VS
At a Glance
Power
250hp @ 5500
191hp @ 6100
Torque
280lb-ft @ 3000
181lb-ft @ 4000
Towing
2000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Maverick delivers 250hp @ 5500 while the Hyundai Santa Cruz produces 191hp @ 6100. Pricing starts at $40,645 for the Maverick and $29,750 for the Santa Cruz. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
250hp @ 5500
191hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 3000
181lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (2025)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (2025)mpg
29 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.5gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.7in
195.9in
Width (in)
72.6in
75in
Height (in)
68.7in
66.9in
Wheelbase (in)
121.1in
118.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3892lbs
4043lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
33.3cu ft
27cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Santa Cruz
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Santa Cruz
Practicality
Santa Cruz
Pros & Cons
Ford Maverick
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Lower starting price ($29,750)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Maverick or Santa Cruz?
The Maverick produces 250hp @ 5500 and 280lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Santa Cruz delivers 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Maverick and Santa Cruz?
The Maverick starts from $40,645 and the Santa Cruz from $29,750. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $10,895 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Maverick or Santa Cruz?
The Maverick has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Santa Cruz can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Maverick or the Santa Cruz?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider