The 2023 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are two small trucks with big aspirations. Which should you choose? Our comparison guide takes a closer look at each of these compact trucks, so you can figure out which one best aligns with your needs!
Key Takeaways
- The Santa Cruz gives you the greater towing and hauling capabilities, though the Maverick isn’t too far behind.
- The Maverick’s hybrid powertrain provides the best EPA ratings.
- Both compact trucks are available with similar tech and luxury upgrades!
- With a starting price of $22,595, the Maverick is the better deal than the Santa Cruz, which starts at $25,700.
Greater Power: 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
For maximum towing and hauling capabilities, choose the Santa Cruz. This compact truck can tow up to 5,000 pounds and haul payloads weighing up to 1,753 pounds. Although the Santa Cruz’s base engine is pretty comparable to the Maverick’s base engine, its optional turbocharged engine delivers the strongest available performance.
The Santa Cruz is available with two peppy engine options:
- Standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional turbo 2.5L four-cylinder engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
It might not be able to move as much weight as the Santa Cruz, but the 2023 Ford Maverick is still a very capable little truck. With its optional turbocharged engine, Ford’s compact pickup can tow max loads of up to 4,000 pounds. And every Maverick can tow up to 1,500 pounds without any upgrades needed!
The Maverick is also available with two strong engine options:
- Standard 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine (191 horsepower, 155 lb-ft of torque) and continuously variable transmission
- Optional turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive (2.0L engine only)
Maximum Fuel Economy: 2023 Ford Maverick
With its base hybrid powertrain, the Maverick delivers its highest EPA ratings. It’s also the thriftiest of the two compact trucks, earning 37 mpg combined (40 city/33 highway). The optional Maverick engine, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, is also pretty thrifty. It earns up to 25 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway), depending on configuration and equipment.
In terms of efficiency, the Santa Cruz can’t really compete with the Maverick’s powertrain options. Instead, with its base engine, this small truck earns up to 23 mpg combined (22 city/26 highway).
Cruising Comfort: It’s a Tie!
Each of these small trucks delivers a strong, smooth ride. And each comes standard with a roomy cabin, delivering room for five passengers.
The 2023 Ford Maverick comes standard with a pretty impressive list of comforts and conveniences, from cloth seating to an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are three Maverick trim models, and higher models offer additional creature comforts, like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, or leather upholstery.
With the Hyundai Santa Cruz, you can choose from five trim models. The entry-level Santa Cruz also comes with cloth seats and a smartphone-friendly infotainment touchscreen. Available upgrades are very similar to the Maverick options, including heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
Best Price: 2023 Ford Maverick
The compact Maverick starts at $22,595, a very budget-friendly price! However, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $25,700, keeping things pretty competitive. As you move up the trim levels or add optional equipment, the price of your new truck will rise accordingly.
Your Compact Truck
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a little more pep, and it might be the right choice if you need maximum towing or hauling capabilities. However, we think the 2023 Ford Maverick is the ultimate compact truck, giving you the best price, maximum EPA ratings, and a strong, comfortable ride!