Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz (2026): Full Comparison
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz (2026): Full Comparison
The compact truck segment barely existed before these two arrived. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz created their own niche: unibody pickups sized like crossovers, priced for first-time truck buyers, and designed for people who need a bed but do not need a full-size or even midsize truck. Both are based on car platforms rather than traditional body-on-frame truck architecture, and both prioritize fuel efficiency and daily livability over towing and off-road capability. The result is a category that appeals to urban and suburban buyers who never considered a truck before.
At a Glance
| Specification | 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | ~$25,500 | ~$28,500 |
| Base Engine | 2.5L hybrid 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Base Horsepower | ~191 hp (hybrid) | ~191 hp |
| Upgraded Engine | 2.0L EcoBoost turbo (~250 hp) | 2.5L turbo (~281 hp) |
| Combined MPG (base) | ~37 mpg (hybrid) | ~26 mpg |
| Bed Length | 4.5’ | 4.1’ (extendable to ~6’) |
| Max Towing | ~4,000 lbs (EcoBoost) | ~5,000 lbs (turbo) |
| Max Payload | ~1,500 lbs | ~1,748 lbs |
| Warranty | 3-year/36,000 mi basic; 5-year/60,000 mi powertrain | 5-year/60,000 mi basic; 10-year/100,000 mi powertrain |
The Maverick wins on price and fuel economy. The Santa Cruz wins on towing, payload, and warranty.
Performance
The Maverick’s standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter hybrid producing ~191 hp with a CVT and FWD. It is the efficiency leader in this comparison by a wide margin — ~37 mpg combined is better than most compact SUVs and some sedans. The available 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbo bumps output to ~250 hp with an eight-speed automatic and available AWD. The EcoBoost is quicker and more engaging to drive, but fuel economy drops to ~28 mpg combined.
The Santa Cruz’s base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder makes ~191 hp and pairs with an eight-speed automatic. It is adequate but uninspiring. The 2.5-liter turbocharged option is the stronger choice, delivering ~281 hp and ~311 lb-ft with the same eight-speed and AWD. The turbo Santa Cruz feels substantially quicker than the Maverick EcoBoost and tows ~5,000 lbs versus the Maverick’s ~4,000 lbs.
Both trucks ride well on pavement — their unibody construction delivers car-like handling and comfort that body-on-frame trucks cannot match. Neither is designed for serious off-roading, though the Maverick Tremor and Santa Cruz’s AWD system can handle light trails and gravel roads.
Interior and Tech
The Maverick’s interior is a masterclass in practical design on a budget. The base XL is simple, but Ford included clever storage solutions throughout: under-seat bins, FITS slots in the center console for custom accessories, and available cubby hooks behind the rear seats. The 8-inch touchscreen (11.5 inches on Lariat) runs SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Materials are honest — nothing pretends to be what it is not. Rear seat space is surprisingly good for a compact truck, with ~36 inches of legroom.
The Santa Cruz’s interior leans more upscale. The 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, alongside a digital instrument cluster. The design borrows from Hyundai’s Tucson, which means a clean, modern look with better material quality than the Maverick, especially on SEL and Limited trims. The Santa Cruz’s bed has a unique feature: a lockable in-bed trunk under the tonneau cover that provides secure, weatherproof storage. The bed itself is shorter at 4.1 feet but can extend to ~6 feet with the tailgate down and the available bed extender.
Safety
Both compact trucks include standard active safety features.
The Maverick offers Ford CoPilot360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring (on higher trims), lane-keeping, and automatic high beams. The system is functional and unobtrusive. Blind-spot monitoring is not standard on the base XL, which is a drawback at this price point.
The Santa Cruz includes Hyundai SmartSense with forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, and blind-spot monitoring as standard across all trims. Highway driving assist is available on upper trims.
The Santa Cruz’s standard blind-spot monitoring on every trim gives it a safety-feature advantage for buyers choosing the base model.
Value and Cost of Ownership
The Maverick’s ~$25,500 starting price is the headline. No other truck — not even the Colorado or Ranger — comes close. The standard hybrid powertrain means the least expensive Maverick is also the most fuel-efficient, which is a rare and compelling combination. At ~37 mpg combined, annual fuel costs for 15,000 miles of driving run ~$1,200 at current gas prices.
The Santa Cruz starts at ~$28,500, a ~$3,000 premium. For that money, you get a better warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain), more standard features, and a more refined base interior. But the Santa Cruz’s base engine returns only ~26 mpg combined, and the fuel cost difference adds up quickly — roughly ~$500-$600 more per year than the Maverick hybrid.
Resale value is comparable for both, with the Maverick holding a slight edge due to higher demand and lower production. Insurance costs are similar at ~$1,400-$1,800 per year.
Verdict
Buy the Maverick if budget and fuel efficiency are your top priorities. The standard hybrid at ~$25,500 is the best value in the truck market, period. It is the right vehicle for anyone who needs occasional bed utility without the size, fuel costs, or price of a traditional truck.
Buy the Santa Cruz if you need more towing capacity, prefer a more polished interior, and value Hyundai’s superior warranty. The turbo model’s ~281 hp and ~5,000-lb tow rating make it the more capable work companion. The in-bed trunk is a genuinely useful feature that the Maverick lacks.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Maverick starts at ~$25,500 — the lowest entry price in any truck segment — with a standard hybrid returning ~37 mpg combined.
- The 2026 Santa Cruz starts at ~$28,500 but offers ~281 hp (turbo), ~5,000-lb towing, and a 10-year/100,000-mi powertrain warranty.
- The Maverick’s fuel cost advantage saves ~$500-$600 per year over the Santa Cruz’s base engine.
- The Santa Cruz’s lockable in-bed trunk provides secure storage the Maverick cannot match.
- Neither truck is designed for serious off-roading or heavy towing — both are urban and suburban utility vehicles.
Next Steps
- See where compact trucks rank in Best Cars by Category 2026.
- Estimate payments with the Car Loan Calculator.
- Compare value options in Best Cars Under $35,000.
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Specifications and pricing are based on manufacturer data available at publication. Verify current details with your dealer.