The 2023 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are revolutionizing the truck game, combining towing and hauling capabilities with a thrifty performance. These compact trucks also give you a comfy, modern drive at a great price. Which should you choose? Our comparison guide will help you decide.
Key Takeaways
- The Maverick (starting at $24,855) is a better deal than the Santa Cruz (starting at $25,700).
- With its standard hybrid powertrain, the Maverick delivers the highest EPA ratings, earning up to 37 mpg combined!
- To transport the heaviest trailer, choose the Santa Cruz, which tows up to 5,000 pounds.
- Both compact trucks offer a range of trim levels, with luxury and tech upgrades available.
Lowest Price: 2023 Ford Maverick
The new Ford Maverick gives you a slightly better deal, with a price that starts at $24,855. Of course, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t much more expensive, with an MSRP of $25,700.
Maximum Efficiency: 2023 Ford Maverick
For a truck that helps you save big at the pump, choose the Maverick. With its base hybrid powertrain, Ford’s compact truck is EPA-rated to earn 37 mpg combined (40 city/33 highway). The optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives you more power, but it’s still pretty efficient, earning up to 25 mpg combined (23 city/30 highway).
The 2023 Ford Maverick powertrain options include:
- Standard 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine (191 horsepower, 155 lb-ft of torque) and continuously variable transmission
- Optional turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive (2.0L engine only)
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t nearly as thrifty. With its base engine and front-wheel drive, this small truck earns its highest EPA ratings of 23 mpg combined (22 city/26 highway). The more powerful turbocharged engine, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, earns 22 mpg combined (19/27 mpg).
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrain options include:
- Standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque)
- Optional turbo 2.5L four-cylinder engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Maximum Towing Capabilities: 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz can tow the slightly bigger boat, with max capabilities of up to 5,000 pounds. That’s an impressive feat for a compact truck! This little truck can also manage hefty payloads of up to 1,753 pounds.
The Ford Maverick is also pretty capable, even if it doesn’t deliver the same numbers as the Santa Cruz. With the hybrid powertrain, the Maverick tows up to 2,000 pounds. When you upgrade to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Maverick can tow max loads of up to 4,000 pounds. No matter how your Maverick is equipped, it can haul payloads of up to 1,500 pounds.
Modern Comfort: It’s a Tie!
Both compact trucks are big on style and comfort! The Maverick is available as three trim models — the XL, XLT, and Lariat — each of which delivers more comfort features. Standard features include an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and forward collision mitigation. The XLT adds upgraded cloth upholstery and a power-locking tailgate. With the Lariat, you’ll enjoy dual-zone automatic climate control and available heated seats, leather upholstery, and a B&O sound system.
The Santa Cruz is available as five trim models: the SE, SEL, Night, SEL Premium, and Limited. It comes standard with a similar array of features, including the same infotainment features and forward collision mitigation. The mid-range Santa Cruz trim models offer upgrades like power-adjustable front seats and wireless smartphone charging. The top-trim Santa Cruz is home to leather seating and a Bose premium sound system.
Your New Compact Truck
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a great little sports utility truck, but the 2023 Ford Maverick gives you more of what you want in a compact pickup truck. For starters, it comes with the lowest price tag. But it’s also the more efficient option, even with its impressive towing and hauling capabilities. And, of course, the Maverick delivers a roomy cabin and a rich list of available features.