If you're weighing the Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz, you're likely after a compact pickup that parks like a crossover but still hauls like a truck. Both trucks seat five, offer front- or all-wheel drive, and target drivers who want everyday utility without a full-size footprint. The differences show up in fuel economy, bed space, and payload.
At Bill Currie Ford, we help Tampa drivers compare their options side by side, and this guide walks through how these two trucks stack up. Schedule a test drive to feel the difference for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- The Maverick's standard hybrid earns an EPA-estimated 42 MPG city (FWD),¹ compared to 22 MPG city for the Santa Cruz's standard engine.²
- The Maverick's bed offers 33.3 cubic feet of volume versus 27 cubic feet in the Santa Cruz.
- Maximum payload reaches 1,500 pounds in the Maverick³ and 1,411 pounds in the Santa Cruz.
Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz at a Glance
| Feature | 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Powertrain | 2.5L Hybrid | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
| Hybrid Available | Yes (standard) | No |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy/Combined, FWD) | 42/35/38¹ | 22/30/25² |
| Max Payload | 1,500 lbs.³ | 1,411 lbs. |
| Bed Length | 54.4 in. (floor) | 52.1 in. |
| Bed Volume | 33.3 cu. ft. | 27 cu. ft. |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
Which Compact Truck Gets Better MPG?
Fuel economy is the widest gap in this matchup. The Santa Cruz's standard 2.5L four-cylinder earns an EPA-estimated 22 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and 25 MPG combined with front-wheel drive.² The Maverick's standard 2.5L hybrid pairs an Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, earning an EPA-estimated 42 MPG city, 35 MPG highway, and 38 MPG combined in the same configuration.¹
That 20-MPG city difference adds up in stop-and-go traffic on the Selmon Expressway, where the Maverick's electric motor does more of the work at lower speeds. Need all-wheel drive? The Maverick hybrid AWD still earns an EPA-estimated 37 MPG combined,¹ while the Santa Cruz AWD lands at 24 MPG combined.²
For drivers who want more punch without a hybrid, the Maverick's available 2.0L EcoBoost® delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.⁴
Highlight: If your week includes a lot of city driving, the Maverick's hybrid gives you nearly twice the city MPG¹ of the Santa Cruz's standard engine.²
Maverick vs. Santa Cruz: Which Bed Holds More?
Bed space is where compact trucks earn their keep. The Santa Cruz offers a 52.1-inch bed with 27 cubic feet of volume, a practical setup for smaller loads. The Maverick's bed measures 54.4 inches at the floor and holds 33.3 cubic feet,* giving you extra room for mulch bags, kayaks, or a weekend's worth of camping gear.
Payload follows a similar pattern. The Santa Cruz carries up to 1,411 pounds, while the Maverick handles up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.³ The Maverick also adds the FLEXBED™ Storage System, which lets you secure your gear your way.
With the available 4K Tow Package, the Maverick tows up to 4,000 pounds, enough for a small boat headed to the Gulf beaches or a utility trailer for a Saturday project. Front-wheel-drive hybrid models are rated for up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.⁵
Highlight: More bed volume and a higher payload rating mean the Maverick leaves a little extra breathing room on every haul.³
Which Truck Fits Your Daily Routine Better?
Daily comfort lives in the details. The Santa Cruz SE starts with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Maverick comes standard with a 13.2-inch center display running SYNC® 4. The Maverick also offers 42.8 inches of front legroom and 36.9 inches in the rear, compared to 41.4 and 36.5 inches in the Santa Cruz, so a carpool across the Howard Frankland Bridge doesn't feel cramped.
The Maverick lineup covers a lot of ground, from the XL and XLT for everyday hauling to the Lariat with upscale touches, the street-styled Lobo, and the Tremor with 9.1 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires. Every hybrid Maverick also includes 8-year/100,000-mile coverage on unique hybrid components.
Highlight: A larger standard screen, five distinct trim personalities, and dedicated hybrid coverage help the Maverick fit just about any schedule.
FAQs
Do I need to plug in the Maverick Hybrid?
No. The Maverick's 2.5L full hybrid charges itself through regenerative braking and the gas engine, so there's no charging station or cord required.
What fuel does the Maverick need?
The 2.5L hybrid runs on regular 87-octane fuel. For the available 2.0L EcoBoost engine, premium 91-octane fuel is recommended.
Does the Maverick come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is available on the XL and XLT and comes standard on the Lariat. The Lobo and Tremor step up to Advanced 4WD with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
Test-Drive the Ford Maverick Today
Choosing the Ford Maverick or the Hyundai Santa Cruz comes down to what you value most. If fuel savings, bed space, and payload top your list, the Maverick deserves a close look.
At Bill Currie Ford, our team can walk you through each trim and help you find the configuration that fits the way you drive around Tampa.
Contact us today to schedule your test drive.
*Source: 2026 Ford Maverick Technical Specifications – Ford Media
¹ EPA-estimated ratings (actual mileage may vary)
² All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
³ Max payload varies based on accessories and vehicle configuration.
⁴ Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.
⁵ Max towing and hauling varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers.
