2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Price and Ownership Costs
Starting at a lower price than the Santa Cruz, the Maverick starts out saving money. Even if you move up the trim level ladder, you are likely to enjoy a better value for your money.
Then there is the fuel economy which is better whether you choose the regular Maverick or Maverick Hybrid. The regular Ford turbo improves fuel economy by 4 mpg city and 3 mpg highway, compared to the Santa Cruz.
When it comes to the hybrid, fuel economy is nearly double. Maverick Hybrids earn 33/42 mpg in city/highway driving with front wheel drive.
Most Horsepower for the Money
At the entry level price, and for many trim levels, these are your three choices. You can choose the 191-horsepower Santa Cruz, the 191-horsepower Maverick Hybrid with class-leading fuel efficiency or the 238-horsepower Maverick Turbo.
So either you can decide to get more horsepower with the Maverick or get better fuel economy with the Maverick. Since the Maverick is either the same or less than the Santa Cruz, it’s easy to see that you are getting more for the money from the Ford.
Payload and Bed Size
A Maverick bed can handle a “weekend's worth of home improvement supplies”, writes Car and Driver. Indeed it can haul 1500 pounds in a bed that’s half a foot longer than the Hyundai truck bed.
Plus the Ford truck can handle up to 500 pounds of weight on its flattened tailgate and up to 400 pounds when the tailgate is angled. This gives it a helpful advantage when moving big loads.
Santa Cruz models are rated for 1,411 pounds. Plus it has a smaller bed, making it hard to imagine how a bigger load would fit.
The Maverick box measures 33.3 cubic feet in volume and is 4 feet six inches long. That drops to just 27 cubic feet and four feet long with the Santa Cruz. With all these numbers in mind, it seems the Maverick is the only logical choice if you are purchasing this pickup for its ability to move payload.
Off Roading
Time and again, critics warn that the Santa Cruz is not much of an off-roader. However, the 2025 Ford Maverick can be upgraded to an FX4 or Tremor package, making it ready to take on the trail.
With all-wheel drive, the Maverick’s ground clearance is 8.6 inches. This matches the Santa Cruz AWD ground clearance. However, with the Tremor’s special AWD, the ground clearance rises to 9.4 inches.
Combining Ford know-how with less weight than a traditional four-wheel drive system, the Maverick all-wheel drivetrain uses an electronic lock to send torque to the rear wheel. Even better, this extra-special AWD allows the system to electronically move all of the torque to one wheel if necessary.
Ready for the trail, Maverick Tremors have special all terrain tires, skid plates, and a heavy duty transmission cooler. Ford’s Trail Control helps the Maverick handle rougher terrain with greater ease. Descent Control regulates speed when moving downhill on the trail.
Conclusion
Now that you know more, the logical next step is to take a test drive. Luckily you will find the Maverick Turbo, Maverick Hybrid and all three trim levels at your Earnhardt Ford dealer. Schedule time behind the wheel.
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Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown.
Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.