The compact pickup truck market is booming right now, especially with everyone keeping a close eye on gas prices. The Ford Maverick is a great option for budget-conscious buyers and even took MotorTrend's "Truck of the Year" honors. Despite that accolade, some truck shoppers still compare it directly to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. If you're trying to figure out which is the best compact pickup for daily driving, here's what you need to know.
Key Takeaways:
- Ford shuffles some packages and options for the Maverick in 2026; the Santa Cruz is mostly unchanged.
- MotorTrend crowns the Maverick its 2026 "Truck of the Year."
- As of late June 2026, Maverick trims are $29,990 to $43,270, making them more affordable than Santa Cruz models.
Ford tweaks the Maverick's colors as it introduces Marsh Gray and Orange Fury and drops Eruption Green and Desert Sand. It reshuffles standalone options for the XL and XLT, and you can also opt for the front-wheel-drive turbo-four at no extra charge, with all-wheel drive available as a paid upgrade on the turbo engine. A tire inflator kit is now standard on the XL, XLT, Lariat, and Lobo trims, leaving the Tremor as the only model that comes with a full-size spare.
In the cabin, the XLT adds new armrest-mounted cupholders, and the optional Luxury package features a four-way manual passenger seat. Ford removes wireless smartphone charging from the lineup, and all models return to traditional blue Ford badges. Finally, buyers get one free year of connected services with an optional seven-year paid renewal.
The Mav's price breakdown is:
- XL: $29,990
- XLT: $32,490
- Lobo Standard: $37,775
- Lariat: $39,935
- Tremor: $42,490
- Lobo High: $43,270
Because the Santa Cruz underwent a massive redesign last year, Hyundai leaves it alone for the most part. The only tweak is that the car company drops the dark green interior color scheme. Hyundai's pricing for the Santa Cruz is a bit higher across the board:
- SE: $31,350
- SEL: $33,000
- SEL Activity: $36,050
- XRT: $42,950
- Limited: $45,300
What is the Standard Engine In the 2026 Ford Maverick?
The Mav's standard engine is a 2.5-liter hybrid generating 191 ponies, paired with a CVT and your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. If you want more punch, choose the 2.0-liter turbo-four, which bumps things up to 250 horsepower and links to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. (And for a sportier drive, the street-tuned Lobo trim features a unique seven-speed automatic transmission and steering-wheel paddle shifters.)
The Santa Cruz SE, SEL, and SEL Activity feature naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder--also cranking out 191 horsepower--and pair with an eight-speed automatic. Stepping up to the XRT or Limited trims swaps in a 2.5-liter turbo-four delivering 281 horsepower, which routes power through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and FWD. You can add AWD to any Santa Cruz (and it's standard on turbo trims).
Powertrains
| 2026 Ford Maverick |
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz |
| 2.5-liter hybrid with CVT or AWD |
2.5-liter four-cyl with 8-speed automatic on SE, SEL, and SEL Activity |
| 2.0-liter turbo four with 8-speed automatic AWD |
2.5-liter turbo four with 8-speed dual-clutch on XRT and Limited models |
| 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters (available to Lobo trim) |
AWD available across the board; standard with turbo four |
Which Compact Truck Wins a Place in Your Driveway?
With its versatile trim lineup, lower starting price, and fresh "Truck of the Year" trophy, the Maverick takes the win here. Stop by Banner Ford of Monroe or reach out to our team to schedule a test drive today!