Head-to-head
2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz wins clearly, 90.2 to 69.2, on safety, tech & comfort, performance. The Ford Maverick is ahead on fuel & range.
F
2025 Ford Maverick
The 2025 Ford Maverick is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact pickup truck with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Maverick HE…
vs
C2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact pickup truck with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Santa Cruz FWD, i…
More Ford Maverick head-to-heads More Hyundai Santa Cruz head-to-heads Every Maverick vs Santa Cruz model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Clear winThe Hyundai Santa Cruz wins clearly, 90.2 to 69.2, on safety, tech & comfort, performance. The Ford Maverick is ahead on fuel & range.
Safety 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz leads by 57.8
Tech & comfort 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz leads by 53.7
Fuel & range 2025 Ford Maverick leads by 34.9
| Category · weight | 2025 Ford Maverickoverall 69.2 | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruzoverall 90.2 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 65.1 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 34.3 | 92.1 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 96.4 | 99.4 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 46.3 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 69.2 | 90.2 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Ford Maverick: open park-outside / do-not-drive advisory (−25)
Ford Maverick: base trim XL FWD · Hyundai Santa Cruz: base trim SE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (22 against 50 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 79 against 37).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (47.5 points against 22 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2025 Ford Maverick answers
- It costs $950 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,750 against $2,700).
- It is rated 38 combined against 25 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
What they share
- 5 seats.
- 191 hp.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
50 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $28,750 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,488 cc | 2,497 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.5L FHEV Atkinson Cycle I-4 Hybrid | 2.5L GDI + MPI DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder |
| Fuel injection system | SMFI | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 42 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 38 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 35 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 3.37:1 | 4.081 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 8 |
| Transmission type | cvt | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in | 8.6 in |
| Overall height | 68.8 in | 66.7 in |
| Overall length | 200 in | 196 in |
| Overall width | 72.6 in | 75 in |
| Wheelbase | 121 in | 118 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 54.5 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 33.3 cu-ft | — |
| Total interior volume | 100 cu-ft | 102 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.2 in | 40.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.6 in | 39.6 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 42.8 in | 41.4 in |
| Second-row legroom | 35.9 in | 36.5 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 3,778 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,685 lbs | 3,778 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,230 lbs | 5,522 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 1,500 lbs | 1,411 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut with coil springs, twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar, aluminum lower control arm, steel sub-frame | MacPherson strut with coil springs |
| Rear suspension type | Independent twistbeam with integrated stabilizer bar, force vectoring springs, twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized dampers | Multi-link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electronic Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) | Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) rack and pinion, column-mounted |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 40 ft | 19.8 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 325 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | electric | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 325 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | steel | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 7.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P225/65R17 | 245/60R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.8 gal | 17.7 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | FordPass Connect | Bluelink+ |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 57.3 in | 57.7 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 55.6 in | 56.1 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
157 features · differences first, then sharedSafety33 differ · 45 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | opt | std |
| Evasive Steering Assist | opt | — |
| Lane-Keeping Aid | std | — |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Driver Selectable | — | std |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | — | std |
| Rear Parking Sensors | opt | — |
| Rear side airbags with rollover sensors (2) | — | std |
| 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and regenerative braking system (Hybrid) | std | — |
| AEB Oncoming | opt | — |
| Anti-theft System integrated with remote keyless entry and panic alarm | — | std |
| Belt-Minder® (Front Safety Belt Reminder) | std | — |
| Blind-Spot Collision and Rear Cross-Traffic Avoidance-Assist Indicators (on mirrors) | — | std |
| BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert | opt | — |
| Bodyside reinforcements | — | std |
| Driver Knee Airbag | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake | std | — |
| Electronic Brake Boost | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake w/ Automatic Vehicle Hold | — | std |
| Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0 | std | — |
| Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) | — | std |
| Intersection Assist | opt | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children) | std | — |
| Leading Vehicle Departure Alert | — | std |
| Post Impact Braking | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) | — | std |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | — | std |
| Side air curtains with rollover sensors | — | std |
| Smart Occupant Sensing airbags | std | — |
| Steering wheel haptic feedback (for LKA and BCW) | — | std |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | — | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection | std | std |
| Airbags (Front - Advanced): Driver (1), Front passenger (1) | std | std |
| Driver and front passenger side-impact FR (Thorax) (2) | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | std | std |
| Rearview camera | std | std |
| Side air curtains (front and rear passengers) with rollover sensors (2) | std | std |
| Trailer pre-wiring, 4-pin for 2.5L, 4/7-pin for 2.5T | std | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with 4-wheel disc brakes | std | std |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TCS) and Brake Assist | std | std |
| High Beam Assist | std | std |
| Immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) w/Individual Tire Indicator | std | std |
Infotainment17 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start System | std | — |
| Connected Navigation (1-year included) | std | — |
| FordPass® Connect (5G) – 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connects up to 10 devices | std | — |
| Bluetooth controls (Voice recognition, Accept call, Hang up) | — | std |
| 12.3" Touchscreen Display (ccNc Lite) with 6-speakers | — | std |
| 13.2" LCD Capacitive Touchscreen with Swipe Capability (SYNC® 4) | std | — |
| AM/FM/HD Radio/SiriusXM®, Bluelink+ | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ (Wireless) | — | std |
| Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility (Wireless) | std | — |
| Bluelink+ Connected Car System | — | std |
| Front dual USB ports (Type-C) | — | std |
| HD Radio Technology | — | std |
| OTA update capability (ECU & multimedia – all; Map update only on XRT and Limited) | — | std |
| Second row dual USB ports (Type-C) | — | std |
| SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (3-month trial subscription) | — | std |
| SiriusXM® with 360L | std | — |
| Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| Audio controls (Volume up/down, Mute, Seek up/down, Mode) | std | std |
Convenience11 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Remote keyless entry system with alarm and panic | — | std |
| 12-volt outlet, Front (1) | — | std |
| 400W Inverter (Cab + Bed Incl Cubby Cover) w/USB Console Rear | opt | — |
| Cruise controls (on steering wheel) | — | std |
| Keys - Proximity w/ detachable valet key (2) | — | std |
| Keys - Standard w/ key fob (2) | — | std |
| Power door locks | — | std |
| Power Door Unlock and Lock | std | — |
| Power Window Switches, Driver auto down | — | std |
| Remote Keyless Entry / Panic Button (Key Fobs (2)) | std | — |
| Power Window Switches, Front auto down/up | std | — |
| Proximity key entry with push button start, remote engine start | std | std |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin air filter | — | std |
| Manual air conditioning | — | std |
| Manual Air Conditioning, Single Zone | std | — |
| Rear seat heater ducts | — | std |
Seating6 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8-way power driver's seat | opt | — |
| Heated front seats | opt | — |
| 6-Way Manual Adjustable Passenger | std | — |
| 60/40 split tip-up lower seat cushions (Rear Seats) | — | std |
| Cloth-trimmed seats (stain- and odor-resistant) | — | std |
| Full Bench Rear Cloth Folding Seatback with Flip-Up Seat Cushion | std | — |
| 6-way adjustable driver's seat | std | std |
Interior27 differ · 27 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2" Multi-Information Display | — | std |
| 3-Spoke steering wheel | — | std |
| 8" Productivity Screen in Instrument Cluster | std | — |
| Assist grips (4) | — | std |
| Central dome light (with delay) and auto cut-off | — | std |
| Cruise control indicator | — | std |
| Cupholders, Dual, Front center console-mounted | — | std |
| Door armrest, Integrated | — | std |
| Door handles, Metal paint (interior) | — | std |
| Front center console fixed armrest storage box | — | std |
| Front maplights | — | std |
| Glove compartment with Damper | — | std |
| I/P switch illumination (hazard) | — | std |
| Illuminated power window switches | — | std |
| Illuminated push button start | — | std |
| LED Box Lighting | opt | — |
| Rear cupholders (on door panel) | — | std |
| Roof trim Black | — | std |
| Seatback map pockets, Front Passenger | — | std |
| Storage tray (below 12-volt outlet) | — | std |
| Tilt & Telescoping steering column | — | std |
| Inside rearview mirror, Manual day/night | — | std |
| Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | std | — |
| Carpeted floor mats | std | opt |
| Sunvisors with sliding function and dual vanity mirror with cover | — | std |
| Trip odometer | — | std |
| Floor Covering – Carpet | std | — |
Exterior22 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power sunroof, Conventional-type | opt | — |
| LED Projector Headlamps w/ LED Signature Accent Lighting | std | — |
| 18 x 7.5J Alloy wheels | — | std |
| 245/60R18 tires | — | std |
| Acoustic Laminated Windshield | — | std |
| Bi-LED headlights (high/low beam, projector-type) | — | std |
| Body color side mirror housing | — | std |
| Cargo Lamp – Integrated with Center High-mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) | std | — |
| Conventional 17" Spare Tire (215/70R17) – standard on Tremor; optional with 4K Tow Package | opt | — |
| Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler | std | — |
| Heated outside mirrors | opt | — |
| Integrated rear bumper side steps | — | std |
| LED cargo light (roof-mounted) | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | std |
| Roof-mounted Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) | — | std |
| Shark-fin roof antenna (gloss black) | — | std |
| Spare Tire (Mini) (155/70R17) | std | — |
| Automatic headlights | — | std |
| Privacy Glass, Rear/back glass | — | std |
| Rear window defroster | — | std |
| Solar glass, Front Door, Windshield | — | std |
| Temporary Spare Tire | — | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Mudguards Front/Rear | opt | opt |
Powertrain6 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| HTRAC AWD, Active On-Demand | std | opt |
| FWD | — | std |
| 2.5L Hybrid w/ Power-Split Electric CVT Transmission | std | — |
| 8-speed automatic torque converter transmission | — | std |
| AWD Lock | std | opt |
| Trail Control™ with Trail 1-Pedal Drive | std | — |
| Drive Mode, Center-console mounted | std | std |
Chassis2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Rack and pinion steering, column-mounted | — | std |
| Rear gas-pressurized shock absorbers, self leveling | — | std |
Cargo11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4K Tow Package – Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Hitch (Class III) 2" Receiver w/ 4-pin and 7-pin Connector, Transmission Oil Cooler, Higher Capacity Radiator, Upgraded Cooling Fan, Conventional 17" Spare Tire | opt | — |
| Bed Tie Down Locking Rails w/ 2 Locking Brackets | opt | — |
| Bedliner – Tough Bed® spray-in | opt | — |
| FLEXBED® Storage System | std | — |
| Heavy duty cargo D-rings | — | std |
| Hooks – Cargo Tie-Downs, six (6) | std | — |
| Lockable under bed storage compartment | — | std |
| Multi-functional tailgate (assisted open/close) | — | std |
| Rear Under Seat Storage Bins | std | — |
| Sheet Molded Composite bed | — | std |
| Sidewall bed storage compartments | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPFord Maverick
Safety Signal 37 F
NHTSA overall ★★★★☆
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 12 · 3 critical
Owner complaints 50 · 6 crashes · 2 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (13), Forward Collision Avoidance (13), Engine (9)
Do-not-drive advisory — open NHTSA recall with a consumer advisory.
Top recalls
- critical Suspension 26V340000 · 4,653 vehicles
- critical Equipment 26V239000 · 55 vehicles
- critical Electrical System 25V343000 · 6,781 vehicles
- high Air Bags 26V201000 · 3,170 vehicles
- high Visibility 26V157000 · 323 vehicles
- high Engine And Engine Cooling 26V122000 · 47,804 vehicles
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Safety Signal 79 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 3
Owner complaints 22 · 1 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (14), Electrical System (4), Exterior Lighting (4)
Top recalls
- high Forward Collision Avoidance 26V316000 · 423,062 vehicles
- high Air Bags 25V809000 · 258 vehicles
- high Electrical System 24V877000 · 42,465 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Ford MaverickXL FWD | Hyundai Santa CruzSE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $28,750 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 11 trims | $28,750 – $42,750 8 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Maverick HEV FWD | Santa Cruz FWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 38 | 25 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,750 | $2,700 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi (make terms) | — |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Ford Maverick or the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz wins clearly, 90.2 to 69.2, on safety, tech & comfort, performance. The Ford Maverick is ahead on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz scores 90.2 and the 2025 Ford Maverick 69.2. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Ford Maverick or the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
2025 Ford Maverick: 4 NHTSA stars, grade F, 12 recalls. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 3 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
Where the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (22 against 50 filed with NHTSA), has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 79 against 37), and lists more comfort and tech equipment (47.5 points against 22 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2025 Ford Maverick answers: it costs $950 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,750 against $2,700) and is rated 38 combined against 25 (EPA mpg or MPGe). What they share: 5 seats and 191 hp.