Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Maverick: Full Comparison of 2025 Pickup Models
When it comes to rugged yet practical trucks built for modern adventures, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Maverick stand out in the compact pickup segment. Both models deliver bold styling and strong performance, but cater to slightly different needs. Choosing between them requires understanding their unique strengths in power, utility, and design to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Design and Styling: Bold Appeal with Practical Flair
The Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a commanding, muscular silhouette with Hyundai’s signature bold front grille and wide, aggressive stance—perfect for those who value a rugged, expressive look. Its minimalist interior emphasizes functionality with high-quality materials and a modern dashboard. In contrast, the Maverick opts for a more compact, urban-ready design with clean lines and a streamlined profile, though slightly less aggressive. While both offer ample cargo space, the Santa Cruz leans into a truck-lover aesthetic, while the Maverick balances versatility with fresh, contemporary styling.
Performance and Power: Off-Road Readiness and Reliability
Under the hood, the Santa Cruz comes standard with a turbocharged 2.5L inline-four producing 202 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission—delivering confident power for both highway cruising and light off-roading. The Maverick shares a similar turbocharged 2.5L engine but offers a lighter 6-speed manual transmission option, appealing to drivers who want driver engagement and better fuel economy. For off-road capability, the Santa Cruz excels with standard dual-mode 4WD, front-wheel steering, and a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, making it ideal for rough trails. The Maverick features rear-wheel steering and a 6.4-inch ground clearance, offering solid capability but with a more refined, street-oriented approach.
Value and Ownership: Total Ownership Experience
In terms of value, the Maverick delivers a strong balance of affordability and features, with fewer trim options keeping prices competitive—often under $30,000 MSRP. The Santa Cruz commands a higher price tag due to its premium styling and enhanced capabilities, but offers premium amenities like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and advanced safety tech. Both models provide reliable durability with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, but the Santa Cruz’s enhanced comfort and tech make it a premium choice, while the Maverick shines for practical buyers seeking value without compromise.
Selecting between the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Maverick hinges on your priorities—if rugged style and off-road prowess are paramount, the Santa Cruz delivers with bold performance and premium features. For a versatile, efficient pickup with strong usability and competitive pricing, the Maverick is the clear choice. Both trucks represent Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and value, making them worthy contenders in today’s pickup market.
Compare the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz to the 2025 Ford Maverick and decide which compact pickup truck is right for you and your family. Easily compare the 2026 Ford Maverick vs. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz to see how they stack up in pricing, performance, and more.
The 2024 Ford Maverick is the more affordable model of the two, though it starts out with fewer standard features and offers fewer upgrades than the Santa Cruz. Base prices for the Ford range from $23,400 to $34,855, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz trim levels run between $26,900 for the base trim and $41,320 for the range. The 2025 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz both see useful updates for the new year.
But which one is the better option for you? The 2025 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz go head. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are clear competitors on the market.
We break down the Ford Maverick vs. the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz offer compact truck capabilities with distinct design choices, performance options, and features to fit diverse lifestyles and needs.
Discover the differences between the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick with CarGurus. Compare price, expert/user reviews, popular features, vehicle specs and more. Here's a #2026-Ford-Maverick vs.
#2026. In the battle between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2025 Ford Maverick, the Santa Cruz emerges as the clear winner. With superior power, towing capacity, advanced technology, and a more comfortable and refined interior, the Santa Cruz is the ultimate choice for those who need a versatile, capable, and luxurious compact pickup truck.