Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz

Pricing and Value: Which Compact Pickup Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

When we compare the Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz on price, the Maverick takes a clear lead. The 2024 Ford Maverick starts at $24,820 for the base XL trim with front-wheel drive. This makes it one of the most affordable new trucks you can buy today.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $27,200 for the SE trim, which is about $2,400 more than the base Maverick. However, the Santa Cruz comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the Maverick's AWD system costs an additional $2,220.

Standard Features and Equipment

The Maverick XL comes well-equipped for its price point. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, and a 4.5-foot bed. The base model uses a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that delivers excellent fuel economy.

The Santa Cruz SE includes more premium features as standard. You get an 8-inch touchscreen, Hyundai SmartSense safety features, and a 4.3-foot bed. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces more power than the Maverick's hybrid.

Both trucks offer similar technology features, but the Santa Cruz includes more comfort and convenience items in its base price. However, the Maverick's lower starting price still makes it the better value for budget-conscious buyers.

Engine Performance and Towing Capacity Comparison

The engine options reveal key differences between these compact pickup trucks. The Ford Maverick offers two distinct powertrains, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz provides one engine with two power levels.

We find that each truck targets different priorities. The Maverick focuses on fuel efficiency with its hybrid option, while the Santa Cruz emphasizes performance across its lineup.

Towing Capacity and Payload

When properly equipped, the Ford Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds with the EcoBoost engine. The hybrid version is limited to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. The Maverick's payload capacity reaches 1,500 pounds.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers stronger towing performance. The base engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the turbocharged version increases this to 5,000 pounds. The Santa Cruz also provides a payload capacity of up to 1,611 pounds.

For Auburn drivers who need maximum towing capability, the Santa Cruz has the advantage. However, the Maverick's hybrid option offers unmatched fuel economy for daily driving around the Pacific Northwest.

Transmission and Drivetrain Options

The Maverick hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comes standard with front-wheel drive. The EcoBoost engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers available all-wheel drive.

The Santa Cruz uses an 8-speed automatic transmission across all trim levels. All-wheel drive comes standard on every Santa Cruz model, which provides better traction for Washington's varied weather conditions.

Fuel Economy: Hybrid Efficiency vs Traditional Performance

Fuel economy represents one of the biggest differences between these compact pickup trucks. The Ford Maverick's hybrid powertrain delivers exceptional efficiency that no other truck can match.

We've seen how fuel costs can add up, especially for Auburn commuters. The Maverick's hybrid system can save hundreds of dollars per year compared to traditional truck engines.

Real-World Fuel Savings

Based on 15,000 miles per year and current fuel prices, the Maverick hybrid can save over $800 annually compared to the Santa Cruz. This significant difference helps offset the initial purchase price over time.

The Maverick's hybrid system works especially well in stop-and-go traffic. Auburn drivers who commute to Seattle or Tacoma will see the biggest benefits from the electric motor assistance during city driving.

However, the Santa Cruz's conventional engines provide more consistent performance when towing or hauling heavy loads. The turbocharged engine maintains power better under stress than the Maverick's hybrid system.

Interior Space and Comfort Features

Both compact pickup trucks offer surprisingly spacious interiors for their size. However, they take different approaches to passenger comfort and cargo storage.

We find that interior space often determines daily usability. Auburn families need to consider both front and rear seat comfort for longer trips around Washington state.

Seating and Passenger Space

The Ford Maverick provides 43.2 inches of front legroom and 35.9 inches of rear legroom. The SuperCrew cab design offers genuine four-door convenience with comfortable rear seating for adults.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers slightly more front legroom at 44.1 inches, but rear legroom measures 33.5 inches. The Santa Cruz's rear seats are better suited for children or shorter trips.

Both trucks seat five passengers, but the Maverick provides more usable rear seat space. This makes it better for families who regularly carry adult passengers.

Technology and Infotainment

The Maverick's SYNC 3 infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims add a 12-inch screen with Ford's latest SYNC 4A system.

The Santa Cruz features an 8-inch touchscreen standard, with a 10.25-inch screen available on higher trims. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most models.

Both systems work well, but the Santa Cruz's wireless connectivity gives it a slight edge for convenience. The larger available screen also provides better visibility for navigation and apps.

Storage and Practicality

Interior storage varies between the trucks. The Maverick offers more traditional truck storage with large door pockets and center console space. The available under-seat storage adds extra utility.

The Santa Cruz provides more car-like storage solutions. The center console is larger, and the door panels offer better organization for small items. The rear seats also fold flat for additional cargo space.

Safety Features and Reliability Comparison

Safety technology plays a crucial role in modern pickup truck design. Both the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz include comprehensive safety suites as standard equipment.

We prioritize safety for Auburn drivers who face diverse road conditions. From highway commuting to mountain adventures, these safety systems provide peace of mind.

Standard Safety Equipment

The Ford Maverick includes Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard equipment. This suite features automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams. The system also includes a rearview camera and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with Hyundai SmartSense safety technology. Standard features include forward collision avoidance, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and lane following assist.

Both systems offer similar core features, but Hyundai's implementation tends to be less intrusive during normal driving. The Santa Cruz's lane keeping system allows more driver input before intervening.

Crash Test Ratings and Reliability

The Ford Maverick earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It received five stars in side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick designation.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz also received a five-star NHTSA rating with strong performance across all test categories. IIHS testing showed good results in most areas, though it didn't achieve Top Safety Pick status.

For long-term reliability, Ford's track record with the Maverick is still developing since it's a newer model. Hyundai offers a longer warranty period with 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain compared to Ford's 5 years/60,000 miles.