2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the surprisingly capable 2025 Ford Maverick and the slightly more polished 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz? This is a common head-scratcher because both blur the line between SUV and truck. The Maverick immediately grabs attention with its incredible efficiency, boasting a 38 combined MPG, crushing the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG. This massive 13 MPG difference is a huge factor for daily drivers. However, the Santa Cruz offers slightly more grunt, delivering 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft, despite both sharing 191 horsepower. Pricewise, the Maverick edges it out at an MSRP of $28,145 versus the Santa Cruz's $28,750. The Maverick is also slightly longer at 199.8 inches, while the Santa Cruz is noticeably wider at 75.0 inches. Your choice hinges heavily on whether fuel economy or low-end pull is your top priority for the daily grind.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick is the clear winner for commuters due to its phenomenal 38 combined MPG, drastically lowering running costs.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz offers a wider stance (75.0 inches) and slightly more confident torque delivery for hauling family gear.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Enthusiasts will appreciate the 181 lb-ft of torque from the Santa Cruz, offering a bit more satisfying pull than the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
2025 Ford Maverick
Starting at $28,145, the Maverick offers significantly better long-term value through superior fuel economy.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Fuel savings are your absolute top concern, thanks to its 38 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer the slightly larger overall footprint, measuring 199.8 inches in length.
- You want the lowest entry price point, with an MSRP starting at $28,145.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You value greater immediate pulling power, reflected in its 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a vehicle with a slightly shorter overall length (195.7 inches) and 8-speed automatic transmission.
- You need the added stability that comes with its greater width of 75.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 195.7" |
| Width | 72.6" | 75.0" |
| Height | 68.8" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 118.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 42/35 MPG | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the biggest practical difference in fuel efficiency between the 2025 Maverick and Santa Cruz?
The difference is substantial. The 2025 Ford Maverick achieves a remarkable 38 combined MPG, whereas the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz manages only 25 combined MPG. This results in nearly 13 MPG saved annually by choosing the Maverick for your driving.
Are these vehicles close in size, and which one is wider?
They are similar overall, but the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is noticeably wider at 75.0 inches compared to the Maverick's 72.6 inches. Conversely, the Maverick is slightly longer at 199.8 inches versus the Santa Cruz's 195.7 inches.
Since both vehicles offer 191 horsepower, where does performance diverge?
Performance diverges in torque delivery; the Santa Cruz delivers 181 lb-ft of torque, providing a stronger feeling when accelerating or hauling, while the Maverick provides 155 lb-ft.
Is the difference in MSRP significant enough to matter?
Yes, the Maverick starts lower at $28,145, giving it a slight edge in initial purchase price over the Santa Cruz's $28,750 MSRP. This initial saving compounds nicely with the Maverick's fuel economy benefits.
Do the transmissions affect the driving experience differently?
They do; the Ford Maverick uses an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission, which aids its efficiency, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz employs a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, often preferred by drivers seeking more direct gear control.
Which vehicle uses regular unleaded fuel, and how does that impact ownership?
Both the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz utilize regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires the expense of premium gasoline for their base engines.
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