Finding an untapped vehicle marketplace is not an easy task, but both Ford and Hyundai have done it with their compact pickup trucks. Both of these small trucks provide buyers with a versatile and functional vehicle that will even fit a small family. Head to Hyundai Santa Cruz dealers for a closer look and see how it does in a head-to-head battle with the Ford Maverick. Let’s see how the Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz compares in a head-to-head competition.
Excellent Engine Choices All-Around
Both the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick offer a choice of engines. The two entry-level Santa Cruz models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that puts out 191 horsepower, and the higher trims use a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that pumps out 281 horsepower. The Maverick’s standard powertrain is a hybrid setup that also delivers 191 horsepower. The upgrade for this truck is a 250-horsepower turbo four-cylinder gas engine.
The two trucks’ base engines are similarly quick, but the extra horsepower you get with the Santa Cruz’s upgrade puts it slightly ahead of the Maverick.
It’s A Matter of Comfort
Both the Santa Cruz and the Maverick have room for up to five people in their cabins, and once you’re sitting inside, it feels more like an SUV than a pickup truck. The Santa Cruz may start with a manually adjustable driver’s seat and cloth upholstery, but there are many generous upgrades, including leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and power-adjustable front seats.
The Maverick also starts out with manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery, and there are upgrades, but not as many. You can get synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and use the available power-adjustment feature to get the perfect driving position.
Innovation by Way of Cargo Beds
The Santa Cruz’s four-foot bed may sound small, but it makes the most of those four feet. It can carry a bike, lots of sports equipment, and even small household items. It has a lockable under-bed storage compartment, LED lighting, and sidewall bed storage compartments. You’ll always have power with the 115-volt A/C power outlet, and the multi-functional tailgate has many uses.
The Maverick has Ford’s Flexbed system. It’s 4.5 feet long and wide enough to fit a sheet of plywood as long as it’s put between the formed-in supports. The tailgate locks at 45 degrees to keep the sheet lined up at the same height from front to back.
In-Cabin Technology for Fun and Function
Whether you’re driving the Hyundai Santa Cruz or the Ford Maverick, you’ll have an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Santa Cruz offers a larger touchscreen in the higher trims, and you can also get wireless charging and satellite radio. When you go to Hyundai Santa Cruz dealers, make sure to find out about the Hyundai digital key. It allows drivers to lock and unlock the Santa Cruz using their phones, and primary drivers can give access to up to three other people.
