The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are impressive options in the midsize truck segment. The question is, which one of them should you buy? Read on to find out.
The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are both midsize trucks, but they’re very different vehicles. While the Maverick is styled as a traditional pickup, the Santa Cruz bills itself as part pickup truck, part SUV. Find out what you need to know about these two vehicles before deciding which to buy.
Which Pickup Provides More Power?
Most people searching for a midsize truck aren’t looking for brute force, but there’s little sense in owning a pickup that’s too underpowered for basic jobs. Thankfully, neither of these vehicles fits that description.
A standard 2.5L hybrid engine or an available 2.0L EcoBoost powers the Ford Maverick. It has a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs and a max tow capacity of 4,000 lbs when outfitted with the 4K Tow Package. While you won’t be hauling heavy loads with the Maverick, that’s plenty of power for smaller jobs.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz features a 2.5L I-4 that puts out 191 hp. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs when equipped with trailer brakes. That’s a little less than the Maverick but still respectable.
Which Truck Gets Better Fuel Economy?
Most people buy midsize trucks because they want a vehicle that can also be used as a daily driver. A good daily driver is efficient, easy to drive, and affordable at the dealership and in the long run.
The Maverick and Santa Cruz both meet this set of standards. The Maverick wins out on fuel economy because it has a hybrid engine. The hybrid powertrain can get up to 42 mpg in the city. The Santa Fe gets only 22 mpg.
Where the Santa Fe wins out is in drivability. Because it’s styled as half-pickup, half-SUV, it’s very easy to drive. The Santa Fe is lower to the ground than the Maverick, giving it an easier-to-manage center of gravity, and it’s a little smaller than its chief competitor for easier city driving.
Can You Take These Trucks Off-Roading?
Nowadays, every automotive brand seems to have off-road-ready variants of its top-performing trucks. The Santa Cruz has a rugged adventure trim that adds AT tires, a Tow Drive Mode, and an increased approach angle, but it doesn’t make the cut as a true off-roader.
The Maverick falls on the other end of the spectrum. Ford manufactures the Maverick Tremor just for off-road enthusiasts. It has advanced 4WD, a rear drive unit lock, skid plates, and an off-road-tuned suspension with upgraded springs and shocks.
Should I Buy a Maverick or a Santa Cruz?
Whether you should buy a Ford Maverick or a Hyundai Santa Cruz depends on how you intend to use the vehicle. If you’re looking for an easy-to-drive truck that handles more like an SUV and fits easily down tight city roads, the Santa Cruz is your best option.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a more traditionally styled pickup that can tackle slightly larger jobs and offers the option of getting off-road safely and comfortably, the Maverick should be your go-to. When in doubt, head to your local dealership to check it out.
