2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Full Comparison
The 2026 Ford Maverick hybrid returns 42 MPG city, nearly double the Santa Cruz's 22 MPG city rating. The Maverick also tows up to 4,000 lbs with the 4K Tow Package, matching the Santa Cruz's top tow rating. This page breaks down every key spec side by side, with Maverick inventory available at George Coleman Ford.
The Short Answer
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the stronger choice for buyers who prioritize fuel economy, running costs, and a hybrid powertrain that genuinely changes daily driving math. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz earns the nod for buyers who want a longer warranty, a factory tonneau cover on mid-range trims, and standard blind-spot monitoring across the lineup. Both trucks seat five and share the compact-pickup segment, but they serve noticeably different priorities.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Specification | 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.5L I-4 Hybrid | 2.5L I-4 GDI |
| Horsepower (standard) | 184 combined (Hybrid) | 191 hp |
| Optional engine | 2.0L EcoBoost 250 hp | 2.5L Turbo 281 hp |
| Torque (standard) | 155 lb-ft, (Hybrid CVT) | 181 lb-ft |
| Torque (EcoBoost) | 280 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft (Turbo) |
| EPA MPG (std engine, FWD) | 42 city / 35 hwy / 38 combined | 22 city / 30 hwy / 25 combined |
| Max towing | 4,000 lbs (w/ 4K Tow Pkg) | 5,000 lbs (AWD, SEL Activity+) |
| Payload | 1,500 lbs | 1,411 lbs |
| Bed length | 54.4 in (4.42 ft) | 52.1 in |
| Bed volume | 33.3 cu ft | 27.0 cu ft |
| Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 118.3 in |
| Length | 199.8 in | 195.7-195.9 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.0-9.1 in (trim dependent) | 8.6 in |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36k mi | 5 yr / 60k mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60k mi | 10 yr / 100k mi |
Performance and Powertrain
The Maverick's standard 2.5L full hybrid system produces 184 combined horsepower and uses a Power-Split Electronic CVT. That setup is tuned for efficiency first, and the EPA number proves it: 42 MPG city and 38 combined on FWD trims. Buyers who need more output can step up to the 2.0L EcoBoost, rated at 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, with Advanced 4WD available on Tremor and Lobo trims.
The Santa Cruz starts with a 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder rated at 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. The XRT and Limited trims switch to a 2.5L turbocharged engine making 281 hp and 311 lb-ft, which gives the Santa Cruz a meaningful power advantage in its upper trims. Neither truck offers a hybrid option on the Santa Cruz side, so every Santa Cruz runs on gasoline exclusively.
For the daily commuter in the Upstate South Carolina area, the Maverick hybrid's fuel advantage is real. For the buyer who wants turbocharged punch without paying a premium for the Tremor or Lobo, the Santa Cruz's turbo trims fill that gap.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
Both trucks seat five passengers and share very similar interior dimensions. The Maverick offers 42.8 inches of front legroom and 57.3 inches of front shoulder room. The Santa Cruz posts 41.4 inches of front legroom and 57.7 inches of front shoulder room. Neither truck gives up meaningful space to the other inside the cab.
Where the Maverick pulls ahead is in the bed. The Maverick's 54.4-inch bed floor beats the Santa Cruz's 52.1-inch bed by 2.3 inches, and its 33.3 cubic feet of bed volume outpaces the Santa Cruz's 27.0 cubic feet. The Maverick's longer wheelbase (121.1 in vs 118.3 in) accounts for that extra cargo capacity.
The Santa Cruz fights back with bed utility features. The SEL Activity trim adds a factory-integrated tonneau cover with T-slot utility tracks, bed cargo rails, a 115V power outlet in the sidewall storage compartment, and LED bed lighting. The Maverick offers available Pro Power Onboard in the cab and bed, which delivers household-level power for tools and devices, but the factory tonneau cover requires an aftermarket addition on most Maverick trims.
Both trucks share a 5-passenger layout with rear 60/40 split seating. The Maverick runs a unibody SuperCrew body on a 121.1-inch wheelbase, making it slightly longer but noticeably more fuel-efficient than the Santa Cruz.
Technology and Safety
The Maverick leads on screen size. Its standard 13.2-inch touchscreen outmeasures the Santa Cruz's 12.3-inch unit across the full Santa Cruz lineup. Both trucks include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
The Maverick adds SYNC 4 with SiriusXM 360L, a Ford Connectivity Package (1 year standard) covering unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot access for up to 10 devices, Connected Navigation, and a voice assistant. Remote start is standard on every Maverick trim.
The Santa Cruz includes blind-spot collision warning as standard equipment on all trims. The Maverick lists blind-spot monitoring as available rather than standard across the full lineup. That is a real-world distinction worth noting for safety-conscious buyers. Adaptive cruise control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Intersection Assist is available on the Maverick. The Santa Cruz XRT and Limited add standard Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist, and a Surround View Monitor.
On the Maverick side, available Pro Trailer Backup Assist with rear camera and corner radar is a genuine standout feature for anyone towing frequently. The Santa Cruz does not list a trailer backup system in its feature set.
Both trucks include:
| Shared Safety Feature | 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection | Included | Included |
| Automatic emergency braking | Included | Included |
| Lane-keeping assist | Included | Included |
| Driver attention monitor | Included | Included |
| Automatic high beams | Included | Included |
Value and Ownership
The Maverick's 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty matches the Santa Cruz's basic warranty. But the Santa Cruz's 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain coverage is one of the strongest in the segment and puts meaningful long-term protection behind the Hyundai purchase decision.
The Maverick counters with a fuel economy story that has real financial weight. At 42 MPG city on the hybrid, Maverick owners in Travelers Rest and across the Upstate South Carolina region fill up less often. The Santa Cruz's best FWD fuel economy is 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined on standard trims, and turbocharged XRT and Limited models drop further to 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined.
The Maverick hybrid also carries a 5-year / 60,000-mile Safety Restraint System warranty and 5-year / 60,000-mile Roadside Assistance coverage. The Santa Cruz includes 5-year / unlimited-mile roadside assistance.
For payload, the Maverick holds an edge. The 2.0L FWD and AWD Maverick trims carry up to 1,500 lbs, slightly above the Santa Cruz's 1,411-lb maximum load limit.
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2026 Ford Maverick if:
- Fuel economy is your top priority and the hybrid's 42 MPG city matters to your budget
- You haul cargo regularly and want the larger 33.3 cu ft bed
- You plan to tow occasionally and want Pro Trailer Backup Assist
- You want the larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and SYNC 4 connectivity
- You live and commute in Travelers Rest or the wider Upstate South Carolina area and want a truck that earns back fuel savings daily
- You want the Tremor AWD for off-road capability with 9.1 inches of ground clearance
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz if:
- The 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty is a deciding factor for you
- You want a factory-integrated tonneau cover without adding an aftermarket solution
- You need standard blind-spot monitoring from the base trim up
- The turbocharged 281 hp engine in the XRT or Limited trims fits your driving style
- You prioritize towing and the Santa Cruz's 5,000-lb max tow rating (with AWD) matters
See the 2026 Maverick at George Coleman Ford in Travelers Rest
George Coleman Ford serves drivers throughout Travelers Rest and the broader Upstate South Carolina region with current Maverick inventory spanning multiple trims. The Maverick hybrid's fuel numbers are not a trim-level upgrade or an option package: the 42 MPG city rating comes standard on every XL and XLT with the 2.5L hybrid. Shoppers comparing these two trucks on total ownership math will find the Maverick's efficiency story hard to set aside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Ford Maverick get better fuel economy than the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Yes, by a large margin. The Maverick hybrid returns 42 MPG city and 38 combined on FWD trims. The Santa Cruz's standard engine returns 22 city and 25 combined on FWD trims. That is a 17 MPG combined difference in favor of the Maverick.
Which truck tows more, the 2026 Maverick or the 2026 Santa Cruz?
The Santa Cruz tows more at its peak. With AWD and the available tow package, the Santa Cruz reaches 5,000 lbs on SEL Activity and above trims. The Maverick tops out at 4,000 lbs with the 4K Tow Package. Both require the available tow package to hit their maximum ratings.
Which has the bigger truck bed?
The 2026 Ford Maverick has the larger bed. Its bed floor measures 54.4 inches with 33.3 cubic feet of volume. The Santa Cruz bed measures 52.1 inches with 27.0 cubic feet of volume.
Does the 2026 Santa Cruz have a better warranty than the Maverick?
Yes. The Santa Cruz covers 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain. The Maverick covers 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain. The Santa Cruz's powertrain warranty is significantly longer.
Is blind-spot monitoring standard on both trucks?
Blind-spot collision warning is standard on all 2026 Santa Cruz trims. On the Maverick, blind-spot monitoring is listed as available rather than standard across all trims.
Which truck has the larger touchscreen?
The 2026 Ford Maverick has a larger standard touchscreen at 13.2 inches. The Santa Cruz uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen across its full lineup.
Can I get a hybrid powertrain in the Santa Cruz?
No. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz does not offer a hybrid option. The Maverick's standard 2.5L full hybrid is unique to the Ford side of this comparison.
Where can I test drive the 2026 Ford Maverick near Travelers Rest, SC?
George Coleman Ford in Travelers Rest carries 2026 Maverick inventory. Use the inventory link on this page to check current stock and schedule a test drive.