2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Maverick ignites the compact utility segment with its stellar efficiency, boasting an incredible 38 combined MPG, making it the darling of daily drivers. Its modest $28,145 MSRP and efficient electrically variable transmission emphasize frugality across its 199.8-inch frame. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz enters the fray emphasizing torque and robustness, packing 181 lb-ft of grunt compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft, despite sharing the same 191 hp output. While the Santa Cruz is slightly more compact in length at 195.7 inches, it sacrifices significant efficiency, sipping fuel at a combined 25 MPG. The Maverick’s FWD setup is perfectly suited for maximizing those EPA figures, while the Santa Cruz compensates with a more conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, creating a distinct split between the hyper-efficient workhorse and the marginally stronger, style-focused hauler.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick's superior fuel economy, achieving 38 combined MPG, drastically reduces daily running costs for commuters.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz offers a slightly wider and lower stance, potentially offering better stability and cabin comfort despite its lower 25 combined MPG rating.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz wins for enthusiasts due to its higher 181 lb-ft of torque, hinting at better pull than the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick starts at a lower MSRP of $28,145 and saves thousands over time due to its massive 13 MPG fuel advantage.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Your absolute priority is stretching every gallon of fuel, leveraging its 42 MPG city rating.
- You need the absolute lowest entry price point, starting at $28,145 MSRP.
- You prefer the maximized efficiency delivered by the front-wheel-drive and CVT configuration.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require slightly better low-end grunt from the 181 lb-ft of torque figure.
- You desire the control of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- You prefer a vehicle that is slightly shorter in length (195.7 inches) and lower in height (66.7 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 | — | ✓ |
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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Santa Cruz?
Both vehicles technically output 191 horsepower; however, the 2026 Santa Cruz offers significantly more pulling power with 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft. This extra torque in the Santa Cruz should translate to more responsive acceleration when loaded or moving from a stop.
How significant is the fuel economy gap between these two crossovers?
The gap is substantial. The 2025 Maverick is rated for 38 combined MPG, while the 2026 Santa Cruz achieves only 25 combined MPG. This represents a 13 MPG difference, heavily favoring the Maverick for cost-conscious drivers.
Does the size difference impact cabin space or maneuverability?
The Maverick is slightly longer at 199.8 inches, but the Santa Cruz is noticeably wider by over 2 inches (75.0 inches vs 72.6 inches). The Santa Cruz is also shorter in height by nearly 2 inches, suggesting a lower center of gravity.
Which vehicle is more affordable to purchase initially?
The 2025 Ford Maverick claims the lower entry cost, starting at an MSRP of $28,145. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is priced slightly higher, beginning at $29,500.
Are the transmissions drastically different in these FWD models?
Yes, the transmissions diverge significantly: the Maverick uses an electrically variable-speed automatic for ultimate efficiency, while the Santa Cruz employs a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission focused more on conventional shifting performance.
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