VS
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 5600
281hp @ 5800
Torque
155lb-ft @ 4000
311lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
38 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
5000lbs
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 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Maverick returns 38 mpg est. while the Santa Cruz uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $28,145 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 MaverickXL FWD SuperCrew 2026 - From $28,145
Hyundai Santa CruzLimited AWD 2026 - From $29,750
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 5600
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
155lb-ft @ 4000
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
38 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
42 (2025)mpg
18 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
35 (2025)mpg
25 (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
66.9in
Wheelbase (in)
121.1in
118.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3685lbs
4191lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
33.3cu ft
27cu ft
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
5000lbs
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
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Santa Cruz
Fuel Economy
Maverick
Value
Maverick
Practicality
Santa Cruz
Pros & Cons
Ford Maverick
Better fuel economy (38 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($28,145)
Few notable weaknesses
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Maverick or Santa Cruz?
The Maverick gets 38 mpg est. and the Santa Cruz gets 22 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 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Santa Cruz is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Maverick and Santa Cruz?
The Maverick starts from $28,145 and the Santa Cruz from $29,750. The Maverick is cheaper by $1,605 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 5000lbs. 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