2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Which Compact Truck Wins?
The 2026 Ford Maverick produces 250 hp and returns 42 MPG city with its hybrid powertrain, leading the compact truck segment in fuel efficiency. The Santa Cruz matches its footprint but offers only 191 hp and 25 combined MPG, with no hybrid option available. This page breaks down every key difference so you can find the right truck in Fillback Ford’s current inventory.
The Short Answer
The 2026 Maverick wins for buyers who want a capable daily driver with standout fuel economy, hybrid technology, and more power at the wheel. The Santa Cruz wins for buyers who prioritize a longer factory warranty, a few upscale interior features at lower trims, and a slightly higher ground clearance. Fillback Ford locations in Prairie du Chien, Highland, and Richland Center carry the Maverick, so shoppers across southwest Wisconsin can compare in person.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp (EcoBoost) | 191 hp (non-turbo base) |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/comb) | 42 / 35 / 38 MPG (Hybrid) | 22 / 30 / 25 MPG |
| Towing Capacity | 4,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Payload | 1,500 lbs | 1,411 lbs |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 199.8 in | 195.9 in |
| Height | 68.8 in | 66.7 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.2 in | 8.6 in |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36k mi | 5 yr / 60k mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60k mi | 10 yr / 100k mi |
Performance and Powertrain
The Maverick’s EcoBoost puts 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque to the road, giving it a meaningful edge over the Santa Cruz’s base 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. That torque gap translates to noticeably stronger pulls at highway merges and when hauling loads around Wisconsin’s hilly terrain.
The Maverick’s 2.5L full hybrid system is the headline advantage. At 42 MPG city and 38 combined, it cuts fuel costs dramatically compared to the Santa Cruz’s 22 city and 25 combined. For commuters traveling between Richland Center, Prairie du Chien, and Highland regularly, that gap adds up fast.
The Santa Cruz uses a turbocharged 2.5L engine on its XRT and Limited trims, which closes some of the power deficit, but those specs were not provided in the available data so no direct comparison is made here. The base Santa Cruz trims run a naturally aspirated 2.5L.
The Maverick also spans a wider powertrain choice: the base hybrid, a 2.0L EcoBoost rated at 250 hp, a Tremor AWD performance trim with an 8-speed automatic, and a Lobo AWD trim with a 7-speed automatic. The Santa Cruz offers an 8-speed automatic across its lineup with FWD or AWD depending on trim.
Interior, Space, and Cargo
Both trucks seat five passengers and share a compact footprint designed to maneuver in tighter spaces than a full-size pickup. The Maverick stretches 199.8 inches in length, about 4 inches longer than the Santa Cruz at 195.9 inches, giving it a slightly larger bed at 4.42 feet.
The Santa Cruz gains some ground inside with standard features rolled into lower trims. Heated front seats arrive on SEL and above, and dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on SEL trims. The Maverick reserves similar comfort upgrades for Lariat and above.
Where the Maverick stays competitive is in its standard Ford Connectivity Package, which includes an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices and connected navigation for the first year. Remote start is standard on every Maverick trim, including the base XL. The Santa Cruz does not list remote start as a universal standard feature.
The Santa Cruz offers a built-in integrated tonneau cover on SEL Activity and above, which is a practical advantage for keeping cargo secure. Bed cargo rails with anchor points come standard on the same trims. The Maverick can accommodate Pro Power Onboard, which turns the truck into a mobile generator, a feature the Santa Cruz does not match.
Technology and Safety
Both trucks lead with a strong tech foundation. The Maverick carries a 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, SiriusXM 360L, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The Santa Cruz uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen on SE trims with the same wireless smartphone mirroring.
Standard safety coverage is close. Both trucks include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams. The Santa Cruz adds blind spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment, features the Maverick does not list as universal standard items.
The Maverick’s available safety suite goes further with intersection assist and predictive speed assist added to its adaptive cruise control package. Pro Trailer Backup Assist with rear camera and corner radar is also available, a capability that directly serves the Maverick’s 4,000-lb tow rating.
The Santa Cruz’s XRT and Limited trims add a 360-degree camera system, front cross-traffic alert, and road-sign recognition. These are premium features on the Hyundai but are not part of the base safety package the way they would need to be to count as a standard advantage.
Value and Ownership
The Santa Cruz carries a significantly stronger factory warranty: 5 years and 60,000 miles on the basic warranty versus the Maverick’s 3 years and 36,000 miles, and 10 years and 100,000 miles on the powertrain versus the Maverick’s 5 years and 60,000 miles. For buyers who plan to keep their truck for a long time without extended coverage add-ons, that gap matters.
The Maverick recovers ground through running costs. The hybrid’s 38 combined MPG against the Santa Cruz’s 25 combined MPG represents a substantial long-term fuel savings advantage. For buyers who put high annual miles on a daily driver, the Maverick’s hybrid efficiency can offset its shorter warranty window in real-dollar terms over several years.
Standard remote start on every Maverick trim adds daily convenience without requiring an upgrade. The Ford Connectivity Package with one year of unlimited hotspot access is a tangible inclusion that adds value to the base purchase.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the 2026 Ford Maverick if:
- Fuel economy is your primary concern and the hybrid’s 42 MPG city makes a real difference in your budget
- You need maximum towing capability and payload for hauling equipment or a trailer
- You want a more powerful engine, especially for loaded driving across hilly southwest Wisconsin roads
- Pro Power Onboard for job-site or campsite power is on your list
- You want a wider range of trim and powertrain configurations, including the off-road Tremor
Buy the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz if:
- Long factory warranty coverage is non-negotiable and you want 10 years of powertrain protection
- You want blind spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert included without a trim upgrade
- Built-in bed organization features like cargo rails and a tonneau cover at the SEL Activity level suit your work habits
- A slightly higher ground clearance matters for your use case
Most buyers shopping Fillback Ford stores in Prairie du Chien, Highland, and Richland Center will find the Maverick’s efficiency, power, and tech package makes it the stronger everyday compact truck.
See the 2026 Maverick at Fillback Ford Locations Across Southwest Wisconsin
Fillback Ford carries the 2026 Maverick across its southwest Wisconsin locations, so you can test drive the hybrid or EcoBoost trim that fits your commute and budget. From Highland to Prairie du Chien to Richland Center, the Maverick is available to view, compare, and drive. Check current inventory online or connect with a Fillback team member to find the right trim for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Ford Maverick get better gas mileage than the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Yes. The 2026 Maverick hybrid returns 42 MPG city and 38 MPG combined. The 2026 Santa Cruz returns 22 MPG city and 25 MPG combined, which puts the Maverick significantly ahead on fuel efficiency.
Which truck has more horsepower, the Maverick or the Santa Cruz?
The Maverick has more horsepower. It produces 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The Santa Cruz’s base engine produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
Does the 2026 Ford Maverick have a hybrid option?
Yes. The Maverick offers a 2.5L I-4 full hybrid with an electric motor available on XL, XLT, and Lariat trims. The Santa Cruz does not offer a hybrid powertrain.
Which truck has the better warranty?
The Santa Cruz has a longer factory warranty, covering 5 years and 60,000 miles on the basic warranty and 10 years and 100,000 miles on the powertrain. The Maverick covers 3 years and 36,000 miles basic and 5 years and 60,000 miles on the powertrain.
Does the 2026 Maverick come with remote start?
Yes. Remote start is standard on every 2026 Maverick trim, including the base XL.
Can the 2026 Ford Maverick tow more than the Santa Cruz?
The Maverick is rated to tow up to 4,000 lbs. Towing capacity figures for the 2026 Santa Cruz were not available in the current data set, so a direct comparison cannot be confirmed.
Where can I find the 2026 Ford Maverick near Richland Center?
Fillback Ford carries the 2026 Maverick at multiple locations in southwest Wisconsin, including Prairie du Chien, Highland, and Richland Center. You can browse current inventory online or visit any Fillback Ford location for a test drive.
Does the 2026 Maverick have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all 2026 Maverick trims through the 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen.
