Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Ford Maverick

Which Compact Truck Is Right for You?

Shoppers looking at compact trucks often find themselves comparing the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick. Both vehicles appeal to drivers who want a pickup with versatile capabilities for daily use and weekend adventures. While each truck focuses on a distinctive blend of utility, tech-savvy comfort, and performance, choosing the right fit ultimately comes down to your priorities and lifestyle.

Performance, Engine, and Towing

On the road, the Hyundai Santa Cruz's available turbocharged engine delivers strong acceleration and higher towing capability, making it well-suited for drivers needing more muscle for boats, trailers, or heavier loads. The Ford Maverick impresses with its standard hybrid for excellent fuel economy and a turbocharged option for higher towing but generally falls just short of the Santa Cruz's maximum capacities.

Both trucks handle city and highway driving well, but the Santa Cruz stands out for its refinement and smooth power delivery.

Interior Features and Technology

The Hyundai Santa Cruz emphasizes comfort and modern connectivity, offering a larger available touchscreen and thoughtfully organized cabin.

• 10.25-inch touchscreen standard on upper trims (8-inch on base); Maverick offers standard 8-inch
• Available digital instrument cluster in Santa Cruz; analog gauges in Maverick
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on Santa Cruz SE and SEL (wired on XRT and Limited with navigation); Maverick offers wireless compatibility on select trims only
• Advanced driver-assist features (such as adaptive cruise and lane keeping) are available on both; more standard on upper Santa Cruz trims

With intuitive infotainment controls and plenty of small-item storage, both trucks are daily-driver friendly, but the Santa Cruz makes tech integration a bit smoother for today's connected lifestyles.

Bed, Cargo, and Practicality

Both the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick offer clever cargo solutions tailored for active lifestyles. The Santa Cruz features a composite bed with an integrated lockable in-bed trunk, available sliding tonneau cover, and multiple tie-downs—great for securing gear on weekend trips and keeping valuables out of sight.

• Santa Cruz Bed Dimensions: Approx. 52.1 inches long, 53.9 inches wide (at the top); width between wheel wells: 42.7 inches
• Santa Cruz Payload: Up to 1,753 lbs (varies by trim/option)
• Maverick Bed Dimensions: Approx. 54.4 inches long, 53.3 inches wide (at the top); width between wheel wells: 42.6 inches
• Maverick Payload: Up to 1,500 lbs (varies by configuration)

Maverick's bed delivers functional features and ample payload for DIY projects, with a slightly more work-focused layout and flexible tailgate positions. The Santa Cruz's cargo options and bed versatility appeal to buyers who need to seamlessly switch between adventure and daily commuting. Both trucks offer practical dimensions for carrying everything from building supplies to camping gear, with the Santa Cruz offering a slight edge in payload capability.

Which Compact Truck Fits You?

Santa Cruz is ideal for:

• Drivers who crave extra comfort and innovation in their daily routine
• Those needing the highest towing capacity for gear and recreational toys
• Tech-oriented shoppers seeking advanced infotainment and driver assistance

Maverick is ideal for:

• Shoppers who prioritize fuel economy, especially with hybrid power
• Value-focused buyers looking for a straightforward, flexible truck
• Anyone seeking a pickup mainly for light-duty chores or city driving

Contact Mtn. View Hyundai and schedule a test drive so you can experience the Hyundai Santa Cruz firsthand.