Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz: 2024 Face-Off

The compact pickup truck segment has exploded in popularity, offering drivers the utility of a bed without the massive footprint or fuel bill of a full-size truck. For 2024, the rivalry between the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz is fiercer than ever. While both vehicles share a unibody construction, they appeal to very different buyers. This comparison breaks down the specs, pricing, and capabilities to help you decide which small hauler belongs in your driveway.

Powertrain and Performance

The most significant change for the 2024 model year involves the Ford Maverick’s engine lineup. Ford has shuffled the deck, making the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine standard and the hybrid powertrain an optional upgrade on most trims.

Ford Maverick Engines

  • Standard: A 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available with this engine.
  • Optional: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain delivering a combined 191 horsepower. It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is available only in front-wheel drive (FWD). This setup is famous for achieving an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Engines

  • Base: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine can feel sluggish compared to the Maverick’s turbo options.
  • Turbo: A potent 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and comes standard with AWD. It offers a sportier, quicker driving experience than the Ford.

If fuel economy is your primary goal, the Maverick Hybrid is the undisputed winner. If you want acceleration and passing power, the Santa Cruz Turbo takes the lead.

Utility: Bed Size and Towing

While these trucks look small, they need to perform real work. The design philosophy of the cargo area is where these two diverge most sharply.

The Cargo Bed

The Ford Maverick features the “FlexBed.” It is 4.5 feet long and designed for DIY customization. It includes stamped slots where you can insert 2x4s or 2x6s to create segmented storage or elevated racks. It also features 12-volt power pre-wiring for DIY lighting projects. The bed walls are vertical, maximizing usable volume.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a shorter bed, measuring roughly 4 feet. However, it offers clever factory solutions. Many trims come with a lockable, retractable tonneau cover and an under-bed storage trunk with a drain plug, similar to the Honda Ridgeline. The Santa Cruz bed is made of a composite material, whereas the Ford uses steel (with an optional spray-in liner).

Towing Capacity

  • Hyundai Santa Cruz: When equipped with the turbocharged engine and AWD, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The base engine is limited to 3,500 pounds.
  • Ford Maverick: The standard towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for both engines. However, if you opt for the EcoBoost engine and the 4K Tow Package, the capacity jumps to 4,000 pounds.

If you plan to tow a small travel trailer or a boat, the Santa Cruz Turbo offers the highest ceiling, but the Maverick with the 4K package is a capable runner-up for less money.

Interior Design and Technology

The interior experience reflects the brand DNA of each manufacturer. Ford aims for rugged utility, while Hyundai aims for premium comfort.

Ford Maverick Interior

The Maverick cabin is simple and honest. You will find hard plastics throughout, but they are textured and designed to be durable. The design focuses on storage, with massive door bins that can hold large water bottles and a storage bin under the rear seat.

  • Tech: An 8-inch touchscreen is standard across all trims (XL, XLT, Lariat), running Ford’s SYNC 3 system. It includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Space: The Maverick offers slightly more rear legroom, making it the better choice if you frequently carry adults in the back.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior

Stepping into the Santa Cruz feels like entering a Hyundai Tucson SUV. The materials are softer, the cabin is quieter, and the layout is more sophisticated.

  • Tech: Lower trims get an 8-inch screen with wireless phone mirroring. The upper trims (SEL Premium, Limited, XRT) feature a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a matching 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster.
  • Comfort: The front seats are widely considered more comfortable for long road trips, with available ventilation on the top-tier Limited trim.

Off-Road Trims: Tremor vs. XRT

Both brands have introduced trims targeting the adventure crowd, though one is more functional than the other.

The Ford Maverick Tremor is a legitimate off-road package. It includes a 1-inch lift, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a sophisticated twin-clutch rear drive unit that can lock the rear differential. It also features “Trail Control,” which acts like cruise control for off-roading.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is primarily an appearance package. It adds side steps, bed rails, wider fender flares, and orange center caps on the wheels. While it looks aggressive, it lacks the mechanical upgrades found on the Maverick Tremor.

Pricing and Value

Price is often the deciding factor in this segment.

  • Ford Maverick: The 2024 Maverick starts at roughly $23,815 for the base XL trim. A fully loaded Lariat with the hybrid engine or the Tremor package can push the price toward $35,000 to $38,000.
  • Hyundai Santa Cruz: The 2024 Santa Cruz has a higher entry price, starting around $26,900 for the SE. The range-topping Limited trim brings the price closer to $41,000.

However, Hyundai offers a significantly better warranty. You get a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Ford offers a standard 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which truck gets better gas mileage?

The Ford Maverick Hybrid is the clear winner, boasting an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The most efficient Hyundai Santa Cruz (non-turbo FWD) achieves only 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Can the Ford Maverick fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood?

Yes, but not flat on the floor. Both trucks can carry 4x8 plywood sheets by resting them on the wheel wells and setting the tailgate to a mid-position (half-open). The Maverick’s FlexBed is specifically marked for this configuration.

Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz faster than the Ford Maverick?

Yes, provided you choose the turbocharged engine. The Santa Cruz Turbo hits 0-60 mph in roughly 6.0 seconds. The Ford Maverick EcoBoost takes about 7.0 seconds, while the Hybrid takes closer to 7.6 seconds.

Does the Maverick offer All-Wheel Drive with the Hybrid engine?

No. As of the 2024 model year, the Ford Maverick Hybrid is available strictly with Front-Wheel Drive. If you need AWD, you must select the 2.0L EcoBoost engine.