Comparing Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz Sales Isn’t Fun
We understand that the Ford Maverick is a force to be reckoned with because of the entry-level price and excellent fuel economy. However, we expected the Hyundai Santa Cruz to be a slightly larger competitor, but it’s not. Comparing the 2023 Ford Maverick sales to the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz almost feels unfair. The numbers for 2023 don’t seem better.
Updated on 06/26/2023 for freshness.
The Ford Maverick outpaces the Hyundai Santa Cruz
Just because the 2022 Ford Maverick is outselling the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t mean it’s completely superior. The Santa Cruz has plenty of features to brag about, such as its athletic handling and interior quality.
But the compact truck dudes and dudettes have spoken, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz can’t catch the Maverick. According to Ford Authority, the 2022 Maverick sold 74,370 units in 2022, and the Santa Cruz moved 36,480 models in the United States.
That puts the Maverick ahead by 37,890 models for a crushing defeat. Compared to 2021, the Maverick grew by 63%, meaning it had the highest sales increase in the entire compact truck segment. The 2022 Ford Ranger only sold 57,005 units, and the Chevy Colorado moved 89,197.
If Ford successfully gets past production problems and quality issues while increasing production, then the Maverick could surpass the 2023 Colorado. But nothing seems able to catch the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, which sold 237,323 models last year.
On a positive note, sales are up for the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It has experienced an 11% increase during the first quarter of 2023 compared to Q1 of 2022. During the first quarter of 2022, Hyundai moved 8,400 units. During Q1 of 20223, Hyundai sold 9,307 Santa Cruz trucks.
But Ford Maverick sales also increased by 11.60%. In the first quarter of 2022, Ford sold 19,245 models and in the first quarter of 2023, 21,478 models were sold.
Aside from the lower price and better fuel economy, what’s attracting people to the Maverick over the Santa Cruz?
Is the Ford Maverick more reliable than the Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is actually slightly more reliable than the Ford Maverick. According to J.D. Power, the 2023 Santa Cruz has a reliability rating of 83 out of 100, and the Maverick earned a score of 81 points.
Both trucks are considered to have above-average ratings. Scores that fall between 81 and 90 are great, while scores between 91 and 100 are best, and anything in the 70 to 80 range is average. Initially, the Maverick was expected to be more reliable than the Santa Cruz.
Also, both trucks debuted in 2022, so they need a little more time to be put through the paces. Currently, the Santa Cruz and Maverick are expected to surpass 200,000 miles. But one of them could prove to be more reliable.
The reliability ratings are updated on a frequent schedule but remain the same at this time. The Santa Cruz currently has experienced six recalls and the Ford Maverick is up to nine.
Is the Maverick or Santa Cruz better at truck stuff?
Both the 2023 Ford Maverick and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz have unique advantages regarding traditional truck stuff. For example, Maverick has off-roading packages like the FX4 and Tremor, and the Santa Cruz doesn’t.
However, the Santa Cruz is available with AWD and will get you to your campsite. Plus, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs, and both engines can be paired with AWD. The Maverick maxes out at 4,000 lbs, and the Maverick Hybrid can tow 2,000 lbs. However, the Maverick Hybrid isn’t available with AWD.
Also, the Santa Cruz bed has a built-in trunk with a drainage lug, built-in corner steps, and a lockable, weatherproof tonneau cover. The Maverick has a slightly longer bed, giving it an advantage for hauling.
The Santa Cruz is more powerful, sportier, and more reliable. But the Maverick is more affordable and has the better fuel economy. It might look better as well. Although, if you can’t get a Maverick, the Santa Cruz is a solid competitor.
