If you're in the market for a compact truck in Plano, Texas, you've probably come across the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ and the Ford Maverick. These two popular models offer impressive performance, versatility, and technology, making them great options. But which one truly stands out? Here, we explore their trims, features, and tech to determine how the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ compares to the Ford Maverick.
Trims and Features
For 2025, the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ offers a versatile lineup with the SE, SEL, XRT, and Limited trims. Each trim blends SUV practicality with pickup utility, featuring a four-door cabin and a versatile four-foot cargo bed. Here's a summary of the main features of each trim:
- SE and SEL: Features 18-inch alloy wheels and essential updates.
- XRT: Adds off-road enhancements, such as a unique front grille, red-painted tow hooks, and rugged all-terrain tires.
- Limited: Elevates the experience with premium 20-inch alloy wheels and advanced lighting features.
The SANTA CRUZ also introduces fresh exterior colors, such as Rockwood Green and Canyon Red, a power sunroof on higher trims, LED headlights and taillights, and functional roof side rails. These updates enhance the truck's bold appearance and off-road capability.
The 2025 Ford Maverick is available in the following five trims:
- XL and XLT: Feature 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, LED headlights, and new colors, such as Eruption Green and Velocity Blue.
- Lariat: Upgrades to 19-inch alloy wheels and adds signature LED accent lighting.
- Tremor: Focuses on off-road capability with 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and distinctive orange accents.
- Lobo: Emphasizes street performance with a lowered suspension, performance upgrades, body-colored bumpers, and a contrasting black roof.
While both trucks offer bold designs and customization options, the SANTA CRUZ stands out with the XRT's superior off-road features and the Limited's larger 20-inch wheels. Pricing estimates suggest the SANTA CRUZ will cost anywhere from $29,895 to $43,895. Meanwhile, we expect the Maverick to go for around $27,890 to $42,090.
Specs and Dimensions
The Hyundai SANTA CRUZ offers two powertrain options across the trim levels. The SE and SEL trims house a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XRT and Limited trims feature a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for enhanced performance. All trims except the SE offer optional all-wheel drive.
In contrast, the Maverick's base engine, a 238 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, provides lively performance and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and a continuously variable automatic transmission for a combined 191 hp. Both powertrains come with front-wheel drive standard but offer optional all-wheel drive. The Lobo trim is the sportiest of the lineup, with its turbocharged engine, seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, lowered suspension, and rally-inspired wheels.
The SANTA CRUZ, with its turbocharged engine, can tow up to 5,000 pounds, compared to the Maverick's 4,000-pound towing capacity. The SANTA CRUZ's smaller size makes it more maneuverable in urban settings, while the Maverick's firmer suspension supports its payload but results in a rougher ride over uneven surfaces.
While the automakers haven't yet released dimensions for the 2025 model of these trucks, we expect them to be comparable to those of the 2024 models given below:
SANTA CRUZ
- Length: 195.7 inches.
- Width: 75.0 inches.
- Height: 66.7 inches (SE trim).
- Wheelbase: 118.3 inches.
- Bed length: 52.1 inches.
Maverick
- Length: 199.7 inches.
- Width: 72.6 inches.
- Height: 68.7 inches.
- Wheelbase: 121.1 inches.
- Bed length: 54.4 inches.
Tech and Safety
When comparing the tech and safety features of the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ and the 2025 Ford Maverick, the SANTA CRUZ has more advanced infotainment and digital offerings.
Higher trims feature dual 12.3-inch screens that integrate infotainment and digital gauges into a single, curved panel. This new system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports, and Hyundai Pay for in-vehicle payments. The SANTA CRUZ features over-the-air updates and a fingerprint scanner for enhanced security. Lower trims have only a 12.3-inch touchscreen but still benefit from similar connectivity features. For added convenience, Hyundai's Bluelink services, free for three years, let you remotely lock/unlock the doors and start the vehicle via the app or voice commands.
While also well-equipped, the Ford Maverick has a slightly different approach. It features a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen across all trims, providing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Maverick's system is a step up from the previous 8.0-inch screen but does not offer the dual-screen configuration of the SANTA CRUZ. The Maverick includes onboard Wi-Fi, an optional SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded B&O Play stereo system.
Both vehicles come with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The SANTA CRUZ includes advanced tech such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, which are standard across its trims. The higher trims offer additional safety features for a more secure driving experience.
The Ford Maverick has made notable safety improvements in 2025. It now includes standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, more advanced driver-assistance features, such as the enhanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering and speed sign recognition, are available only on the Lariat and Tremor models.
Test the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ at Huffines Hyundai Plano
While the Ford Maverick is a solid contender, the 2025 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ outperforms it in premium features, towing capacity, and advanced technology. If you're looking for a weekend-ready truck or a comfortable and stylish SUV, look no further than the SANTA CRUZ, available at Huffines Hyundai Plano. Our knowledgeable team can help you customize and finance your perfect truck. Even after you drive off the lot, our service department can help with any maintenance needs. Schedule a service appointment online so it's easier than ever to keep your Hyundai in peak condition.
Image via Hyundai
