2026 is a big year for the Ford Maverick, particularly after securing the "Truck of the Year" title from MotorTrend. Even with such a decorated winner in the lineup, many shoppers still weigh it against rivals like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. To help you distinguish between these great compact options, we're here to help you discover how Ford and Hyundai approach small pickup design.
Key Takeaways:
- While the Santa Cruz stays mostly the same for 2026, the Maverick receives significant updates across its trim levels.
- MotorTrend officially names the Maverick its 2026 "Truck of the Year."
- As of March 5, 2026, Mav trims start at $29,990 and $43,270; Santa Cruz trims are $31,350 and go up to $45,300.
What Changes Were Made to the Ford Maverick in the New Year?
The 2026 Maverick introduces the colors Orange Fury and Marsh Gray paint while saying goodbye to Desert Sand and Eruption Green. Ford shifts drivetrain availability for XL and XLT models; while the front-wheel-drive hybrid is still the baseline, the turbo-four with FWD is now available for the same price. All-wheel drive with the turbo engine is an available upgrade. Note that wireless charging has been pulled from the lineup. Additionally, the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Lobo now ship with a tire inflator kit, leaving the Tremor as the only trim with a standard full-size spare.
The XLT trim now features armrest-mounted attachable cupholders and adds a four-way manual passenger seat to its Luxury package. All '26 models return to the classic blue Ford emblems. Connectivity has also been updated, with one free year included and a paid seven-year plan available.
The Maverick lineup is as follows:
- XL: $29,990
- XLT: $32,490
- Lobo Standard: $37,775
- Lariat: $39,935
- Tremor: $42,490
- Lobo High: $43,270
Inside, the Maverick got a few tweaks too. The XLT now features attachable cupholders on the armrest, and the Luxury package now includes a four-way manual passenger seat. All models are back to the traditional blue Ford badging, and owners get a free year of connectivity with an optional seven-year plan available.
The Santa Cruz had a styling refresh just last year, so there are basically no changes for 2026. The only real difference is that Hyundai dropped the dark green interior color.
Hyundai's pricing is slightly higher across the board:
- SE: $31,350
- SEL: $33,000
- SEL Activity: $36,050
- XRT: $42,950
- Limited: $45,300
How Much Horsepower Does the 2026 Ford Maverick Have?
The Maverick's 2.5-liter hybrid is standard and generates 191 horsepower through a CVT and is available with all-wheel drive. You can also get an available 2.0-liter turbo-four with 250 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic, and standard AWD. (For a more engaged drive, the Lobo trim uses a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters.)
The Santa Cruz ties your engine choice to the trim. The SE, SEL, and SEL Activity use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, making 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic. The XRT and Limited trims come with a 2.5-liter turbo-four, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet, which fits urban driving much better. That engine pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive is available on all trims, but it's standard with the turbo.
Powertrains
| 2026 Ford Maverick |
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
| 2.5-liter hybrid with CVT; AWD available |
2.5-liter four-cyl with 8-speed automatic (standard on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity) |
| 2.0-liter turbo four with 8-speed automatic; AWD standard |
2.5-liter turbo four with 8-speed dual-clutch (standard on XRT and Limited trims); |
| Lobo trim uses 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters |
AWD available on all trims; standard with turbo |
Should I Buy a 2026 Ford Maverick or a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz?
With more options, a lower starting price, and a "Truck of the Year" trophy, the Maverick is the obvious choice here. It's moving forward with new features and better value. If you want the compact pickup that's actually leading the pack, the Maverick is the one you want in your driveway. We've got yours at Brighton Ford.