2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable divergence between the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is fuel economy, where the Maverick achieves a 38 combined MPG versus the Tucson's 28 combined MPG, a 10 MPG advantage. While the Maverick has a lower starting MSRP at $28,145 compared to the Tucson's $29,200, the Maverick delivers 191 horsepower to the Tucson's 187 hp, although the Tucson counters with superior torque at 178 lb-ft versus 155 lb-ft. In terms of size, the Maverick is significantly longer at 199.8 inches compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches. The Tucson offers a measurable 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, a metric not specified for the Maverick in this comparison set. The Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Tucson pairs its engine with a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 38 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson wins for families based on its documented 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick appeals slightly more to enthusiasts with 191 hp and 38 MPG, compared to the Tucson's 187 hp and 28 MPG.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick provides better upfront value with a lower MSRP of $28,145 against the Tucson's $29,200.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel stops, evidenced by the 38 combined MPG.
- You require the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $28,145.
- You prioritize higher horsepower at 191 hp, despite lower torque figures.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- You need confirmed hauling capability, leveraging the 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer greater low-end pulling power with 178 lb-ft of torque.
- You value a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT-type system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 182.7" |
| Width | 72.6" | 73.4" |
| Height | 68.8" | - |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 178 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 14.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin 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. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 57.6 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 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 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Hyundai Tucson.
What is the main performance difference between the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Hyundai Tucson?
The 2026 Ford Maverick offers more horsepower at 191 hp, while the 2026 Hyundai Tucson provides higher torque output at 178 lb-ft compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft. Both vehicles utilize front-wheel drive and are powered by regular unleaded fuel.
How significant is the fuel economy gap between these two crossovers?
The fuel economy difference is substantial, with the 2026 Maverick achieving a 38 combined MPG, outperforming the 2026 Tucson's 28 combined MPG by exactly 10 MPG. This translates directly to lower annual fueling costs for the Maverick.
Which vehicle is physically larger based on the provided dimensions?
The 2026 Ford Maverick is substantially longer than its competitor, measuring 199.8 inches in length compared to the 2026 Hyundai Tucson’s 182.7 inches. However, the Tucson is slightly wider at 73.4 inches versus the Maverick's 72.6 inches.
Does the difference in MSRP affect the overall value proposition?
Yes, the Maverick has a lower entry MSRP of $28,145 versus the Tucson's $29,200, suggesting a lower cost of entry. However, the Tucson’s explicit 38.7 cu ft cargo capacity might offer better utility value depending on the buyer’s needs.
What kind of transmissions do these two vehicles utilize?
The 2026 Ford Maverick comes equipped with an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
If maximizing cargo space is critical, which vehicle should I prioritize?
Based on the data provided, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the preferred choice as it explicitly lists a cargo capacity of 38.7 cu ft, while this specific specification is not listed for the 2026 Ford Maverick.
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