Comparing the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2024 Ford Maverick

The 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ bursts onto the scene as Hyundai’s latest entrance into the compact pickup segment. Upholding Hyundai’s reputation for high quality and forward-thinking design, the SANTA CRUZ combines bold styling, versatility, and efficiency into an adventure-ready package. If you’re an active outdoor enthusiast in Pensacola, Mobile, or anywhere along the coast,  needing a vehicle that matches your lifestyle, the SANTA CRUZ and its rival, the 2024 Ford Maverick, are likely on your radar. These two models are among the most sought-after vehicles in this segment.

Which one should you choose? Let’s pit them against each other and find out. If you decide the 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ is the one for you, Allen Turner Hyundai in Pensacola, Florida, is your one-stop shop for all things Hyundai. You can count on us to uphold the same high standards as Hyundai.

New Hyundai Santa Cruz For Sale

Exterior Design

At first glance, the SANTA CRUZ and the Maverick boast modern, eye-catching designs. The SANTA CRUZ takes the lead with its athletic stance and stylish features. From its base model to the top-of-the-line Limited trim, this pickup truck features practical and aesthetically appealing elements. These include 18- or 20-inch wheels, body-colored side mirrors, a multifunctional tailgate, rear privacy glass, and projector bi-LED headlamps for enhanced visibility.

Premium trims offer LED bed lights and heated exterior mirrors for added convenience. To truly stand out while driving down the roads in Pensacola, Florida, or Mobile, Alabama,  you can opt for a trim level with a power sunroof and accessorize with bed-top side rails.

In contrast, the Maverick’s standard features include 17- or 18-inch wheels, a black mesh grille, and LED headlamps, with extras such as a spray-in bedliner and a moonroof in premium trims. The SANTA CRUZ’s superior design features and customization options make it the more attractive choice for design and functionality.

Performance

On the performance front, the 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ confidently leaves its competition in the dust. Under its hood lies a standard 2.5-liter I-4 engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. An efficient eight-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drive system smoothly deliver this raw power to the wheels. If you want more power, Hyundai offers all-wheel-drive SANTA CRUZ trim levels featuring a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a substantial 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

These specifications give the SANTA CRUZ an undeniable edge over the 2024 Ford Maverick. While the Maverick offers a gas-powered model and a hybrid powertrain option, it lacks a turbocharged engine. Its base trim comes with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that generates 250 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain works with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive, outputting a lesser 191 horsepower.

Tow and Payload Capacity

Versatility is crucial in the compact pickup segment, and the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ shines in this department. It boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,701 pounds. The Ford Maverick falls short with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. While the difference may not seem significant, every pound counts when loading your gear for a weekend adventure.

Interior Design and Comfort

The 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ’s interior embodies luxury and functionality, featuring high-quality materials, elegant detailing, and comfortable seating. Standard offerings include stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, optional leather upgrades, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting. Some models have heated and ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-way power driver seat.

The 2024 Ford Maverick only has cloth or ActiveX-trimmed seats. Upper trims offer a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. A side-by-side interior comparison shows the SANTA CRUZ offers more comfort, convenience, and luxury.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Superior technology enhances every journey you take in the 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ. It has an 8- or 10.25-inch touch-screen display for your convenience. The SANTA CRUZ provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, USB ports for device charging, and Bluetooth for hands-free connectivity. It goes the extra mile with additional technological options, including a top-tier navigation system and a high-fidelity Bose premium audio system for an immersive sound experience.

The 2024 Ford Maverick only offers an 8-inch touch screen across all trims. While premium models have wireless device charging, navigation options, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, the technological offerings don’t match those in the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ.

Safety

The 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ pulls no punches when it comes to safety. Regardless of the terrain, you can confidently conquer it with the SANTA CRUZ’s comprehensive array of standard driver-assist features. These include blind-spot collision avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. For enhanced visibility, a rearview monitor is standard. Premium trims offer a surround-view monitor, smart cruise control, and cyclist and junction turning detection for even more advanced capabilities.

The 2024 Ford Maverick’s safety features are sparse. Standard features include only pre-collision assist with automatic braking and an advanced air bag system. To get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alerts,  you’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim level. The SANTA CRUZ includes these features as standard in its more comprehensive and advanced safety suite, increasing its appeal.

Test-Drive the Hyundai SANTA CRUZ at Allen Turner Hyundai

After a thorough comparison, it’s clear the 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ is a cut above the rest in the compact pickup segment. Its sleek design, comfortable interior, impressive performance, and advanced technology make it an ideal vehicle with style and substance. To experience all  the SANTA CRUZ offers, visit Allen Turner Hyundai in Pensacola. Contact us to schedule a test drive and get one step closer to owning the highly coveted 2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ or one of our many other new cars for sale!