Maverick vs Santa Cruz: Ultimate Hauling Showdown

Compact pickup trucks have transformed the market by blending car-like comfort with truck utility, and two frontrunners—the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz—stand out for urban adventurers and light-duty haulers. This analysis dives into their hauling prowess, examining towing capacities, payload limits, engine options, fuel efficiency, interior practicality, and more to determine which vehicle pulls ahead in real-world scenarios.

Powertrain Options and Performance Breakdown

Both trucks offer versatile powertrains tailored to different driving needs, but their approaches differ significantly. The Ford Maverick provides a choice between a fuel-sipping hybrid and a punchy turbocharged engine, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz focuses on naturally aspirated and turbo variants of the same base mill.

The Maverick’s 2.5L hybrid I-4 delivers 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. Its 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I-4 ups the ante to 250 hp and 277 lb-ft, mated to an 8-speed automatic and optional AWD.

In contrast, the Santa Cruz starts with a 2.5L inline-4 producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft, escalating to a 2.5L turbo inline-4 with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Every Santa Cruz comes with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD, prioritizing consistent traction.

The Santa Cruz turbo edges out in raw power, making it ideal for demanding acceleration, but the Maverick’s hybrid shines in varied conditions.

Towing and Payload: Who Hauls Heavier?

Hauling capability defines a truck’s worth, and these two deliver impressive figures for their size class. The Ford Maverick tows up to 4,000 lbs with the EcoBoost engine and optional 4K Tow Package, though the hybrid caps at 2,000 lbs. Payload reaches 1,500 lbs across configurations.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz pulls ahead with a base towing limit of 3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs on the turbo model, paired with a payload of up to 1,611 lbs. This makes it the choice for frequent heavy trailers like small boats or ATVs.

• Maverick Strengths: Modular FLEXBED with tie-downs and 120V outlet for tools; ideal for DIY projects.
• Santa Cruz Strengths: Lockable tonneau cover and hidden storage bins for secure cargo.

Bed lengths are close: Maverick at 53.3 inches, Santa Cruz at 52.1 inches, both accommodating 4×8 plywood with tailgate down.

Fuel Economy: Efficiency Kings Crowned

Fuel savings matter for daily drivers, and the Maverick hybrid dominates with EPA estimates of 42 city / 33 highway / 37 combined MPG (FWD), dropping slightly to 37/32 for AWD. The EcoBoost nets 23/30 (FWD) or 22/29 (AWD).

The Santa Cruz lags with 22/26 (base) or 19/27 (turbo), averaging 22-23 combined. Annual savings with the Maverick hybrid could exceed $800 at 15,000 miles and average gas prices, especially in city commutes.

The Maverick’s smaller fuel tank (13.8 gal hybrid, 16.5 gal EcoBoost) suits short hauls, while Santa Cruz’s larger capacity aids longer trips.

Pricing and Value Comparison

Entry pricing favors the Maverick at around $25,515 (EcoBoost) or $27,265 (Hybrid), topping out at $36,555 for loaded Lariat. Santa Cruz starts higher at $27,200-$30,000 base, climbing with turbo trims.

Standard kits add value: Maverick’s Co-Pilot360 includes auto braking and lane assist; Santa Cruz’s SmartSense offers blind-spot collision avoidance. Both feature 8-inch touchscreens.

Interior Comfort and Passenger Space

These trucks prioritize crew comfort over full-size pickups. The Maverick offers 43.2 inches front legroom and 35.9 rear, fitting adults comfortably in its SuperCrew cab. Santa Cruz provides 44.1 front but tighter 33.5 rear legroom.

Cargo versatility shines: Maverick’s FLEXBED includes dividers and power outlets; Santa Cruz adds pass-through seats and under-bed storage for gear.

Off-Road and All-Weather Capability

For rugged paths, Maverick Tremor and Santa Cruz XRT trims compete. Maverick’s AWD with off-road modes handles light trails; Santa Cruz’s standard AWD excels in rain or snow.

Tire sizes and ground clearance are similar, but Santa Cruz’s bolder suspension tuning aids highway stability.

Safety Technology Face-Off

• Maverick: Co-Pilot360 with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert.
• Santa Cruz: SmartSense including forward collision avoidance, lane following, rear occupant alert.

Both earn top safety ratings, making them family-friendly haulers.

Real-World Hauling Tests and Owner Insights

In video comparisons, Maverick hybrid tows efficiently for campers, while Santa Cruz turbo hauls heavier without strain. Payload tests show both managing lumber loads, but Maverick’s bed accessories edge versatility.

Owners praise Maverick for gas savings and Santa Cruz for premium feel and power.

Pros and Cons Summary

Which One Wins for Hauling?

Choose Maverick for unbeatable efficiency and value on light duties; opt for Santa Cruz if max towing and power are priorities. Both redefine compact trucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which truck tows more: Maverick or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz tows up to 5,000 lbs with turbo, vs Maverick’s 4,000 lbs max.

Does the Maverick hybrid handle towing well?

Limited to 2,000 lbs, but excels in fuel savings for lighter loads.

Is AWD standard on Santa Cruz?

Yes, across all models for superior traction.

How do bed sizes compare?

Maverick: 53.3 inches; Santa Cruz: 52.1 inches—nearly identical.

What’s the MPG difference?

Maverick hybrid leads at 37 combined vs Santa Cruz’s 22-23.