In this 2024 Ford Maverick vs 2024 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 Hyundai Santa Cruz. There’s a good reason for that, and it’s not just because the Maverick is the only hybrid midsize truck.

   Both Maverick engines have better fuel economy than the Santa Cruz engines. In other words, there’s 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 Hybrid 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 2024 Maverick price range starts at $23,920 (MSRP XL) and tops off at $34,960 (MSRP Lariat) . Three trims are offered with either drivetrain, front wheel drive, and optional all-wheel drive. 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.

   If you are shopping for Hyundai trucks, prepare for sticker shock. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has five trim levels priced from $26,900 MSRP (SE) to $41,320 MSRP (Limited). In order to score the turbo, you’ll have to choose the XRT ($38,460) or a higher trim.  

   To sum up this discussion about truck prices, the Santa Cruz asks about $3,000 extra for the entry level edition. With that margin, you still save $1500 if you choose the Maverick Hybrid powertrain. Also, Hyundai asks about $6,000 more for the most luxurious edition. And it asks about $12,000 more for the turbo engine since you can get the base Maverick rather than the midtier 2024 Santa Cruz Night. You can get the facts about trim levels in this new Maverick review.  

3. Powertrain Comparison

   Not only does it cost more to buy the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but it also costs more to own it. Fuel economy favors the Maverick Hybrid, of course. Even better, Maverick Turbo fuel economy is better than either Santa Cruz engine choice.

   Leveling the playing field for all Ford shoppers, there is no charge for switching from the turbo to the hybrid powertrain. Thus it’s possible for every shopper to choose the powertrain best for them.  

   2024 Maverick Hybrid drivers command a 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain. The Santa Cruz standard gas-powered engine also produces 191 horsepower. So that’s encouraging for those who feared the hybrid technology would pay a power penalty. The Ford truck lets you enjoy power and efficiency in one package.  

   The standard Maverick Turbos have a very peppy output. It is rated for 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Available at a much higher price, the Santa Cruz offers its 281-horsepower turbo.  

   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 pickup and is still proving itself worthy of being called a truck.  

   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 2024 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, therefore, are covered under warranty. That’s a really important detail that some shoppers miss.  

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 1,411 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 where it would mean the most. That’s why your compact truck shopping should start at your Phoenix AZ Ford dealer. Our No Bull Express is perfect if you are short on time.  

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 2024 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 for efficiency in good weather. 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 2024 Hyundai 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

   Remarkably affordable, the Ford Maverick is priced like a compact car or a small SUV. 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. In 2024, it is considered #1 in the midsize class by KBB and US News and World Report.

   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 Phoenix AZ dealer, you can discover if this affordable truck is right for your lifestyle. Schedule a test drive.