2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review

2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Compact trucks are changing the game for drivers who want everyday drivability with true utility. Blending smart size with big versatility, this class of trucks offers just the right balance for work, play, and everything in between. Smart, capable, and refreshingly affordable, you need a compact truck that works as hard as you do—whether you’re loading up gear, tackling projects, or just heading out for the weekend. In the spotlight are the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. With bold style, hybrid efficiency, available AWD, and real-deal truck strength, the 2025 Ford Maverick offers more than just utility—it delivers confidence, tech, and versatility in one sharp package. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz leans into SUV-inspired design and lifestyle-driven features. It brings a unique approach with an emphasis on everyday comfort and casual adventure. At Future Ford of Sacramento, we know drivers from Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, and Elk Grove are looking for a compact truck that’s not just smart—it’s ready to work. Whether you care about MPG, AWD confidence, or the flexibility to build it your way, does the 2025 Ford Maverick or 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz check all the boxes? In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at how they stack up—and why there continues to be a standout choice for Sacramento-area drivers.

Performance Specs and Engine Comparison

If you’re shopping for a compact truck in the Sacramento area, performance and practicality are probably high on your list—and both the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offer compelling options. Depending on how you plan to use your truck in places like Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove, or Citrus Heights, the details make a big difference. The 2025 Ford Maverick comes standard with a 2.5L hybrid engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, delivering an impressive EPA-estimated 42 MPG in the city—a major advantage for daily drivers commuting through Fair Oaks or Carmichael. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz doesn’t offer a hybrid. It does offer an available turbocharged 2.5L engine pushing up to 281 horsepower and reaching up to 30 MPG on the highway, which may appeal to those regularly cruising between Folsom and downtown Sacramento. When it comes to towing, the 2025 Ford Maverick offers 2,000 lbs of standard towing capacity or up to 4,000 lbs when equipped with the available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine and 4K Tow Package. Meanwhile, the 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz can handle up to 5,000 lbs, but only when properly equipped with its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. Payload capacity is another factor to consider. The 2025 Ford Maverick supports up to 1,500 lbs, while the 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries slightly less at 1,411 pounds, depending on configuration. The 2025 Ford Maverick also boasts up to 8.3 inches of ground clearance for navigating uneven terrain—an advantage for those who venture off the beaten path near the Sierra foothills. Each truck has its strengths, but for drivers around Sacramento who value efficiency, flexible performance, and day-to-day versatility, the 2025 Ford Maverick offers a well-rounded package that’s ready for whatever the week—or weekend—brings.

Interior, Tech & Bed

Both the 2025 Ford Maverick and 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz comfortably seat five passengers and prioritize practicality, but their interiors offer distinct experiences. The 2025 Ford Maverick features durable cloth upholstery on base trims and available ActiveX™-trimmed seats in higher models, blending comfort with rugged utility. The 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz also starts with cloth seats, with leatherette and leather options as you climb the trim ladder. Rear seat flexibility is built into both—2025 Ford Maverick includes under-seat storage perfect for stashing tools or gear, while the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers 60/40 split tip-up cushions for added cargo room when the seats aren’t in use. Convenience is a shared strength. Both trucks include front and rear cupholders, dual USB ports, and available heated front seats—a welcome touch on brisk mornings in Carmichael or Folsom. The 2025 Ford Maverick adds clever touches like wide door pockets and an available power moonroof to bring in sunlight and fresh air. When it comes to tech, both trucks are smartphone-ready with standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, but the 2025 Ford Maverick stands out with a best-in-class 13.2-inch touchscreen and the intuitive SYNC® 4 system. The 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz counters with a 12.3-inch screen and optional digital cluster—stylish, but slightly behind in function and size. The 2025 Ford Maverick also offers an available 360-degree camera for confident maneuvering in crowded Sacramento parking lots. Out back, the 2025 Ford Maverick’s FLEXBED® system makes it truly work-ready. With 33.3 cu. ft. of space, in-bed cubbies, multiple tie-down points, and a low lift-in height, it’s ideal for hauling mulch in Elk Grove or DIY supplies in Fair Oaks. It also includes two pre-wired 12-volt connections and an available 110-volt outlet. 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides a sealed, drainable underfloor bin, a 115-volt outlet, and optional lockable tonneau—features geared more toward weekend adventures than jobsite duty

Trim Offerings

When it comes to trim levels, both the 2025 Ford Maverick and 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz offer something for every kind of driver—from budget-conscious commuters to weekend warriors and off-road enthusiasts. The 2025 Ford Maverick lineup starts strong with the XL, featuring a fuel-saving 2.5L hybrid engine, a massive 13.2-inch touchscreen with SYNC® 4, the practical FLEXBED® system, and Ford Co-Pilot360® safety features—all ideal for drivers around Carmichael or Citrus Heights looking for utility at a great value. Stepping up to the XLT adds push-button start, a trailer hitch, and available FX4® off-road capabilities, perfect for outdoor escapes near Folsom. The Lariat® trim raises comfort and tech with heated seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist™. For performance lovers, the bold new Lobo™ trim packs a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, paddle shifters, and track-inspired suspension. And if off-road grit is your thing, the Tremor® offers advanced 4WD, a twin clutch rear drive unit, and rugged skid plates. The 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz takes a more SUV-inspired approach, starting with the SE and SEL, which both feature wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, heated front seats, and H-Tex® leatherette trim in higher trims. The SEL Activity adds adventure-ready gear like a power sunroof and integrated tonneau cover. For more muscle, the XRT and Limited trims swap in a turbocharged 281-hp engine and standard AWD, with features like 20-inch wheels, a digital key, and a premium display system. While the 025 Hyundai Santa Cruz trims lean into lifestyle and tech, the Maverick’s lineup clearly emphasizes truck-first capability and tailored performance for work and play around Rancho Cordova and beyond.

Future Ford of Sacramento

Ready to experience everything the 2025 Ford Maverick has to offer? Whether you’re after smart fuel efficiency, serious capability, or just a truck that fits your active Sacramento lifestyle, the Maverick delivers in every category. Stop by Future Ford of Sacramento to explore the trims, sit behind the wheel, and see for yourself why this compact pickup is making such a big impression. Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through features, and help you find the perfect Maverick for your needs. Come in today—we’d love to help you take your next adventure home.