 500 pounds. You can even use the tailgate at an angle and put up to 400 pounds of weight on it.

   

   Both truck beds are offered with customized organizational features. This includes a tonneau cover, bike racks, and more. However, only the Ford Maverick has special slots to allow for do-it-yourself customizations.

6. Similar Size

   With its bigger bed, the Maverick already has a size advantage. In the cabin, the Santa Cruz claims the bigger passenger volume. However, at 101.5 cubic feet, it’s really not much bigger than the Ford’s 100.3-cu ft cabin.

   Furthermore, you can check the second row. Both have 36.9 inches of rear legroom. So, while you could spend quite a bit more on the Hyundai, you are not getting more space.

7. Trail Capability

   If new to driving a pickup, many shoppers assume that any truck can go on the trail. However, most Ford enthusiasts know it takes a good package to achieve that. Thus the 2023 Ford Maverick FX4 or Maverick Tremor offer true off roading capability.

   Ford all-wheel drive has all the hallmarks of tough four-wheel drive, but it can drive in front-wheel mode when it isn’t needed. Of course, it can lock the torque split for trail riding. However, its best quality is its ability to move torque to a single rear wheel.

   Ground clearance, whether for the Santa Cruz AWD or Maverick AWD, is 8.6 inches. That’s a nice height. However, it’s safer to take to the trail with 9.4 inches of ground clearance. That’s what you get with the Maverick Tremor.

   This special truck wears big all-terrain tires. It has skid plates to provide protection. Plus, a heavy duty transmission cooler works to keep engine heat under control.

   Special Ford systems include Descent Control for downhill travel and Trail Control for slow-speed cruise control capability. So, if you are expecting to stray from the pavement, you’ll want to go with the Ford.

8. Value Packaging

   The 2023 Ford Maverick is priced like a compact car, writes US News and World Report. What’s more, you get a lot for that price, including real truck capability and, of course, a bigger bed. Confirming its value, Ford’s smallest truck is a 2023 Best Buy at influential Kelley Blue Book.

   Dash tech is equal since both trucks have an 8-inch touchscreen. Both have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available WiFi hotspot.

   Mavericks wear a sporty two-tone cloth upholstery. This sets the base edition apart, and it establishes that these less expensive trucks can still show off with an athletic style all their own.

   If you want to pay out an extra $10,000, you can certainly choose the Santa Cruz and its leather upholstery.

Conclusion

With a combination of lower prices, better value, ample performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency, the Maverick Hybrid and Maverick Turbo really do stand up to the higher priced Santa Cruz.

At your Rodeo Ford dealer, you can get behind the wheel of this affordable truck and discover if it is right for your lifestyle.