2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
Get ready for a showdown in the burgeoning sport adventure vehicle segment! The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz bursts onto the scene promising playful handling in its slightly smaller 195.7-inch frame, appealing to those who prioritize spirited driving dynamics, even with its base 191 hp engine netting only 25 MPG combined. Contrast this with the segment stalwart, the 2026 Ford Maverick, which leans heavily into practicality with its frugal nature, boasting an outstanding 38 MPG combined figure—a staggering 13 MPG better than the Santa Cruz. While both start near the $28,000 mark, the Maverick’s lower $28,145 MSRP and superior fuel economy position it as the pragmatic choice, whereas the Santa Cruz might appeal more to those who appreciate its design cues and 181 lb-ft of torque delivery. The choice boils down to maximum mileage efficiency versus a slightly chunkier torque number in a compact utility package.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its exceptional 38 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
2026 Ford Maverick
The slightly taller and longer 2026 Maverick (199.8 inches long, 68.8 inches tall) offers more interior utility for family needs.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz provides more pulling power with 181 lb-ft of torque versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
2026 Ford Maverick
The Maverick delivers superior running costs thanks to its 13 MPG efficiency advantage while having a lower starting MSRP of $28,145.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You value slightly more pulling leverage, as the 2025 Santa Cruz offers 181 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a slightly more maneuverable footprint, given its 195.7-inch length.
- You prefer the responsive feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over an electrically variable system.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Maximizing fuel stops is critical, as the Maverick achieves an impressive 42 MPG in city driving.
- You need the absolute lowest purchase price, starting at $28,145.
- You prefer the efficiencies and highway glide of an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 199.8" |
| Width | 75.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 66.7" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 121.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 155 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 | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/30 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 13.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 55.4 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 | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2026 Ford Maverick.
What is the major efficiency difference between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2026 Maverick?
The efficiency gap is significant, favoring the Maverick substantially; the Maverick delivers 38 MPG combined, whereas the base Santa Cruz only achieves 25 MPG combined, representing a 13 MPG advantage for the Ford.
Which vehicle offers more horsepower in these base configurations?
Neither vehicle gains an advantage here; both the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Ford Maverick are rated at an identical 191 horsepower.
How do their physical dimensions compare for parking ease?
The Santa Cruz is marginally shorter and narrower (195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide) than the Maverick (199.8 inches long and 72.6 inches wide), making the Hyundai slightly easier to slide into tight spots.
If I need more low-end grunt, which one should I choose?
For stronger low-end performance, the 2025 Santa Cruz is the winner, offering 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the 155 lb-ft available from the base 2026 Maverick.
Is there a major price difference between the two entry-level models?
The entry point is very similar, though the 2026 Ford Maverick has a slight edge with an MSRP of $28,145, beating the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz's $28,750 starting price.
Do they use the same type of gasoline?
Yes, both the Santa Cruz and the Maverick are designed to run effectively on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling decisions for owners of either vehicle.
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