Compact trucks like the 2025 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz straddle the gap between efficiency and power. And that makes them great for both your commutes to downtown Denver and weekend getaways into the mountains! But which small truck should you choose? Our comparison guide helps you make the right choice.
Key Takeaways
- Make your mountain road trips as efficient as possible in the hybrid Maverick!
- Compared to the Santa Cruz, it’s much easier to equip the Maverick to tow max loads.
- The smooth-riding Santa Cruz has the edge when it comes to comfort.
- Both compact trucks treat you to cutting-edge infotainment and high-tech safety aids!
Fuel-Efficiency: 2025 Ford Maverick
Our customers are often asking themselves, “Should I buy the Maverick or or Santa Cruz in Brighton?” If this sounds like you, start by thinking about your daily drive. For Brighton residents who want to save money at the pump, there’s no better truck than the Maverick. Thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain, Ford’s small truck earns up to 38 mpg combined (42 city/35 highway)!
2025 Ford Maverick Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Optional turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- Continuously variable transmission (with hybrid) or 10-speed automatic transmission (with 2.0L engine)
- XL, XLT, Lariat: front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
- Lobo, Tremor: all-wheel drive
Without an available hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t nearly as efficient as its Ford competitor. Plus, you need to spend more money to equip this truck with its thriftiest engine option, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Not to mention even its best EPA ratings — 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway), — will make your road trips more expensive!
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Powertrain Options
- SE, SEL: 2.5L four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 181 lb-ft)
- XRT, Limited: turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine (281 hp, 321 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- SE, SEL: front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
- XRT, Limited: all-wheel drive
Towing Performance: 2025 Ford Maverick
On paper, the Santa Cruz tows more than the Ford Maverick, with a max rating of 5,000 pounds. However, to actually tow a camper or boat trailer that weighs that much, you’ll need a trailer brake controller. Worse still, the Santa Cruz doesn’t even offer one! In other words, you’ll need to install aftermarket parts to this vehicle before you can tow more than 1,500 pounds.
The 2025 Ford Maverick, on the other hand, tows up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with the 4K Tow Package. This year, you can finally add the package to hybrid models, making it easy to build a truck that can tow a small camper or boat — no questionable aftermarket installation necessary! The Maverick also hauls bigger payloads, moving up to 1,500 pounds, where the Santa Cruz maxes out at 1,400 pounds.
Everyday Comfort: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
If the Maverick gives you a heartier truck-style performance, the Santa Cruz delivers the smoothest ride. For Brighton residents who spend most of their driving time on the pavement, Hyundai’s small truck will make you feel supported and relaxed. It’s also up for winter in the Rockies, thanks to available features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
By comparison, the Maverick sometimes feels jittery on broken or uneven pavement. Of course, that’s to be expected in a vehicle that’s tuned for strength. Inside, the Maverick’s roomy crew cabin delivers plenty of comfort. And the Maverick’s five trim models offer premium upgrades (like heated front seats) and sporty styling (like the Lobo’s Grabber Blue- and Electric Lime-trimmed seats).
Clever Tech Features: It’s a Tie!
On the tech front, both of these small trucks have you covered. Each comes standard with a big infotainment touchscreen (13.2 inches in the Maverick and 12.3 inches in the Santa Cruz) and wireless smartphone integration (via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Standard driving aids, like lane-keeping assistance and forward collision mitigation, help you avoid trouble down the road.
Looking for a premium experience? No problem — just move up these trucks’ trim models. On higher trims, like the Maverick Lariat or Santa Cruz Limited, you’ll find premium sound systems and wireless smartphone charging pads. Other available upgrades include a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control!
In the end, the 2025 Ford Maverick has our vote. Not only does this compact truck deliver the sportiest performance, but it also offers incredible fuel economy! Plus, the Maverick feels equally at home on mountain highways and off-road trails, making it the best pick for Colorado drivers. Hit the road in your new Maverick today — visit us at Brighton Ford!