Why Are These Trucks Popular?
Smaller trucks are versatile, efficient, and affordable. They work well for commuting, hauling light loads for businesses, outdoor activities, and more. Some of the most popular smaller trucks are the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Here’s some more information about the most desirable factors each vehicle offers.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
The 2025 Maverick comes with a black mesh grille, manually-folding side mirrors, LED headlamps, and 17-inch wheels. With the 2025 Santa Cruz, you’ll get 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights with High Beam Assist, and a chrome grille with several small rectangles that blend well with the headlights.
Both trucks have excellent safety features. The Maverick includes an anti-theft engine immobilizer, a shoulder belt for the center rear seat, a rearview camera, and pre-collision assistance with automatic emergency braking. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind spot collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit warning.
Infotainment and connectivity are advanced for both vehicles. The Ford Maverick has a 13.2-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch screen in the instrument cluster and even a wireless charging pad. With the Santa Cruz, you’ll get a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, and remote start. Both include SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth as well.
These trucks are comfortable and spacious, and they both have folding rear seats and can carry five people. The Maverick also has flip-up seat cushions and under-seat storage bins, and it comes with 100.3 cubic feet of passenger space. The Santa Cruz offers 101.8 cubic feet of passenger room.
The Maverick’s options include a power moonroof and remote start. With the Santa Cruz, you can add ventilated front seats and a power sunroof with tilt and slide capabilities. A heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a heated eight-way power driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera, and dual-zone climate control are available with both trucks.
Comparison of Prices
The 2025 Ford Maverick starts at $26,995, and the Santa Cruz’s base price is $28,650. While the Santa Cruz has a unique look and slightly more passenger space than the Maverick, its screens are smaller. This makes the Maverick a better value for many buyers. Contact Riser Ford’s finance department at 501-599-3287 to discuss your options and deals with a sales professional.
Reliability
Kelley Blue Book gave the Ford Maverick a 4.6 rating for reliability, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz received a 4.7 rating.
Bed Sizes and Utility
The Maverick’s bed is 54.4 inches long and 53.3 inches wide. It can carry 33.3 cubic feet of cargo. The Santa Cruz’s bed is 52.1 inches long and 53.9 inches wide with a capacity of 27 cubic feet.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2025 Maverick gets up to 37 mpg combined with the standard, 2.5-liter hybrid engine. With the 2-liter EcoBoost motor, it can go up to 26 mpg. The Santa Cruz can travel 25 mpg with its 2.5-liter engine, and a turbocharged version that can go up to 22 mpg is available.
Towing Capacities
The Ford Maverick can tow 2,000 pounds or 4,000 pounds with the 4K Tow Package. The Santa Cruz can pull up to 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive or 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.
The Maverick and the Santa Cruz offer many similar features, but the Maverick is more affordable. It also comes with a more modern interior with features like larger infotainment screens.
You can test-drive the Ford Maverick here at Riser Ford. Get in touch with our team by calling 501-599-3290 or fill out this form.
