In the burgeoning compact truck market, currently dominated by just two major contenders, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, a direct comparison reveals a clear leader in hauling prowess. Despite Ford's historical dominance in the truck sector, the Hyundai Santa Cruz surprisingly surpasses its rival in towing capabilities, a crucial factor for many utility vehicle buyers. This analysis delves into the technical specifications, performance metrics, and cost considerations of both models, illustrating how Hyundai's offering establishes a significant advantage in raw towing strength, even as the Maverick appeals with a lower entry price and superior fuel efficiency in certain configurations.
The landscape for compact trucks in the automotive industry remains remarkably constrained, largely influenced by historical trade policies such as the Chicken Tax of 1964. This unique market scenario positions the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick as virtually the only players in a segment that, despite its niche status, holds considerable interest for consumers seeking versatility without the bulk of a full-size pickup. Both vehicles offer impressive utility for their size, challenging preconceptions about the capabilities of smaller trucks. However, a deeper look into their towing capacities reveals a notable disparity, with the Santa Cruz asserting a distinct lead over the Maverick.
Examining the towing figures closely, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz sets a higher benchmark from its entry-level SE trim, boasting a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This is a substantial advantage over the base 2025 Ford Maverick, which is rated at 2,000 pounds. For those seeking enhanced towing power, both manufacturers provide upgrade options. Ford's Maverick requires the addition of a 4K Towing Package, along with a Ford Co-Pilot360 system and all-wheel drive, to reach a 4,000-pound towing limit. This upgrade package comes with an additional cost of $3,760, and it's worth noting that specialized Maverick variants, such as the Lobo and Tremor, paradoxically maintain a lower 2,000-pound towing capacity despite their performance or off-road enhancements.
Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz simplifies the upgrade path for increased towing capacity. Opting for all-wheel drive, an additional cost of $1,500, unlocks a 5,000-pound towing capability across all trims where AWD is available. The XRT and Limited trims come standard with this increased capacity, directly offering a more robust solution for heavier loads. Unlike the Maverick Tremor, the Santa Cruz XRT maintains its 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, even with its rugged, off-road oriented styling, demonstrating a consistent performance profile across its lineup.
Beyond towing, powertrain specifications and pricing further differentiate these two compact trucks. The standard Ford Maverick features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, prioritizing fuel economy with 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, and achieving an impressive 42 mpg city / 35 mpg highway. Its starting price of $28,145 makes it the more economical choice upfront. The Hyundai Santa Cruz's base model, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, with a fuel efficiency of 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway, and a slightly higher starting price of $29,500.
For those desiring more power, both models offer turbocharged options. The Maverick's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic, delivers 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai's equivalent, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, available in the Santa Cruz XRT and Limited models, generates a more potent 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, also mated to an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD. In terms of premium offerings, the Maverick Lariat is priced from $38,440, offering features like a B&O eight-speaker sound system and wireless charging. The Santa Cruz Limited, starting at $43,340, counters with a standard turbocharged engine, 20-inch wheels, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system, further emphasizing its higher-end positioning and superior performance capabilities.
When assessing these two compact trucks, the Hyundai Santa Cruz consistently demonstrates a significant edge in towing capacity, a critical metric for many truck owners. While the Ford Maverick presents a more budget-friendly initial purchase and superior fuel efficiency in its hybrid version, achieving comparable towing capabilities requires costly upgrades. The Santa Cruz, particularly in its higher trims, provides a stronger, more accessible towing solution. The market for small trucks remains limited, and consumers are eagerly awaiting more options to emerge that can rival the competitive features and performance offered by these two pioneers.