The 2024 Ford Maverick and the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz are currently each other’s only competitors. Ford calls its model the first-ever compact truck, while Hyundai says it has created the first sport adventure vehicle. But these models have enough in common to compete for your attention. Our comparison guide helps you figure out which is better suited to your needs, whether those include maximum comfort or the thriftiest ride!
Key Takeaways
- To save money on a brand new truck, choose the Ford Maverick.
- With its ultra-smooth ride, the Santa Cruz has the edge when it comes to everyday comfort.
- The Maverick’s base engine cranks up the heat, giving you more power than the Santa Cruz can produce at no extra cost!
- All things considered, the Maverick delivers the most easygoing towing and hauling performance.
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Maverick?
To save money on a small truck (or sports adventure vehicle), the Maverick is the best option. Starting at just $23,815, the 2024 Maverick was designed to be a strong, budget-friendly choice. By comparison, the 2024 Santa Cruz is notably more expensive, with an MSRP of $26,900.
Is the Interior of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Comfortable?
If everyday comfort is your first priority, the Santa Cruz comes highly recommended. Essentially a small crossover with a truck bed, the Santa Cruz delivers a smooth, refined performance. You’ll also appreciate its roomy, supportive seating and available upgrades like leather seating and heated and ventilated front seats.
Since the Maverick is tuned more for athleticism than comfort, it can feel a little stiff by comparison. However, thanks to a unibody chassis, this small truck is easy to handle in a tight spot. Inside, the Maverick’s standard crew cabin treats you to roomy seating for five and your choice of available comfort features, including dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.
How Much Horsepower Does the 2024 Ford Maverick Have?
The Maverick can speed by the Santa Cruz, thanks to its standard 250-horsepower powertrain! Its base engine is also available with all-wheel drive, helping you improve off-road performance. If you prefer to maximize efficiency, on the other hand, Ford’s compact truck is also available with a strong hybrid powertrain.
Choose from these 2024 Ford Maverick powertrain options:
- Standard turbo 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 277 lb-ft)
- Optional 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine (191 horsepower, 155 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive (2.0L only)
The Santa Cruz’s only engine option is about as powerful as the Maverick’s hybrid powertrain, though it’s nowhere near as efficient. While the Santa Cruz earns up to 23 mpg combined, a hybrid Maverick delivers 37 mpg combined.
Choose from these 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz powertrain options:
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 181 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
How Much Can the 2024 Ford Maverick Tow?
Although the Hyundai Santa Cruz can technically tow more than the Ford Maverick, Ford’s compact truck helps you move max loads with a lot less fuss. Equipped with its base turbocharged engine, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds. With the hybrid powertrain, that figure drops to 2,000 pounds. Every Maverick, no matter how it’s equipped, can haul up to 1,500 pounds.
It’s true that the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, to achieve this feat, you need to equip your model with an aftermarket trailer brake controller. If you don’t feel like going out of your way to install this equipment, the max tow rating only reaches 3,500 pounds. Hyundai’s sport adventure vehicle can haul payloads of up to 1,411 pounds.
Is the 2024 Ford Maverick Better Than the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
In the end, Ford’s compact truck will win you over. Not only does the 2024 Ford Maverick come at the best price, but it’s also big on power, fuel economy, and towing and hauling capabilities! Plus, you can equip your model with as many comfort and tech upgrades as you like.