Chuck Hassenplug
10/3/2025
I had a great experience with Abu to get into a Ford Maverick quickly with no fuss and at a fair price. He even worked to get me an accessory discount!
2026 Ford Maverick Vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: Pickup Truck Comparison
Summary
- The Ford Maverick has an edge in MPG with more efficient engine options than the Hyundai truck.
- If you want more legroom and headroom, the Ford Maverick should be your preference.
- Where the Hyundai Santa Cruz hides its best capability behind higher trim levels and additional costs, the Ford Maverick elevates your drive with immediate, excellent capability.
- The Ford Maverick closes out the competition with exclusive features, like off-road-tuned suspension.
2026 Maverick vs. Santa Cruz Comparison: The Strongest Small Truck
If you have your eyes on a small truck, then our Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz comparison should pin down the best choice for your dollar. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is notable for its SUV-like appearance. However, the Ford Maverick is a truck through and through, with plentiful cargo space, standard towing capacity, and a comfortable cabin – along with many advantages over the Hyundai pickup.
At DARCARS Ford of Lanham, you'll have the opportunity to explore the best small-sized pickup trucks on the market. Anyone planning on hauling cargo in Lanham, MD, should consider the Ford Maverick; below, you'll find numerous reasons why.
Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Specs
Both the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz have two engine options. The Hyundai Santa Cruz puts all its effort into horsepower and torque, with a very slight edge on strength. However, the new Ford Maverick has its own edge: a standard hybrid 2.5-liter engine. We won't be going over the hybrid engine in the chart below to make the fight a bit fairer for the Hyundai Santa Cruz. But remember: if you think the Ford Maverick's gas engine has impressive fuel economy, there's another engine that's even more eco-friendly.
| Ford Maverick | Hyundai Santa Cruz | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options |
|
|
| Max Horsepower | 250 | 281 |
| Max Torque | 280 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Standard Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs1 | 3,500 lbs2 |
| Payload Capacity | 1,500 lbs3 | 1,411 lbs4 |
| Drivetrain | FWD, avail AWD | FWD, avail AWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) (Gasoline-Only Engine) | 23 / 33 / 265 | 22 / 30 / 256 |
| Hybrid Option? | Yes | No |
| Length | 199.8 - 200.9 in | 195.7 - 195.9 in |
| Width | 72.6 in | 75 in |
| Height | 67.7 - 69.4 in | 66.7 in |
| Cargo Box Size (Min - Max) | 33.3 cu ft | 27 cu ft |
| Max Legroom (Front / Rear) | 42.8 / 36.9 in | 41.4 / 36.5 in |
| Max Headroom (Front / Rear) | 40.2 / 39.6 in | 40.2 / 39.6 in |
Santa Cruz vs. Maverick Dimensions
As small trucks, the Santa Cruz and Maverick both have a similar mission: provide their owners as much comfort and convenience as possible. Only the Ford Maverick truly excels in this category. With its length of 199.8 inches on the base model, the Maverick unlocks a max legroom of 42.8 inches in the front and 36.9 inches in the rear. That goes for all non-hybrid models.
The Santa Cruz, meanwhile, only has 41.4 inches of front and 36.5 inches of rear legroom – a fairly significant difference, especially if you're on the taller end of the spectrum. The extra size of the Maverick is also a joy when driving, giving you a more commanding presence on the road.
Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. Ford Maverick Capability
Perhaps the most important element of pickup trucks is how capable they are, and you'll see that the Ford Maverick has the edge in nearly every category. It has a larger cargo bed (at 33.3 cubic feet vs. the 27 cubic feet in a Hyundai pickup truck) as well as more payload capacity (at 1,500 pounds for both engines,3 while the Hyundai Santa Cruz has a maximum payload of 1,411 pounds).4
What about towing capacity? It's true that the Hyundai Santa Cruz has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,2 slightly more than the Maverick. However, that's only with the 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4, which is only available starting on the third trim level and standard on the fourth. The standard 2.5-liter I-4 can only tow 3,500 pounds.2 The Ford Maverick has a consistent maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds,1 no matter your trim or engine choice, when equipped with the 4K Tow Package.
Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Features
The final stop in our Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz comparison is the lineup of features provided by each model. Let's start with the Ford Maverick: At the center of the standard Maverick XL dashboard is a 13.2-inch center display with SYNC 4 technology. The available Ford Co-Pilot360™ sensor system keeps you safe with ease, adding plenty of additional warnings and assistance software to your experience. Climb the trim levels for Intelligent Access, performance suspension, heated seats, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and even rear drive unit lock.
How does the Hyundai pickup compare to our new Ford trucks? While both models offer incredible safety options, the Hyundai truck lacks a feature equivalent to Intelligent Access, has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and does not have access to an off-road suspension system.
Explore the Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Comparison In-Person
While we're confident that the Ford Maverick has nearly every advantage over its Hyundai competitor, our team in Lanham, MD, is ready to prove it to you in person. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham, and you'll soon see how our new vehicle specials let you climb the trim levels of the Ford Maverick with ease.
Once you find the Maverick you've been waiting for, our finance department team will make the next steps simple. Get a transparent payment plan or sign a lease to try this small pickup around Maryland.
Ford Maverick Pros & Cons
Pros
- Larger cargo box
- Larger cabin (more legroom)
- Better payload across both engines
- Hybrid engine offering with up to an EPA-estimated 39 MPG (Combined)5
- Desirable features, including a larger touchscreen
Cons
- Less maximum horsepower
- Slightly lower maximum towing capacity
Hyundai Santa Cruz Pros & Cons
Pros
- More available horsepower (on trim three or higher)
- More available towing capacity (on trim three or higher)
Cons
- Requires extra investment to reach equivalent towing
- Lower maximum payload limit
- Smaller cargo bed area
- Less front and rear legroom
- No hybrid option
- Less impressive features
Frequently Asked Questions
Which truck gets better gas mileage, Maverick or Santa Cruz?
The Maverick gets significantly better gas mileage than the Santa Cruz. The Hyundai truck has no hybrid engine; its most efficient option only achieves 25 MPG (Combined).6 Compare that to the Maverick: its gas offering reaches 26 MPG (Combined).5 And, if that's not efficient enough, Ford drivers can choose the hybrid engine for an EPA-estimated 39 MPG (Combined).5
Which has more towing capacity: Maverick or Santa Cruz?
While the Santa Cruz has more towing capacity in theory, that requires additional investment in a mid- or top-tier trim. Every trim of the Ford Maverick, however, can reach a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a base towing capacity of 3,500 pounds,2 with only the top models providing a 5,000-pound capacity.2
Which one is better for winter driving in Maryland?
The Ford Maverick is likely your best choice for winter driving in Maryland. While both trucks offer some level of raised ride height and driver-assistance systems, only the Ford Maverick provides the lengthy list of snow-conquering features you'd want in a truck, like a 9.1-inch ground clearance on the Tremor level, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and off-road-tuned suspension.
Featured Customer Review
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.
3Maximum payload capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on vehicle configuration, accessories, and option content. Horsepower, torque, payload and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
4Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.
5EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
6All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.