Hyundai takes direct jabs at Maverick in new Santa Cruz ad!

[WhteRbtObj]

Some perspective from someone who has bought both a Maverick and a Santa Cruz.

Editor’s note: I bought the SC thinking my Maverick order was pushed back to an 8 month build date from order..

Yes, the Maverick looks like a “Ford truck” which was an attraction.
Yes, the Maverick has a hybrid, and in these days of almost $4.00 a gallon gas was a huge selling point.
Yes, the Maverick has a comfortable price point.

Now the negatives…

The huge turn around time from order to receipt of vehicle from Ford (which in my case will be over 8 months) caused a need to get something as I sold my DD back near Thanksgiving.

The tech in the SC is HIGHLY SUPERIOR to the Maverick.(bought an SEL Premium model)

Yes, gas mileage in the SC is not awesome. Getting around 20MPG combined.

Styling? Not terrible. Doesn’t look like a Ford truck though.

Price was a bit higher than I wanted. But I rationalize it by knowing a got a lot more for my old car than I normally would have.

In hindsight, would I have panicked and went out and bought the SC knowing the build date on the Maverick got pushed ahead? Probably not. Also, Hyundai had this vehicle available for immediate purchase without any ADM.

Bottom line is I’ll be happy with both and the wife gets to drive a new Maverick to work knowing that the ICE most likely will never kick in. (Three miles each way, local street driving.)


Happy wife, happy life !

Yeah, I understand about the long waiting times. I was fortunate enough to not experience that at all. I ordered mine sometime in August and took delivery in late October. No crazy dealer markups or any other weird experiences. I figured that was the norm for everyone, and now I realize how lucky I am.

When it comes to the tech comparison, to me it didn't really matter. I came from an '03 Expedition XLT no real upgrades (It had a roof mounted DVD player that was ripped out before I even got it lol), so EVERYTHING in the Maverick is an upgrade for me. In fact, this is the first vehicle I've ever owned with any type of backup camera, so I don't have any minimum tech standards to compare it to. Even the last generation infotainment system works just fine for me. I know a lot of people feel that the tech is lacking, but personally, I think its sufficient and it doesn't bother me.

I would assume that the SC is a much more comfortable and refined driving experience, which is reflected by the price. Also the warranty is unbeatable. I'm just not a big fan of the grill lights and futuristic styling, but that's just my opinion and I understand why people like it.

My overall goal was to get something that was good on gas, easy on the eyes, and somewhat capable for light off-road and towing. Also, I needed something my wife is comfortable driving as she could barely reach the pedals on my Expedition.

But I do welcome the SC as a competitor. Competition breeds success and consumers will win out in the long run. I think they are similar vehicles with slightly different objectives, which is a good thing. I am excited to see what other manufacturers bring to the table since they cant ignore this new market.

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[landscpdesgnr]

I went ahead and purchased the SC Limited in Phantom black - I really, really like this car-truck-suv!! BUT, I have not yet been inside and driven a Maverick; still my preference at this time- but I could not continue to wait. I still have my Mav on order and may keep both.

Plus side of the SC Limited: Interior is really nice! The tech in this vehicle is very, very nice! This tech issue / matter will be a strong point of my comparison when I get the fully loaded Mav 1st Ed! The ride is as nice if not nicer than my prior Audi Q5 or Mazda CX 5 - both were 2016 models. What the SC really lacks is the interior cup holders and extra storage space - this drives me crazy! And I am the ONLY ONE in the vehicle 99% of the time! OMG I have been sold on something that is NOT EVEN that important to my daily drive!

The shifter is nice to have - according to the many comments in this site - we all have grown to appreciate the tactile feel and placement of a center console shifter. I am here to tell you that is true (alas I have not yet been in the Mav) - BUT! The SC shifter is cumbersome: When in park it is an obstacle to get into the miniscule front storage bin immediately in front. I love using a Tiptronic shifter - when using the Upright shifter one slides it to the left. That maneuver then slightly bumps into my right leg - not a huge matter for concern - but the Mazda shifter never did that! Also this Limited has paddle shifters - I like that feature, but most of my driving 95% does not allow me the speed up and slow down efficiency of utilizing it. I look forward to an open highway drive soon to experience that shifting up for torque limit shifts.

I already customized the SC too... see photos here. The red and blue stripe effect was done to honor First Responders! The SC Lettering in the back has "lightning" effects - to honor my affinity for the TB Lightning - greatest Hockey team / program in the history of NHL!! (Inserted on purpose to elicit opinionated debate!)

well hell you had me till the Lightning haha lifelong Chicago (hometown) Blackhawks fan, even before their 09', 12' and 14' Stanleys like when no one went to games 1980-1990's lol! but I do also follow the Lightning b/c I can go over (orlando) for games.

If we don't get built by April I will look at the SC. The Mav is for my DH but I think the interior is stripped down so I would like the SC esp tech side.

 

[Larrythelunatic]

Under seat storage would be a good place for them.

Yup………and in the hybrid, they both fit outboard of the 12v battery.

 

[Nunyabiznus]

Better styling too, but the value proposition is the Ford. Comparing like trim levels the Santa Cruz is about 6k more along all trims.

which one is sold out for the year? I forgot

 

[MinnMavGuy]

I actually saw a Santa Cruz in real life for the first time the other day (a little old lady was driving it, which was kinda funny for some reason). In my opinion, the SC looks much better in real life than through video or pics, its pretty neat. However, I'd still rather have my Maverick as it has a more traditional truck look, which is what drew me in, and offers what I need for the price.

Had the same opinion on the SC when I saw one in real life. My wife drives a Tucson, which is a very nice rig. Fit and finish on Bama-built Hyundai is quite good. Were I to go with an SC, I'd definitely opt for the larger engine.

But I'm stuck waiting on my Lariat Lux order and my dealer is brutal. Have not been contracted about "constraints" and got the bum's rush out of the dealership when I stopped by to ask. They refused to answer any questions, but promised to call "right away."

That was Thursday night. If I didn't like the Mav so much I'd say f'em and move on.

 

[brnpttmn]

Under seat storage would be a good place for them.

They also fit behind the back seat.

 

[Jimmy P]

The SC styling is, "hey, look at me now", but it won't age well. In a few short years it will yesterday's look.

The Mav has styling that will endure the test of time. The restrained surface lines and the proportions will remain handsome for years.

Look back a dozen years ago at the styling of Ford trucks versus Asian SUV's. Proof's in the pudding.

 

[Dochatley]

Looks are subjective. Some like one, some don’t. Goes for both of them. You put the hybrid engine in the Hyundai, which they have some high MPG hybrids and then your going to have some competition. Yes, Maverick is cheaper ( in several ways by design) but Ford can’t get them to the customers. Can’t compete if you don’t have something to compete with.

 

[Dun4791]

which one is sold out for the year? I forgot

That’s two fold. First of all Hyundai didn’t try to stiff the chip manufacturers when Covid first hit, they honored their contract. Ford however weaseled out and now that’s why they don’t have chips.

Secondly, the Santa Cruz has been in production longer, and Hyundai has a different sales model, they ship whatever they think will sell to whatever dealer they want so, maybe they already are sold out too, but we wouldn’t know.

 

[Kcht]

And guys…
The blind spot monitor is only available in the highest trim (over $ 39k).
And thinking about that is not safety at all. When you are changing the lane and go down your eyes to see the dashboard in that moment, for me is dangerous!! Distracting..!
And a big Maverick plus…
Aftermarket accessories..!! A lot. You can customize you Maverick wherever you want.!! SC doesn’t!!!

 

[Dun4791]

Something else the Hyundai Santa Cruz has ... the wrong address : Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea

At least the manufacturing of the Santa Cruz employs Americans, more than you can say for the Mexican ford

 

[Dochatley]

The SC styling is, "hey, look at me now", but it won't age well. In a few short years it will yesterday's look.

The Mav has styling that will endure the test of time. The restrained surface lines and the proportions will remain handsome for years.

Look back a dozen years ago at the styling of Ford trucks versus Asian SUV's. Proof's in the pudding.

The old boxy Ford Ranger. Looks a lot like the “New” Maverick. Definitely restrained lines and square proportions of long ago

And then the Hyundai truck of years ago. That thing was super stylish for the time. And now look at how it’s changed. Like it or not, Hyundai is not afraid to change.

 

[ttthhasdf]

I'm getting right at 40mpg total combined after a week.

At least the manufacturing of the Santa Cruz employs Americans, more than you can say for the Mexican ford

Personally, I'd rather the USA not be Korea's Mexico, but I know the plant helps in Alabama so that's good a thing and people need jobs. I do think though that it is an awesome thing when you get people in another country to make your product and buy your product, and just send you back the profit.

 

[Dun4791]

I'm getting right at 40mpg total combined after a week.



Personally, I'd rather the USA not be Korea's Mexico, but I know the plant helps in Alabama so that's good a thing and people need jobs. I do think though that it is an awesome thing when you get people in another country to make your product and buy your product, and just send you back the profit.

Yeah, you’re right. Hopefully soon, Ford eliminates all of their American factories and then places them throughout other parts of the world in order to employ people in other countries.

Ford is a global company who just happens to have its headquarters in the USA.

Hyundai assembles over half of everything they sell in the USA in the USA.

 

[CenTexMav]

They also fit behind the back seat.

That's where mine ended up after I had mine for about a week.

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