A decade ago, options for mid-size truck shoppers were limited to older models like the Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier. However, today’s market boasts revitalized versions of trucks, such as the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline, sparking the emergence of a new compact pickup category, featuring the likes of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
These compact pickups cater to diverse utility needs. The Maverick, though traditional with solid towing and hauling capacities, has a rugged interior and ride. It impresses with a hybrid engine offering exceptional fuel economy. On the other hand, the Santa Cruz shimmers with a more luxurious and comfortable design, hinting at SUV characteristics and boasts higher towing capability but falls short in heavy hauling.
**Power and Fuel Efficiency**
Both the Maverick and Santa Cruz are equipped with 191-horsepower four-cylinder engines. They may not be swift, but they are capable performers. Notably, the Maverick’s hybrid engine shines with a notable 38 mpg combined, exceeding expectations in real tests. Meanwhile, the non-hybrid Santa Cruz achieves up to 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway). Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces fuel economy for both models by about 1 mpg.
For those seeking enhanced performance, turbo engine options are available. The Maverick leaps from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with its 250-horsepower engine, while the Santa Cruz nearly matches this at 6.8 seconds with its 281-horsepower counterpart. In terms of fuel efficiency, the turbo Maverick achieves an EPA-rated 23-25 mpg combined, which was confirmed in practical tests, while the Santa Cruz surpassed its EPA rating, reaching 29 mpg in tests.
**Winner: Maverick**
**Towing and Payload Capacity**
When properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds, suitable for smaller trailers or sporting gear but demands the more expensive turbo engine. The hybrid variant is capped at 2,000 pounds. In contrast, the Santa Cruz can handle 5,000 pounds with its turbo engine and 3,500 pounds with its standard engine, offering a significant advantage of 1,000 pounds in towing for a compact truck.
While the Maverick’s payload capacity of 1,500 pounds slightly surpasses the Santa Cruz’s 1,411 pounds, it also benefits from a longer bed, enhancing its overall utility. The Maverick offers a trailering package, including a hitch, wiring harness, and trailer brake controller, straight from the factory, whereas Santa Cruz needs aftermarket solutions for the same.
**Winner: Tie**
**Off-Road Capability**
Neither truck is built primarily for off-road adventures, though the Maverick nearly reaches that standard. Both can navigate rough trails thanks to optional all-wheel drive and approximately 8.5 inches of ground clearance. The Santa Cruz XRT trim, designed for diverse terrains, features all-terrain tires, front tow hooks, and a surround-view monitor to aid visibility. Yet, the Maverick’s Tremor trim stands out for dirt road prowess.
The Tremor trim offers higher ground clearance, custom suspension, locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and modes to optimize traction and speed for various terrains. Despite its high price point at $42,690, an alternative exists for off-roaders: the Maverick XLT’s FX4 package, which provides similar features at a lower cost.
**Winner: Maverick**
**Comfort, Technology, and Value**
For those expecting a rugged pickup experience, the Maverick fulfills that with its energetic, work-truck-like ride, except for its Lobo trim, which groans refinement. In stark contrast, the Santa Cruz, which has a softer ride, feels more like a refined crossover. This plush ambiance extends to its interior, where it eclipses the Maverick’s basic, more plastic-heavy design.
Both models feature sizable touchscreens—13.2 inches in the Maverick and 12.3 inches in the Santa Cruz—equipped with clean interfaces and efficient software. However, the Santa Cruz has the edge thanks to its additional driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, and the option for more premium features like leather seats and ventilation. Both start with similar price tags—the Maverick at $29,840 and the Santa Cruz at $30,200—but the latter’s elevated features may tip the scales.
**Winner: Santa Cruz**
**Conclusion**
Choose the Maverick if traditional truck capabilities or excellent fuel economy are top priorities. Opt for the Santa Cruz if you desire an upscale, comfortable experience with enhanced towing capability.