Size of the Santa Cruz vs Maverick

[slashy42]

A lot of post have focused on the Maverick vs full size trucks, but I saw a Santa Cruz parked at my work today while I was walking out. I was very excited to see it, mostly because I knew the Maverick was a little bigger, and size was a concern for me, being 6' 3", and coming from an F-150.

That said I was happy to see it and get an eye on the competition as it where. My concerns were definitely layed to rest. The Santa Cruz seemed large!

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[Probity]

I test-sat a SC last weekend. With my 6 ft 4 in 225 lb frame I easily fit in the driver’s side with seat all the way back, lots of room. Had an inch or 2 more headroom left even with the moonroof the SC had. In the rear, after moving the passenger seat almost all the way forward, could sit comfortably too.

 

[SpacemanSpiff]

I test-sat a SC last weekend. With my 6 ft 4 in 225 lb frame I easily fit in the driver’s side with seat all the way back, lots of room. Had an inch or 2 more headroom left even with the moonroof the SC had. In the rear, after moving the passenger seat almost all the way forward, could sit comfortably too.

So, what you are saying is that it’s fine as long as either a short person is in front of, or behind you (or none behind).

 

[Probity]

So, what you are saying is that it’s fine as long as either a short person is in front of, or behind you (or none behind).

Roger that. I had also test-sat a Bronco Sport and Ranger a number of weeks ago just to try and get an idea of what a Maverick "might" be like. As expected, for someone my size, the only comfortable rear seating arrangement is an F150 Screw. In my F150 Scab I'd never survive a lengthy trip unless I could sit sideways and with seat belts that's one painful ride...

 

[Yardtruck]

Now that SC is in the wild...anyone re-thinking their Maverick order or preference?

 

[ttthhasdf]

Now that SC is in the wild...anyone re-thinking their Maverick order or preference?

nope

 

[Packer Bill]

No way Jose!!!

 

[Westsidetruck]

No. I think that the Santa Cruz will have its market, and there is some overlap with the Maverick market. However, to me they look so different even though construction may be similar. The Maverick looks like a small truck, while the Santa Cruz looks like a cross-over with a bed. Also, I think I read somewhere that even though the payload of the Santa Cruz is 1750lbs, you can only put 600lbs in the bed. That would explain the higher towing capacity on the Santa Cruz, I think 3500 vs 2000

 

[vezpa]

I'm not going to lie, that Santa Cruz looks amazing !

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[Waitingtosee]

I'm not going to lie, that Santa Cruz looks amazing !

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Not a fan. I much prefer the Maverick myself.

 

[TheShark]

Not a chance.

 

[Timothyd]

I'm not going to lie, that Santa Cruz looks amazing !

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I think it looks kind of sawed off.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Now that SC is in the wild...anyone re-thinking their Maverick order or preference?

I took delivery of my $31,000 2022 AWD XLT Eco CP360 LUX yesterday. I'm quite disappointed with it. It just screams cheap. I'm gonna drive it for a few weeks, then go over and give the SC SEL AWD another test drive. That's the affordable version without a turbo and without a DCT - I compared the SEL with my Maverick features and price wise a few months back, and they're within $500. If I like the SC more, I'm trading my new Maverick for a profit and laughing all the way to the bank.

Buzzy engine. Wandering transmission. Crappy keys in a lux package. Cheap seats that are uncomfortable and vastly inferior to my 2010 Ranger. Drives like a beached whale in the city. I'm absolutely unimpressed, and I just don't much like it. Sounds like a sewing machine and a moped cross-bred. I respect it for what it is, and I'm glad so many owners love theirs (happy for you). But I'm already beginning to think it's not for me. I'll give the Maverick a few weeks to grow on me, then it's history.

Not trying to throw shade at happy Maverick owners. You get a lot for your money down at the base trims, especially the hybrid buyers. I respect that. But they make different ice cream flavors because we all have different tastes.

 

[Last Truck Ever]

Good friend just bought a SC, he's even older than I am, didn't want to wait undetermined amount of time for a Mav. His is nice, has a much different feeling in the cab than a Mav (which I've test driven but don't yet own). The SC feels more like my old CRV inside, only darker - all black everything . There are definitely more and nicer tech and convenience touches, from the screen to a nifty sliding cover over the visor mirrors.

I do like the bed, that little below bed storage box is a nice twist, and because the bed is one piece heavy plastic, no need for a bedliner. I looked at that bed hard, and made me wonder why all aren't built that way.

I LIKE the design and look, I know a lot don't, but I'd buy one if I had the extra $$$. Hyundai does have a well deserved bad rep for transmissions going out, though, so there's that.

 

[Scott Asheville]

One thing I noticed while looking at SC. You can choose between gray and black interiors. I'm definitely a gray person. And I second that they feel a bit more cramped inside. The Maverick is a very airy interior with light colors. The SC reminded me more of a sports car. You're sitting inside your cuddly cocoon.

I'll also second that you have to be careful what transmission you select. I'm not a fan of the DCT that comes on the turbo models. I owned one in a Kia Soul Turbo, and they're a bit weird and will overheat if you abuse them or try to do serious off-roading. I still like the SC in the lower trims.

An SEL AWD around $31,500 (maybe even discounted these days) is about the same as the Maverick I have sitting in my driveway. The Mav EB has TONS more power. But the SC has demonstrably higher quality content. The SC styling is polarizing. The Mav's styling is not polarizing, but it is astonishingly bland according to SC buyers (hey, a lot of people like mashed potatoes).

You kind of pick what appeals to you (you do you). Then it's really important to insult and abuse everyone who chose differently - that's how these forums typically work.

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