VS
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 5600
191hp @ 6100
Torque
155lb-ft @ 4000
181lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
37 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
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 191hp @ 5600 while the Hyundai Santa Cruz produces 191hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Maverick returns 37 mpg est. while the Santa Cruz uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,090 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.
Specification
Ford MaverickLARIAT AWD SuperCrew 2026 - From $38,090
Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD 2026 - From $29,750
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 5600
191hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
155lb-ft @ 4000
181lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
37 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
40 (2025)mpg
22 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34 (2025)mpg
30 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.8gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.7in
195.9in
Width (in)
72.6in
75in
Height (in)
68.7in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
121.1in
118.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3856lbs
3779lbs
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ 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
Maverick
Value
Santa Cruz
Practicality
Santa Cruz
Pros & Cons
Ford Maverick
Better fuel economy (37 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Lower starting price ($29,750)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Maverick or Santa Cruz?
The Maverick gets 37 mpg est. and the Santa Cruz gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Maverick is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Maverick or Santa Cruz?
The Maverick produces 191hp @ 5600 and 155lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Santa Cruz delivers 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Maverick and Santa Cruz?
The Maverick starts from $38,090 and the Santa Cruz from $29,750. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $8,340 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