Side by side Maverick-Santa Cruz

[Scott Asheville]

Maverick mileage is consistently better both city and hiway by 3-4 mpg. The SC mileage falls off considerably at speeds >75mph (to ~26-27mpg) whereas the Maverick holds at 31+ mpg at same speeds. Not sure how to reconcile this difference (SC seems a bit more aero and the larger displacement engine *should* be more efficient at steady state cruise). Likely gearing and perhaps the torque converter auto is more efficent once it is in lock up (verses clutched transmission).

They both handle well, but the Maverick is a bit lighter and therefore seems more playful (somewhere I read "mini Cooper"-like, which I agree to some extent). Once the SC takes a set it does corner well. Power is good from both-perhaps a bit more lag from the SC but it moves out once it spools up. The big plus from the SC is the paddle shift controls on the transmission-allows for downshifting and more control on declines, etc.

Bed advantage nods toward the Maverick (no cover on mine). It's more useable and has a lower lift in height but for most causal big box stuff both work well.

Interior quality is hands down SC. The Maverick does well with lesser quality materials and is more airy feeling. Seats are better in SC (I have a Lariat so it has power heated seats as well) as the form is more dense and supportive over the longer drives. As far as interior space, they are pretty equal-both front and rear. SC has split rear seats which gives option to have rear passenger (or car seat) and still have access to under seat.

Sound system in Maverick (B&O) is actually pretty good once broker in. The SEL limited SC is pretty weakly powered (I installed a kicker amp with DSP function which makes it MUCH better and equal to most up optioned systems offered by manufactures).

Appearance is an individual opinion but I agree that SC is a bit polarizing and would not be a "truck-lovers" choice.

Just a few observations from owning both for a number of months.

Thanks for that. It is very cool to hear from somebody who owns them both!

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[Barracuda340]

SC was designed on the planet bizzaro. Looks like they were trying too hard, or like they never saw a pickup truck before, and it was described to the designers without pictures lol. I remember when the chevy avalanche came out. I hated that too and still do. I love my maverick. Now that I fixed the rattle/buzz in the dash that was my only complaint I really like it so very much more. Korean quality is getting up there, but theres a reason for that 100K warranty. You will need it.