As compact trucks, the 2026 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz offer a modern take on sporty performance. But which is the better option? Our comparison guide helps you select the truck best suited to your Central Florida lifestyle!
Key Takeaways
- With supportive seating and generous legroom, both trucks offer hours of on-road comfort!
- When it comes to technology, the Maverick's user-friendly interfaces give it the edge.
- Choose the Maverick for the best balance of power and fuel economy!
- Save on your new truck when you choose the 2026 Maverick (from $28,145*) over the Santa Cruz (starting at $29,750*).
Modern Comfort: It's a Tie!
These small trucks are big on space and support! In fact, with their five-seat crew cabins, both the Maverick and Santa Cruz make excellent people-haulers. Front seats are especially supportive, keeping you comfy through hours of on-road travel. And both models are available with your choice of luxury features, including dual-zone automatic climate control and leatherette upholstery.
World-Class Technology: 2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick's user-friendly tech features put it over the top! Ford's compact truck treats you to standard infotainment, with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A few safety aids -- lane-keeping assistance and forward collision mitigation -- are also standard. And, of course, you can always upgrade for premium tech features like a 360-degree parking camera or B&O audio!
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is also handsomely equipped with tech features! This compact truck comes standard with a similar infotainment setup (though with a 12.3-inch touchscreen) and an impressive host of driving aids (including blind-spot warning). There's just one drawback -- and that's the infotainment system's would-be shortcut buttons. Like the touchscreen above, these buttons are touch-sensitive, making them more distracting than helpful.
Sporty (Yet Thrifty) Performance: 2026 Ford Maverick
Whether you're shopping for a thrifty hybrid truck, sporty low-rider, or rugged, trail-ready pickup, the Maverick has options for you! The base hybrid engine supplies both 191 horsepower and up to 38 mpg combined. Compare that to the base Santa Cruz, which also gives you 191 horses but only 25 mpg combined.
The Maverick also offers two performance-based trim models, the off-roading Tremor and streetwise Lobo. Both come standard with the 250-horsepower engine upgrade and unique all-wheel-drive systems. The Tremor is tuned for the trail, while the low-riding Lobo is tuned for on-road agility.
But even if it's not the sportiest or thriftiest option, the Santa Cruz also has its high points! With its optional engine upgrade, this Hyundai truck actually supplies maximum muscle, generating up to 281 horsepower. And just like the Maverick, the Santa Cruz's available all-wheel-drive system supplies extra traction on sandy trails and slick pavement alike.
2026 Maverick vs. Santa Cruz: Powertrain Specs
|
2026 Ford Maverick |
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
| Base Engine |
2.5L hybrid (191 hp, 155 lb-ft) |
2.5L four-cylinder (191 hp, 181 lb-ft) |
| Optional Engine |
2.0L turbo four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft) |
2.5L turbo four-cylinder (281 hp, 311 lb-ft) |
| Transmission |
CVT (2.5L)Eight-speed automatic (2.0L) |
Eight-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
FWD or optional AWD |
FWD or optional AWD |
| Best EPA Ratings |
38 mpg combined (42 city/35 highway) |
25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway) |
Friendliest MSRP: 2026 Ford Maverick
On top of everything else, the 2026 Maverick (from $28,145*) comes at a lower price than the 2026 Santa Cruz (from $29,750*)! Although these compact trucks are both budget-friendly, the entry-level Maverick offers extra savings.
*MSRP as of 7/20/26. Subject to change.
Which truck should I choose, the 2026 Maverick or Santa Cruz?
If it were up to us, we'd choose the Maverick every time! Whether you're shopping for the thriftiest or sportiest truck, Ford's compact truck gives you more to love. Come see why the Maverick is so popular -- visit us at Alan Jay Ford in Sebring, Florida, for a test-drive!