The small pickup market is red-hot right now, especially with gas prices being what they are. The Ford Maverick is a great bet for buyers on a budget as it comes away with a win as MotorTrend's "Truck of the Year." But even with that award, truck shoppers still weigh it against some serious competitors. Let's compare the 2026 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz as daily drivers below!
Key Takeaways
- Ford revises some model options and packages for the Mav, while the Santa Cruz is mostly the same.
- MotorTrend named the Maverick its 2026 "Truck of the Year."
- Mav trim pricing as of June 3, 2026, is $29,990 to $43,270; the Santa Cruz ranges from $31,350 to $45,300.
Changes and Cost in the Maverick and Santa Cruz Lineup
Ford revised the Mav's exterior paint colors by adding Marsh Gray and Orange Fury, retiring Eruption Green and Desert Sand, and reconfiguring the options available on the XL and XLT models. The FWD hybrid is still the baseline powertrain, but you can now choose the FWD turbo-four for the same price, with available AWD as a paid add-on for the turbo.
Ford pulled wireless smartphone charging across the board. A tire inflator kit is now on XL, XLT, Lariat, and Lobo models, with the Tremor the sole model with a full-size spare. Inside, the XLT trim gets new armrest-mounted cupholders, and the optional Luxury package gets a four-way manual passenger seat. All versions now display traditional blue Ford emblems, and buyers receive one complimentary year of connected services, with a paid seven-year renewal option.
Maverick pricing across the lineup is:
- XL: $29,990
- XLT: $32,490
- Lobo Standard: $37,775
- Lariat: $39,935
- Tremor: $42,490
- Lobo High: $43,270
Since the Santa Cruz received a comprehensive makeover just last year, Hyundai leaves the vehicle alone for the most part. The single minor adjustment is that it discontinued the dark green interior color scheme. Hyundai's pricing is slightly higher across its trim ladder:
- SE: $31,350
- SEL: $33,000
- SEL Activity: $36,050
- XRT: $42,950
- Limited: $45,300
Performance, Engines, and Drivetrains in the Mav and Santa Cruz
The base Maverick features a 2.5-liter hybrid that generates 191 horses. It mates with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and your choice of either FWD or AWD. There's also an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which bumps output to 250 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD. (Performance fans should consider the specialized Lobo trim, which features a seven-speed automatic transmission and steering-wheel paddle shifters.)
The Santa Cruz SE, SEL, and SEL Activity models use a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 191 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic. Moving up to the premium XRT or Limited grades upgrades the truck to a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder cranking out 281 horsepower. This turbo engine routes power through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. You can add AWD to any Santa Cruz model, and Hyundai automatically includes it on the turbo variants.
Powertrains
| 2026 Ford Maverick |
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
| 2.5-liter hybrid engine with CVT or AWD |
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity |
| 2.0-liter turbo four engine with 8-speed automatic AWD |
2.5-liter turbo four engine and 8-speed dual-clutch on XRT and Limited models |
| Lobo trim offers 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters |
AWD available across the board; standard with turbo four |
Which Compact Truck Wins the Competition?
Thanks to its highly versatile trim selection, a more affordable starting MSRP, and its coveted "Truck of the Year" honors, the Maverick takes the win. Come visit Jarrett Gordon Ford in Winter Haven to jump behind the wheel for a test drive today!