Here’s How the Ford Maverick Beats the Hyundai Santa Cruz
It’s a little hard to believe, but Americans are actually interested in small pickup trucks again. Models like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz have been selling like hotcakes. But, for Q3, the Maverick beats the Santa Cruz in one key area. And that area is sales.
Is the Ford Maverick selling well?
In terms of sales, the Ford Maverick is doing quite well for itself. It does not sell as well as something like the F-150, Ford has moved about 13,000 units in Q3 2022. That’s a major increase in sales that happened in Q3 of 2021. According to Ford Authority, the Blue Oval increased sales by over 2,000%.
It is not hard to see why this small truck is selling so well. It is affordable, usable, and looks like a traditional pickup. Plus, it comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. And currently, the hybrid Maverick is the most popular variant to buy.
Does the Maverick sell better than the Santa Cruz?
In its segment, the Ford Maverick makes up about 60% of small truck sales, leaving the rest to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz is the only true competitor to the Maverick, and when it comes to sales, it is losing. That isn’t to say Hyundai’s small truck is a bad one. But, the brand doesn’t have the reputation of a truck brand. When you picture a pickup truck, it is likely that a Ford comes to mind.
Undoubtedly, Ford’s long history in the truck segment has something to do with the success of its compact pickup.
Who is buying the Ford Maverick?
Surprisingly, it looks like most Maverick buyers are coming from other segments. Folks are ditching their sedan or crossover in order to experience this small truck. That does make sense, as the Maverick shares its platform with the Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport. As a compact pickup, this Ford vehicle does feel more like a car than a truck.
The Maverick has been selling so well that Ford is actually struggling to keep up with demand. Some people who placed an order for the 2022 model are still waiting on the Blue Oval to deliver their vehicle. And understandably, that wait can be a little frustrating.
What’s new for the 2023 Maverick?
Ford has made some changes to the 2023 Maverick, including the addition of a Tremor model. The Ford Maverick Tremor makes this a legitimate small off-road truck. It adds a one-inch lift, a revised all-wheel drive system, and some new drive modes. It is only offered to Maverick models with the optional EcoBoost engine, and you must have the XLT or Lariat trim.
The more powerful engine is also no longer an extra cost. With the 2022 Maverick, you had to pay extra in order to get the turbocharged powerplant. Still, the hybrid engine is a popular seller. In the past, you might think a hybrid truck would not sell that well. But clearly, folks are interested in a pickup that is efficient.
