Overview & Engine Options
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz comes in four trim levels (SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited), each with its own set of characteristics. It starts at $24,440 MSRP. There are two distinct engine options available for the Santa Cruz:

• A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque is standard
• A turbocharged 2.5-liter four with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque

We prefer the turbocharged engine to up the power and give stronger responsiveness. It is a pickup truck, after all. Both engines are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. However, the turbo option is paired with a dual-clutch transmission. Both four-cylinder engines are available with all-wheel drive. The Santa Cruz is shorter and lower than competitors in its sector, making it simpler to operate about town and more agile throughout job sites, camping grounds, cities and neighborhoods. The truck is capped at 5,000 pounds towing capacity.

Ford Maverick
The new 2022 Ford Maverick borrows the name from the original Maverick pickup back in the 70s. However, this revival is an impressive upgrade with plenty of accommodations. It starts at a very reasonable $20,995 MSRP, but this limits you on options. The Maverick shares the same platform as the Bronco Sport but has a standard powertrain hybrid with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor paired with a CVT.

All-wheel drive is available, but only with the nonhybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The four-door crew cab body type with a 4.5-foot bed is shared by all models. The Ford Maverick is available in three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Lariat, with the XL being the most cost-effective option. It lacks the fundamental features that most consumers deem essential, yet it would be suitable for work. If you plan on using the full 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, you will have to upgrade to the expensive Tow Package.  

Fuel Economy

Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2022 Santa Cruz is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway when equipped with the standard engine and front-wheel drive. Surprisingly, adopting all-wheel drive boosts its highway mileage by one mpg. The turbocharged variant is expected to get 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the interstate.

Ford Maverick
According to the EPA, hybrid Mavericks get 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while nonhybrids get 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.

Interior & Cargo Space

Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz boasts one of the best cabins among midsize pickup trucks on the inside. Hyundai has a history of producing automobiles with appealing materials and desired contemporary amenities that would be appropriate in more expensive vehicles. It's the first truck in its class to include a completely digital gauge cluster, but it still has a classic shifter on the center console rather than a cumbersome rotary knob or push-button system. The Santa Cruz is only available in a four-door crew cab, and passenger capacity in the front and back is comparable to other vehicles of similar size.

Ford Maverick
All Mavericks are crew cabs, meaning they have four full-sized doors and a spacious rear seat. Many storage cubbies and bins have been included throughout the interior, including some enormous ones under the back seat. The base versions aren't luxurious, but they do come with standard features like a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with radio controls, remote keyless entry, and front-seat lumbar support that can be adjusted. On the XLT and Lariat trims, additional amenities like dual-zone automatic temperature control, ambient interior lighting, and power front seats are available as standard or as part of option packages.

Infotainment & Features

Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai equips its pickup truck with a modern entertainment system that includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard or a 10.3-inch touchscreen as an option. The Santa Cruz also has wireless pairing for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to wireless device charging. The eight-speaker Bose sound system is available for those who desire a better stereo. Users may start the vehicle, lock and unlock doors, and more through the Internet, a variety of applications, and even Amazon Alexa using Hyundai's Blue Link services, which are free for three years.

Ford Maverick
All Maverick trim levels come equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, and even the entry-level model includes an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. You will have to pay extra for more premium options, such as:

• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• B&O Play Sound System Update
• Wireless Smartphone Charging