The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an understated pickup truck that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Not only is the Hyundai Santa Cruz affordable, it’s also safe. And, it can tow a respectable amount for a small pickup truck – even more than a popular Ford truck that’s similarly sized. Here’s what makes the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz a better choice than the 2022 Ford Maverick, at least if towing capability is your priority.

How much can the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz tow?

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow a respectable amount – anywhere from 3,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds. The 2022 Santa Cruz is smaller than most midsize trucks, which makes it attractive to those torn between something compact and something a little bigger. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 181 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. That’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive, though you can upgrade to all-wheel drive.

How much can the 2022 Ford Maverick tow?

The 2022 Ford Maverick can tow 2,000 pounds, though it is capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Maverick XL (and all Maverick trucks, for that matter) comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s matched to a hybrid system, according to Edmunds. That setup makes 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This can come with front or all-wheel drive.

The Santa Cruz will cost you $4,000 more than the Maverick

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz price starts at $26,885 for the base model, the SE. After that, you could get the SEL for $30,085, the SEL Premium for $37,075, or the Limited for $41,115. On the other hand, the 2022 Ford Maverick price starts at $21,490.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 181 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque. That’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive, though you can upgrade to all-wheel drive. The Ford Maverick comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s matched to a hybrid system, according to Edmunds. That setup makes 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This can come with front or all-wheel drive.

If you need a pickup truck that can handle a whole lot, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a better choice over the 2022 Ford Maverick. While that may be surprising to some who are used to Ford putting out some of the best do-it-all pickup trucks, the fact that Hyundai has made a truck with higher towing capability can’t be ignored.