2026 Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
2026 Ford
Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz
Decades ago, compact pickups were everywhere, with most mainstream manufacturers offering an entry. But as these smaller models gave way to larger trucks, it left a hole in the market. That began to change several years ago, when both Ford and Hyundai recognized an opportunity and brought small pickups back to showrooms. The Maverick and Santa Cruz both emerged for the 2022 model year to please drivers in search of a truck alternative that was more manageable in both size and price. The Maverick has been a smash hit for the Blue Oval, outselling the Santa Cruz six-to-one. In fact, the contrast has been so significant that Hyundai has decided to discontinue the Santa Cruz after 2026, limiting its life cycle to a single generation.
But for the time being, the Hyundai Santa Cruz remains a competitor to the Ford Maverick, so we decided to see how the two trucks compare. Unless we have otherwise noted, all of our comparison points are based on the least expensive trim for each model.
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Pricing and Depreciation
One of the fundamental advantages of a compact pickup is affordability. Here, the Maverick is ahead of the game with a $28,145 base MSRP. The Santa Cruz starts at $29,750 – a difference of more than $1,600.
Consumers often overlook future resale value as a factor in choosing which vehicle to buy, but a better understanding of depreciation can provide insight into potential trade-in value down the line. According to CarEdge, the Maverick retains 83.0% of its original value after three years, while the Santa Cruz retains just 64.7%.
Ownership Costs
Long-term ownership costs are also part of the financial calculations. Based on a projected five-year period with 15,000 miles of annual driving, Edmunds estimates the Maverick's total ownership cost at $34,929, compared with $40,707 for the Santa Cruz. The projections are based on comparisons of depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, taxes, fees, maintenance, and repairs.
On a per-mile basis, that works out to $0.47 for the Ford against $0.54 for the Hyundai. Simply put, the Maverick is about 13% cheaper to keep on the road than the Santa Cruz, with lower depreciation and better fuel economy among the factors that contribute to the Maverick's strength.
Powertrains
Each manufacturer takes a different approach to base power for its small truck. Ford relies on hybrid technology, with an electrified 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower. The standard engine in the Santa Cruz is a conventional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that achieves that same horsepower value. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the standard configuration for both vehicles, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option.
Both the Maverick and Santa Cruz are eligible for a stronger powertrain as an upgrade. Ford offers a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter powerplant, while Hyundai adds a turbocharger to the 2.5-liter engine to increase its output to 281 horsepower. Despite the horsepower difference, the Ford is a tad quicker. Car and Driver recorded a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds for the turbo-equipped Maverick with AWD, compared to 6.0 seconds for the Santa Cruz with the more powerful engine and AWD.
Fuel Economy
The 2026 Ford Maverick maintains a fuel-economy lead over the Hyundai Santa Cruz, especially with their standard engines. The various trim levels of the Maverick Hybrid are EPA-rated to achieve 39 to 42 mpg in the city and 32 to 35 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz with the base powerplant is rated for up to 22 mpg around town and up to 30 mpg on the open road. The Maverick maintains the efficiency edge with the upgraded powerplants as well: Ford's EcoBoost engine is EPA-rated for 21 to 23 mpg in the city and 25 to 30 mpg on the highway, while the turbo-equipped Santa Cruz returns just 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)
Sales tax, title, reg, and $784 doc & title prep fee not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the vehicle. Stock photos may not represent actual vehicle. MPG ratings are EPA estimates. Actual results may vary for many reasons, including driving conditions and how you drive and maintain your vehicle. See full site disclosure here.