Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT Examination: Striking a Balance Between the Maverick and Ridgeline in 2025
The Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Ford Maverick, two unibody pickup trucks, are making waves in the automotive market. Both vehicles offer unique features that cater to different needs, but which one comes out on top?
The Santa Cruz, priced between the Maverick and Honda Ridgeline, takes inspiration from the Tucson and Santa Fe XRT trims. The Santa Cruz XRT trim, in particular, boasts 18-inch all-terrain tires, front tow hooks, and mild off-road upgrades, making it well-suited for light off-roading adventures. However, the XRT trim is priced above $50,000, offering mostly cosmetic upgrades.
In contrast, the Ford Maverick, starting at $36,995, offers a hybrid powertrain that significantly improves fuel efficiency. With an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of about 38 MPG, the Maverick is a clear winner in this department. The Maverick's hybrid powertrain produces 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, while the Santa Cruz, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, provides similar acceleration performance.
When it comes to pricing, the difference is slight. The base Santa Cruz Preferred trim starts at approximately $30,245, while the Maverick XL FWD SuperCrew starts at around $29,840. Despite the slight price difference, the Maverick is generally less expensive.
The 2025 Santa Cruz delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, but it does not offer a hybrid variant, unlike the Ford Maverick. The base Santa Cruz Preferred trim is considered the best value, offering all versions of the Santa Cruz sold in Canada the 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The top-end Ultimate trim of the Santa Cruz adds equipment that feels more like fluff than necessity. On the other hand, the Maverick's diverse lineup, including the hybrid option, makes it a more versatile choice.
The Santa Cruz does not offer significant off-road capability gains despite the XRT trim's adventure-themed appearance. In comparison, the Ford Maverick scores well for towing at 2,000 pounds standard, with options to increase it to 4,000 pounds.
In conclusion, the Ford Maverick hybrid is superior in fuel economy and has a lower starting price, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers competitive power and modern features but lags behind in efficiency and costs a bit more. If fuel efficiency and a hybrid powertrain are priorities, the Maverick is the clear choice. However, for those who value a powerful engine and are willing to pay a bit more, the Santa Cruz may still be an attractive option.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers modern features inspired by its Tucson and Santa Fe XRT trims, with the XRT trim featuring all-terrain tires and mild off-road upgrades for light adventures, but it's priced above $50,000 with mostly cosmetic upgrades. The Santa Cruz delivers 281 horsepower in its 2025 model, but it doesn't offer a hybrid variant like the Ford Maverick. In contrast, the Ford Maverick starts at $29,840, offers a hybrid powertrain that significantly improves fuel efficiency, and scores well for towing. When compared to the Santa Cruz, the Maverick's diverse lineup makes it a more versatile choice. With an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of about 38 MPG and a starting price that is generally less expensive, the Ford Maverick hybrid is superior in terms of fuel efficiency, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers competitive power but lags behind in efficiency and costs more. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and a hybrid powertrain, the Maverick is the clear choice. However, for those who value a powerful engine and are willing to pay more, the Santa Cruz may still be an attractive option. The technology and smart-home devices in both vehicles, as well as their automotive gadgets, contribute to their lifestyle appeal in the industry, while the Maverick's finance-friendly options make it a popular choice in the transportation sector.
