2026 Ford Maverick
More Power, Less Money
The 2026 Ford Maverick delivers 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, outpowering the Santa Cruz's 191 hp — starting at just $27,145.
Available Now in Kent
Find the 2026 Ford Maverick at Bowen Scarff Ford in Kent, WA with expert staff ready to help you find your perfect truck.
Contact Our Kent Ford Specialists Today | (253) 852-1480
2026 Ford Maverick vs. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Which Small Truck Wins?
A detailed side-by-side breakdown for Kent, WA drivers
The 2026 Ford Maverick clearly differentiates itself in the compact pickup category, offering a powerful combination of efficiency, capability, and value. Starting at an MSRP of $27,145 for the XL trim, the Maverick provides more horsepower and torque than the comparable base Hyundai Santa Cruz SE FWD, with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft versus the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. This advantage translates into confident performance and responsiveness where it counts.
Fuel economy is another area where the Maverick impresses, delivering an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined for its FWD trims, matching the Santa Cruz SE FWD closely at 25 mpg combined. The Maverick's efficient 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four engine balances power and fuel savings, making it a compelling choice for both work and daily driving.
Seating capacity is equally practical, with both vehicles accommodating five passengers comfortably. However, Ford edges out Hyundai in cargo versatility, offering a substantial 33.3 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the Santa Cruz's 27.0 cubic feet. This extra capacity is ideal for hauling tools, gear, or weekend supplies.
For those prioritizing all-weather traction, the Maverick Lariat offers standard AWD without sacrificing much fuel efficiency, rated at 25 mpg combined, while the Santa Cruz AWD trims measure slightly lower at 24 mpg combined.
2026 Ford Maverick
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Bowen Scarff Ford invites you to discover how the 2026 Ford Maverick can better meet your needs. Visit us to experience this standout compact pickup firsthand or call us at (253) 852-1480 for more details.
Comparing Powertrains: EcoBoost Efficiency vs. Hyundai's 2.5L I4 Performance
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specifications comparison. Bold = category leader
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L EcoBoost I4 |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 250 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | FWD |
Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings comparison. Bold = category leader
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| City MPG | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Highway MPG | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Combined MPG | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded | Gasoline |
The 2026 Ford Maverick distinguishes itself in the compact pickup segment with its sophisticated 2.0L EcoBoost inline-four engine, delivering a robust 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is standard across all Maverick trims, including the base XL and mid-tier XLT, both equipped with front-wheel drive, while the premium Lariat trim offers all-wheel drive with a slight decrease in fuel economy. In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.5L inline-four engine producing 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, also mated to an 8-speed automatic. This powertrain is available across SE and SEL trims, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive options, but overall offers noticeably less horsepower and torque than the Maverick.
Although the Santa Cruz's 2.5L engine provides 26 fewer horsepower and almost 100 lb-ft less torque than the Maverick's EcoBoost, it does maintain a similar fuel economy footprint. Specifically, the Maverick's base XL and XLT trims achieve an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined, matching the Santa Cruz SE's combined fuel economy of 25 mpg and slightly surpassing the Santa Cruz AWD trims at 24 mpg combined. This balance of power and efficiency in the Maverick highlights Ford's focus on delivering strong performance without sacrificing economy, particularly with the turbocharged EcoBoost engine. The Lariat trim's availability of all-wheel drive offers additional traction benefits, with minimal trade-offs in fuel consumption.
When looking at payload capabilities, the Maverick carries up to 1,500 pounds and offers available 4,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the 4K Tow Package, a solid figure for its class. Though the Santa Cruz does present a higher maximum towing capacity—up to 5,000 pounds on turbocharged versions—it's important to consider the trade-off in initial engine output and torque figures across more common trims. Moreover, Ford equips the Maverick with available Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Trailer Sway Control technologies that assist drivers during towing tasks, features that enhance safety and ease of operation in real-world scenarios.
The drivetrain choices reflect differing priorities as well. Ford's Maverick provides the efficiency-focused Front-Wheel Drive on entry trims and an All-Wheel Drive option on the Lariat, complementing the powertrain's responsiveness. Hyundai's Santa Cruz offers Front-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive options across trims, but with a naturally aspirated engine whose torque limits may impact performance under heavier load or steeper grades.
In summary, the 2026 Ford Maverick's 2.0L EcoBoost powerplant clearly outperforms the Santa Cruz's 2.5L inline-four in horsepower and torque, while maintaining comparable fuel economy. This combination of power and efficiency in a compact pickup truck makes the Maverick the more capable and versatile choice for buyers prioritizing dynamic driving performance and towing support.
Ford's balance of spirited engine output and fuel-conscious design sets the Maverick apart as a more compelling package for those seeking a robust yet economical truck tailored to everyday needs. The available All-Wheel Drive with the Lariat trim also grants superior traction without significant sacrifice to mileage, rounding out a powertrain offering that blends capability and efficiency in a way the Maverick clearly outshines the Santa Cruz in this segment.
Exterior Design and Functional Features That Define the Maverick Advantage
Dimensions & Capacity
Interior and exterior dimensions comparison. Bold = category leader
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 27.0 cu ft | Standard |
| Curb Weight | 3,779 lbs | 3,674 lbs |
| Overall Length | 195.9 in" | 199.7 in" |
| Overall Width | 75.0 in" | 72.6 in" |
| Overall Height | 66.7 in" | 68.7 in" |
The 2026 Ford Maverick asserts its presence largely through a purposeful compact design that caters directly to practical truck users while maintaining a cleaner, more modern aesthetic that fits urban and rural settings alike. Measuring 199.7 inches long and 72.6 inches wide, the Maverick offers a modest yet commanding footprint, slightly more compact in length than the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which spans 195.9 inches in length but stretches wider at 75.0 inches. This sharper width advantage allows the Maverick to more easily navigate and park in tighter spaces without sacrificing cargo bed dimensions or cabin comfort.
Ford's pickup showcases distinct exterior touches tailored to its trims. The base XL trim employs 17-inch sparkle silver steel wheels that emphasize toughness and affordability, while the XLT trim steps up with 17-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels, blending style with durability. The premium Lariat trim upgrades further to 19-inch bright-painted aluminum wheels accented by LED projector headlamps with signature accents and LED taillamps for enhanced visibility and modern styling cues. These design elements not only improve aesthetics but also enhance road safety and night driving confidence. In contrast, while the Santa Cruz offers 18-inch alloy wheels standard on its SE trim, and up to 20 inches on higher trims, it falls short in delivering comparable lighting features standard across the range.
Functionality is a domain where the Maverick shines distinctively. Its FLEXBED storage system transforms the 4.5-foot bed into a highly versatile utility workspace, complete with multiple tie-down hooks and 2x4 bed slots for customization, setting a notable benchmark for cargo management that the Santa Cruz cannot match. Additionally, the Maverick's bed tie-down locking rails with locking brackets, available spray-in bedliner, and available power tailgate lock on the XLT and Lariat trims elevate practical hauling capabilities significantly.
Beyond utilitarian design, the Maverick's exterior benefits from features like LED box lighting available on the XLT and Lariat trims, improving bed visibility for nighttime or low-light usage. These thoughtful integrations show how Ford prioritizes user convenience alongside rugged utility. Conversely, while the Santa Cruz integrates a lockable under-bed trunk and an integrated tonneau cover that support secure cargo storage, it lacks the comprehensive cargo tie-down system and overall bed adaptability found on the Ford.
In summary, the Maverick's exterior dimensions strike a perfect balance by offering compact maneuverability with optimized cargo volume. The robust wheel, lighting, and bed-feature options across its trims embrace versatility and style, surpassing the Hyundai Santa Cruz's offerings through a blend of functional innovation and design refinement consistent with Ford's heritage of practical pickups. This clear combination of form and function marks the Maverick as the dominant choice for buyers valuing both capability and convenience in the compact pickup market.
Interior Comfort and Smart Storage Solutions of the Ford Maverick
Technology & Infotainment
Key technology and infotainment features
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch Color Touchscreen Display | Standard | — |
| 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster | Standard | — |
| 13.2-inch Center LCD Touchscreen with SYNC 4 | — | Standard |
| 4.2-inch Color LCD Instrument Cluster | Standard | — |
| 6-Speaker Audio System | Standard | Standard |
| 8-inch Digital Instrument Cluster | — | Standard |
| B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 8 speakers and a subwoofer | — | Standard |
| Bluelink+ Connected Car System | Standard | — |
| Bluetooth Hands-Free Streaming | — | Standard |
| Bluetooth® Hands-Free with Wireless Audio Streaming | Standard | — |
| Bose® Premium 8-Speaker Audio System | Standard | — |
| Connected Navigation (1-year trial) | — | Standard |
| Dual Front and Rear USB-C Ports | Standard | — |
| Dynamic Voice Recognition | Standard | — |
| Enhanced Voice Recognition | — | Standard |
The 2026 Ford Maverick delivers a thoughtfully designed interior that maximizes space efficiency and user convenience, firmly positioning it ahead of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in the compact pickup category. Across all Maverick trims, seating accommodates five passengers comfortably, matching the Santa Cruz's capacity but with enhanced utility and smarter storage. The Maverick's cabin pairs practical materials with innovative layout features that prioritize functionality, especially for active and work-oriented users.
One of the standout features is the Maverick's FLEXBED storage system, which integrates a flexible cargo bed designed for customization. Unlike Santa Cruz's lockable under-bed trunk offering, the FLEXBED includes multiple tie-down hooks and secure compartments, enabling owners to easily tailor their truck bed for a variety of cargo types. With six to ten cargo tie-down hooks, depending on trim, as well as locking rails and compartments with two 12V wires in the bed, the Maverick provides versatile hauling solutions unmatched by the Santa Cruz's setup.
Inside, the Maverick's XL and XLT trims feature durable cloth front bucket seats, prioritizing comfort and support for extended driving. At the top-tier Lariat trim, enhancements include ActiveX-trimmed heated seats and a heated steering wheel, boosting driver and passenger comfort especially for colder climates—a noteworthy edge over the Santa Cruz's heated front seats available only on higher trims. Power adjustments such as an 8-way driver seat and lumbar support come standard in the Lariat, while they are only optional on Santa Cruz trims, granting Ford owners enhanced personalization of seating position for long drives or daily commutes.
The Maverick also boasts clever interior storage spaces. Rear under-seat storage bins offer concealed capacity for gear or valuables, complemented by a center floor console with an armrest and compartments for everyday items. This contrasts favorably with the Santa Cruz, whose under-seat storage capacity is more limited, reinforcing the Maverick's advantage in everyday practicality. Features such as a soft-vinyl wrapped steering wheel (standard on the Lariat and optional on the XLT) add a touch of refinement to the interior environment, further differentiating Ford's comfort approach.
Climate comforts are well met with standard single-zone manual air conditioning on lower trims and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control in the Lariat, which provides precise control not consistently available across Santa Cruz trims. Power-adjustable and heated sideview mirrors are available on the Maverick's higher trims, along with an acoustic laminated windshield, both of which contribute to driver comfort and reduced noise levels inside the cabin.
In sum, the 2026 Ford Maverick combines seating comfort, flexible cargo solutions, and practical interior features that enhance every journey, making it the smarter option for buyers prioritizing comfort and intelligent storage in a compact pickup. These detail-driven advantages help cement its leadership position over the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Fuel Economy and Towing Capability: Balancing Efficiency with Practicality
The 2026 Ford Maverick offers a compelling balance of fuel efficiency and towing capacity that clearly appeals to buyers looking for practicality in a compact pickup. It's available with a 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, providing robust power for everyday driving needs. Across the XL and XLT trims, the Maverick achieves a combined EPA rating of 26 mpg, with 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Even the AWD-equipped Lariat trim manages a respectable 25 mpg combined despite added drivetrain complexity and all-weather capability. These efficiency figures stand out, considering the truck's towing capacity and utility.
By comparison, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE FWD with its 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 engine produces a more modest 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Though its combined fuel economy rating slightly lags behind the Maverick's at 25 mpg (22 city, 30 highway), it remains competitive within the segment. The Santa Cruz offers no hybrid powertrain alternative, unlike the Maverick's efficient hybrid options, which can push mileage even higher, though not detailed here. For AWD versions like the Santa Cruz SE AWD, fuel economy drops to 24 mpg combined, further emphasizing the Maverick's edge, particularly with the available EcoBoost AWD that maintains near-equal efficiency.
Towing capacity also underscores the Ford Maverick's practicality. While Hyundai's Santa Cruz impresses with a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lbs in base trims and up to 5,000 lbs for its turbocharged XRT and Limited trims, the Maverick provides 4,000 lbs towing on properly equipped trims, such as with the 4K Tow Package. This figure is notable for a compact truck at the Maverick's starting price, combining solid towing with excellent fuel economy, especially for work and light recreational use.
The Maverick's fuel type—gasoline with options for flex-fuel capability (E85)—further increases its adaptability for a range of use cases. Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz runs strictly on regular unleaded fuel. Given the Maverick's competitive fuel economy combined with strong towing capacity, buyers receive a well-rounded package without sacrificing efficiency or utility.
In closing, the 2026 Ford Maverick achieves an optimal synergy of power, fuel savings, and towing capability that few models in the compact pickup category rival. Its advanced EcoBoost engine and drivetrain options deliver exceptional efficiency, while its towing max of 4,000 lbs suits both commercial and lifestyle demands, positioning it as the smarter, more versatile choice over the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Detailed Pricing Breakdown: Value Across Maverick and Santa Cruz Trims
Pricing
MSRP and pricing comparison. Bold = category leader
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,750 | $27,145 |
The 2026 Ford Maverick presents a compelling value proposition with three distinct trims carefully tailored to different buyer needs. Its entry-level XL starts at an MSRP of $27,145, undercutting the Hyundai Santa Cruz SE FWD by $2,605. Despite its lower starting price, the Maverick XL delivers competitive power with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Santa Cruz's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft offered in that base SE trim.
Moving to the Maverick's XLT trim, priced at $29,645, the truck enhances features like 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, power-locking tailgate, and intelligent access with push-button start. This model's MSRP remains $105 less than the Santa Cruz SE AWD's $29,750 base price. The XLT's equipped amenities and slightly lower curb weight (3,674 lbs versus Santa Cruz's 3,779 lbs for SE FWD) add to its appeal by balancing affordability with value-packed options.
At the top end, the Maverick Lariat commands $35,870, offering standard all-wheel drive, premium ActiveX-trimmed heated seats, the B&O Sound System, and advanced tech such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist. In contrast, the Santa Cruz's SEL trims, ranging from $31,400 to $32,900, don't extend to this level of performance or luxury in its base configuration. Although Hyundai boasts a higher towing capacity, the Maverick Lariat's comprehensive feature set at its price point brings unmatched versatility and comfort.
While Hyundai's warranty coverage is notably longer in duration, owning a Maverick from Bowen Scarff Ford means getting exceptional base-level value through competitive pricing matched with a richer standard equipment portfolio. Moreover, optional packages on the Maverick, such as the 4K Tow Package on XL and XLT trims, enhance capability without forcing buyers into significantly higher base trim levels.
In summary, across all price points, the 2026 Ford Maverick delivers more horsepower, greater torque, and a wider array of standard features than the comparable Hyundai Santa Cruz trims. This combination of stronger powertrain statistics and attractive pricing makes the Maverick not only a smarter investment but also the clear leader in value within the compact pickup truck segment.
How Does A Ford Maverick Order Reservation Work?
Reserve
Fill out the reservation form and submit your request.
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We will reach out shortly before order banks open this summer to finalize configurations, verify pricing, and place your order.
Ship
We will notify you when Ford Maverick production and deliveries begin.
Save your model selection and your spot. You will be able to complete the configurations on your Ford Maverick before you finalize your order.
