Maverick vs. Santa Cruz Autoblog Comparison

[1929]

Expert advice comparing 2024 Ford Maverick and 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickups

I don't agree with all of the conclusions, though I am biased.

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[BlueSnake77]

Well I will give my 2 cents since I test drove a Santa Cruz AWD with the 2.5 non-turbo.

The Maverick has better, more useful bed. For the price of the SC SEL AWD, I was able to buy A Maverick XLT ecoboost AWD with the luxury pkg for about $300 less. My Maverick had about 55 more hp and better MPG's. The Santa Cruz definitely has a nicer interior ...quality. The Santa Cruz has a less airy feel because of that raised middle console that protrudes not only upwards, but outwards from the dash. The major bad part about the Mavericks interior is the use of plastics so cheap that they scratch so easily. Never seen interior plastics on a car scratch so easily. The "More useful cargo" That the article talks about on the Santa Cruz ..... no. That under bed storage is no where near a Honda Ridgeline's and is more a gimmick. Also because of the space it takes, you get a convenience spare rather than the option of a full size spare tire. Not knocking the Santa Cruz. It is a more finished product and has some style, but it doesn't make as good a pickup truck as the Maverick.

 

[CurtisB]

I can't fit comfortably in cars with the raised middle consoles that connect to the dashboard. Had that in my 2015 Prius and really was my only complaint. I like an armrest, but I also like having the dashboard with room underneath so I can lean my right leg sideways if necessary. The Santa Cruz is not built for tall, long armed people, like me.

 

[Scott Asheville]

I find the article pretty much spot on. Except I would not declare a winner. I'd say they are two similar but different vehicles meant for similar but different buyers. I'm more interested in the 2025 refreshes for both.

I think a section was missing. Reliability. And there are good and bad things to say there about both vehicles since they shipped. How can your write an article like this and not talk about the Maverick recalls and the SC DCT issues?

 

[Timothyd]

Well I will give my 2 cents since I test drove a Santa Cruz AWD with the 2.5 non-turbo.

The Maverick has better, more useful bed. For the price of the SC SEL AWD, I was able to buy A Maverick XLT ecoboost AWD with the luxury pkg for about $300 less. My Maverick had about 55 more hp and better MPG's. The Santa Cruz definitely has a nicer interior ...quality. The Santa Cruz has a less airy feel because of that raised middle console that protrudes not only upwards, but outwards from the dash. The major bad part about the Mavericks interior is the use of plastics so cheap that they scratch so easily. Never seen interior plastics on a car scratch so easily. The "More useful cargo" That the article talks about on the Santa Cruz ..... no. That under bed storage is no where near a Honda Ridgeline's and is more a gimmick. Also because of the space it takes, you get a convenience spare rather than the option of a full size spare tire. Not knocking the Santa Cruz. It is a more finished product and has some style, but it doesn't make as good a pickup truck as the Maverick.

Hmmmm. After a year, no scratches on tm Mav interior and not for babying it. And, I'm not the most careful.

 

[fossil]

Mav 2023 94,058
SC 2023 36,675

and the winner is, wait for it

 

[fossil]

Hmmmm. After a year, no scratches on tm Mav interior and not for babying it. And, I'm not the most careful.

I've noticed the amount of scratch complaints have reduced while the number of deliveries has increased. Different plastic formula?

 

[Vettereddie]

Well I will give my 2 cents since I test drove a Santa Cruz AWD with the 2.5 non-turbo.

The Maverick has better, more useful bed.

^ This ^

I'm surprised they got sucked in to arguing gimmicky cubbies when standard utility for a pickup, or work van for that matter, is how it fits a standard 4x8 sheet of (insert building material of choice here). Beyond the longer bed, being able to carry a sheet flat with less overhang has definite utility to trades people and weekend diy'ers alike. If you're not hauling something at least on occasion, why get an open deck vehicle?

Rest of the article was pretty spot on, Hyundai is definitely a nicer vehicle but can't beat MPG and price.

 

[BlueSnake77]

Hmmmm. After a year, no scratches on tm Mav interior and not for babying it. And, I'm not the most careful.

What you think I'm exaggerating? I've talked to other Maverick owners in person and they've told me that thier Maverick interior scratches easily also. There were several posts on this forum as well. Mine is a 2022 and unless they changed the interior plastics in the 2023's and 2024's, yes, it will scratch very easily.

 

[hdave]

I have a 2023 and yes the interior plastics are super cheap and scratch easily.
I personally don't care too much since its a cheap truck.

 

[hdave]

Also, the Santa Cruz is a Hyundai with zero truck history, and looks like a small SUV with the back chopped off into a bed.
The Maverick is made by one of the best-selling truck manufacturers and actually looks like a truck.

No matter how you slice and dice cars, if something doesn't look right, people won't buy it.

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