We have seen midsize trucks for a long time in the US, but the trend is changing swiftly, and now we see many options in compact pickup trucks. Ford Maverick – Ford’s answer to the compact pickup, introduced in 2022. Around the same time, South Korean automaker Hyundai launched Santa Cruz in the US market.
The body framework, towing capacity, and engine options are almost similar for both trucks, with a bit of difference here and there. These similarities make them both attract similar customers. This brings us here to make a comparison between 2023 Ford Maverick and 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz to find out which one is the best for the value it provides.
Driving Experience
As pickups, both the Maverick and Santa Cruz are powerful and well-balanced trucks. The ride is quite smooth with either of them. However, you can expect a slightly better driving experience with Santa Cruz due to its turbocharged engine and definitely the dual-clutch transmission. Undoubtedly, it is the best-handling car that offers the smoothest ride. Its unibody construction helps it perform exceptionally well on off-roads too.
Comfortable at handling and quick in a straight line, Ford Maverick comforts its driver. However, it pretty much lacks a throttle response. But what’s better than getting a similar raw acceleration to Hyundai Santa Cruz for a somewhat lower price?
Towing
The towing capacity of both trucks is moderate due to their small engines. The hybrid Ford Maverick has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. For its EcoBoost engine, you can expect a max of 4,000 pounds.
Santa Cruz swiftly out-tows the Maverick. Provided that trailer brakes are installed, you can expect the maximum towing capacity of Santa Cruz for an AWD to be 5,000 pounds, while 3,500 pounds for an FWD. This doesn’t seem to be enough, and we can unhesitatingly say that towing is not well suited to these trucks.
Bedsize
Considering the bed size, Maverick is the winner with a cargo volume of 33.3 cubic feet compared to 27 cubic feet of Santa Cruz. The pickup bed of Maverick has a length of 4.5 feet, while Santa Cruz comes with a 4.3 feet long bed.
Moreover, Santa Cruz’s bed is made of composite material that offers an under-bed trunk as well. It also has a tonneau cover, which retracts the front of the bed. On the other hand, Maverick has a bed made of steel. You will find hidden cubbies on the walls of your Maverick’s bed. It also offers a bed extender and power point.
Interior
There is a remarkable difference when it comes to the interior of the two compact pickups. You will find Maverik roomier with its spacious seating and tall cabin. There are lots of textures, making it overall aesthetically pleasing and capacious.
On the other hand, Santa Cruz has a quite plush cabin with ventilated seats. Both heated and cooled seating is available, making it a comfortable ride in all seasons. The seats and designs seem sophisticated. However, the rear seats might feel a bit congested. You get more of a carlike experience in Santa Cruz with the high beltline and low-slung driving position.
The rear seats of both trucks can be folded to have more storage space to keep bulkier items.
Efficiency
Ford Maverick’s turbocharged engine can easily achieve 25 mpg and 26 mpg without AWD. While talking about its fuel economy in the city, Maverick can make it to 42 mpg, averaging 37 mpg combined with its hybrid engine.
Santa Cruz comes with a 2.5-liter base engine and is capable of achieving a fuel economy more or less similar to any midsize truck. You can expect an average of 23 mpg from Cruz. However, this can drop down to 22 mpg when you go for the turbo engine.
Off-road Performance
Both the trucks perform well on off-roads. But there are a few things worth mentioning.
Though the ground clearance of both stays around 8.6″, Ford Maverick has an approach angle of 20.6 ̊ / 21.6 ̊, compared to 17.5 ̊ for Santa Cruz. This angle gives Maverick better forward protection when it’s on the trail. When choosing Maverick, you also get an amazing off-road package that includes tow hooks, all-terrain tires, and loose-surface drive options. Overall, these enhanced features make it compatible with off-roads.
When it comes to Santa Cruz, it for sure works great as an off-road vehicle thanks to the “axle lock” feature. It helps in gaining power on loose areas and dividing the power evenly between the rear and front wheels. But its low-hanging front bumper keeps it from performing well on steep inclines.
The Cost
For a hybrid vehicle like Maverick, its starting price of $22,195 will be the cheapest you will find in the US market. Maverick is definitely on the cheaper side compared to Santa Cruz, as the latter starts at $25,450.
Among the three trim levels that Ford Maverick offers, the cheapest you will find will be Maverick XL at $22,195, advancing to Maverick XLT for $24,455, and finally, Maverick Lariat at $27,955.
Hyundai Santa Cruz, on the other hand, offers you four options to choose from. Starting at $25,685, Santa Cruz SE goes all the way to $41,415 for Santa Cruz Limited. It definitely has a more powerful engine and advanced tech features to add.
In Conclusion
Undoubtedly, both trucks are beasts on their own with some amazing features that anyone would love to have in their compact pickup trucks. If towing equipment and high off-road performance are what you are looking for, then Maverick is definitely your deal. However, if more lavish interior with all those advanced tech features and superior handling and power are your preferences, then get your hands on Hyundai Santa Cruz.
