The Hyundai Santa Cruz Is Destroying the Ford Maverick
We have what seems to feel like an underdog story today with the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The 2022 Ford Maverick feels like the more popular compact truck option. But this isn’t the case among buyers because the Hyundai Santa Cruz is selling more units than the Maverick.
Is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz better than the 2022 Ford Maverick?
Maybe. Both the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2022 Ford Maverick have unique benefits to offer. They also serve as the first compact truck options to buy in decades. It’s like a classic Coke vs. Pepsi battle.
However, so far, drivers are picking the Santa Cruz over the Maverick. According to Auto Evolution, the Santa Cruz moved 2,993 units during Q3 2020, and the Maverick only moved 506 units.
Why is the Santa Cruz more popular?
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz may have sold more units due to more availability. The Santa Cruz came out a few months ahead of the 2022 Ford Maverick. Also, the Santa Cruz is already shipping units to dealerships.
The Maverick might be taking a different technique. The Ford Maverick Hybrid will be allocated through dealership orders. That means you have to go order your truck, eliminating the ability to buy it take it home the same day.
On top of that, the Maverick Hybrid is reportedly postponed. A letter from Ford shared to the Maverick Chat forum mentioned that the Maverick Hybrid will be postponed until further notice. However, it didn’t specify why. This could also just be a rumor.
The Maverick Hybrid serves as the cheapest option. It has an MRSP of $19,995. You can get started in a Santa Cruz for about $23,990. But the base model does provide a little more. Also, these prices are listed before dealership markups, and destination fees have been added.
With the Hyundai Santa Cruz, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine for 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The Maverick Hybrid is paired with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. You can opt for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
When properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs, and the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Without the corresponding tow packages and AWD, the Santa Cruz can tow 3,500 lbs, and the MAverick can tow up to 2,000 lbs.
Does the Maverick or Santa Cruz have better features?
The 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 40 mpg. The turbocharged Maverick gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 30 mpg on the highway. This is where the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz struggles in comparison with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway.
Also, the Ford Maverick offers the FX4 off-roading package. We’re still waiting on an off-roading Santa Cruz. However, the Santa Cruz has a dual-clutch for sportier responses. Also, the Maverick Hybrid isn’t available with AWD, but both engines in the Santa Cruz can be paired.
Both trucks come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system, but you can upgrade to a 10.3-inch unit in the Santa Cruz. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with optional wireless charging. But the Santa Cruz can use this software wirelessly.
The Ford Maverick may have a lower starting price and a better fuel economy, but the Santa Cruz has more tech, power, and a greater availability at the moment.
