2025 Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
Pickups are repeatedly ranked as the best-selling vehicle class in America. However, many people simply don't require the utility that a full-size pickup offers, and that's where the compact pickup truck comes in. This vehicle category is for truck enthusiasts who prefer a more conservatively sized truck that still retains that pickup composition.
For this reason, we're looking at the Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz to see which one of these compact pickups is best for you. We'll be exploring the various features, performance metrics, technology, and more of each model. So, keep reading to learn more.
Truck Body and Design
The compact pickup is sturdy in its presentation, yet moderate in its design. For this reason, it delivers the best of both worlds. Let's see how the Maverick and Santa Cruz fare when it comes to their exterior designs.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
For the 2025 model year, the Santa Cruz receives a tougher, bolder, and more aggressive exterior design. It has a more squared-off, upward posture that gives it a stark improvement over the previous model year.
Ford Maverick
Ford is a master at giving each model its own unique exterior design and character, and the Maverick is no exception. It boasts stylish projector low and high-beam headlights, 17 to 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, and an overall unibody design that gives it style and space.
Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior
A vehicle's interior is by far among the biggest decision makers regarding that final purchase choice. As a result, we did a deep dive into the cabin experience of each model.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The interior of the Santa Cruz boasts soft seats with great perforation, style, and comfort. Moreover, the interior also boasts leatherette armrest coverings, piano black, cloth accenting on the door panels, and more.
Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick boasts a very functional cabin experience. It delivers premium materials, power-adjusting seats, push-button start capability, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain
Still, one of the most desirable features of a pickup is its performance capabilities. Let's see how the Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz match up when it comes to their respective outputs.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
With its 2.5-liter turbocharged GDI engine, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has an output of 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The result is an output of 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque.
Off-Road Capabilities
For many pickup enthusiasts, respectable performance is simply not enough. That's where all-terrain capacity comes into play. But how do the Santa Cruz and Maverick fare when it comes to their off-road capabilities?
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz, especially the XRT trim, provides enhancements to its off-road capabilities. It has off-road tires, robust front tow hooks, as well as an augmented approach angle.
Ford Maverick
The 2025 Ford Maverick provides off-road capabilities, most notably with the Tremor trim, which sports an off-road tire setup, a 1-inch lift, and advanced all-terrain tech such as one-pedal drive and trail control.
Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety
Safety is non-negotiable. As a result, both Ford and Hyundai prioritize this all-important category in their vehicle designs. Let's find out how the Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz stack up when it comes to safety.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz comes with a suite of safety and driver-assistance features. Some of these enhancements include SmartSense technologies such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, safe exit warning, and more to inspire driver confidence.
Ford Maverick
With standard features that include lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, driveline traction control, and more, the 2025 Ford Maverick delivers a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features.
Towing and Payload Capacity
If the pickup truck vehicle class had any defining categories, they would be towing and payload capacity. Let's see how the Santa Cruz and the Maverick fare regarding their hauling and pulling capabilities.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs with the turbocharged engine, and when it's in Tow Mode. It also has a payload capacity of 1,411 lbs.
Ford Maverick
So, where does the 2025 Ford Maverick stand when it comes to towing and payload capacity? It boasts a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. However, that can be increased to 4,000 lbs when you choose the optional 4K Tow Package. The Ford Maverick's payload capacity is 1,500 lbs.
Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz MPG
The auto industry has embraced sustainability. But do the Santa Cruz and Maverick meet this new standard? Let's find out.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Ford Maverick
The category where the Maverick really stands out is its fuel economy. It boasts an impressive fuel-efficiency rating of 42 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Pricing and Value
Let's compare the Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz at an all-important category-pricing. How much will each model cost for you to own?
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The base SE trim has an MSRP of $30,245, while the top Limited trim has an MSRP of $44,245.
Ford Maverick
The 2025 Ford Maverick has a varying price range. Its base XL trim has an MSRP of $29,840, while its top Lobo High trim costs $43,120.
Which Trucklet Should You Choose?
The right choice of truck will be based on your needs and preferences. For example, if you want a more stylish and sports-inspired pickup, then the Maverick may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a more robust towing and payload capacity for those heavy hauls, then the Santa Cruz is a no-brainer.
Get Your Hyundai Santa Cruz at Hyundai of Saco
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact truck with an elevated personality. For this reason, you get to enjoy uncompromising value when you choose this pickup. The best part is that we at Hyundai of Saco in Saco, ME, are here to match you with one of your own. So, if you're ready to get your Hyundai Santa Cruz, contact us today to learn more.
