2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Should You Buy a Hyundai Truck for Your Phoenix Lifestyle
Today’s urban drivers really like the new compact truck class. The Hyundai truck and rival Ford Maverick are built for smaller parking spaces while still capable of moving a load.
How does the Santa Cruz earn its higher pricetag? Is the Maverick Hybrid still the best deal of the bunch? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Truck Fuel Economy
Shoppers often choose a smaller truck in an effort to minimize ownership costs. However, it takes more than size to conserve fuel.
Although there has been some discussion about a Hyundai truck hybrid, it still hasn’t materialized. Instead the Ford Maverick Hybrid continues to be the only one in the marketplace.
For regular commuters, it’s hard to beat 42 mpg in the city. If you choose the Santa Cruz, it cuts that in half to 22 mpg in city slow-and-go traffic.
As for highway fuel efficiency, the Santa Cruz can claim 26 mpg, but that’s still 2 mpg less than the average vehicle. It’s 7 mpg less than the Maverick with 33 mpg.
If you do want a traditional gas engine, the Maverick Turbo also is more efficient than its rival. City-highway fuel efficiency is rated at 23/30 mpg.
Trim Levels and Truck Prices
Maverick trim levels have expanded from three to five. You can choose between the two drivetrains with very little financial penalty, which makes the Maverick more affordable.
XL models start around $27,900. XLT cabins have an Aspen Gray and Navy Pier color combination with special Grabber Blue accents. Maverick Lariats update the cabin with luxuries at a price around $38,730 (about $3,000 less than the similar Santa Cruz Limited). Bronze accents add to the luxurious Smoke Truffle theme.
Then there are the adventure models, including the FX4 package, the Maverick Tremor, and the Maverick Lobo. These top out at just over $41,000, outfitting these Ford trucks with much more sport equipment than the Santa Cruz XRT.
Hyundai truck prices start at $28,500 for the Santa Cruz SE. The SEL and SEL Activity build on this trim. If you want the speedier turbo, the Santa Cruz XRT price starts around $40,000. Limited trims start around $42,500.
Performance
When you choose a truck, you are hoping for some fun behind the wheel. Even better, you are hoping for adventure. The Santa Cruz standard engine produces 191 horsepower.
The Ford Maverick turbo has a standard rate of 238 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The available Maverick Hybrid output is 191 horsepower. This means that drivers can choose the higher output or the best fuel efficiency without sacrificing anything compared to the Santa Cruz.
The Santa Cruz turbo, which is standard on its top trims, generates 281 horses, but it does require a much higher price tag.
Adventure Models
Only Ford can offer a Tremor edition of its compact truck. Not only that, but it also offers a less expensive off-roading FX4 model. So you can choose the lowest price for an off-roader or you can choose the best off-roader in the compact truck class.
Ford’s special trail control allows the driver to steer while the vehicle manages a slow speed. Descent control regulates downhill travel to protect the speed, the brakes, and the transmission.
Just as much fun, the Maverick Lobo is a special street truck. It wears large rally-inspired wheels and has a lowered suspension. Upgraded brakes help it stop while a special drift mode makes it more fun to exit corners.
Tow Ratings and Payload Capacity
To achieve top tow ratings of 4,000 pounds, either Maverick powertrain simply needs the Ford tow package. To achieve the Santa Cruz tow rating of 3,500 or 5,000 pounds, you have to invest in special equipment, including an after-market trailer brake.
Only Ford offers top towing technologies. This includes the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and 360 degree camera system.
As for the payload capacity, the Maverick can handle more weight and bulkier items than its rival. The Santa Cruz payload is rated at 1,411 pounds while the Maverick is estimated for 1,500 pounds of payload.
Even more significantly, the Maverick’s bed is 4-feet, six inches while the Santa Cruz bed is four feet. That six inches makes a difference as the Maverick is rated for 33 cubic feet of volume while the Santa Cruz is rated for only 27 cubic feet.
Plus the Maverick’s tailgate can handle up to 500 pounds of weight when it’s flat. When it is set at an angle, it can still handle up to 400 pounds.
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.
REVIEWS
“10 out of 10”
Car and Driver
“...the Maverick is a great way to get a lot of truck for not a lot of money.”
Edmunds
“#1 in compact trucks”
US News and World Report
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