2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
Truck shoppers in the Inland Empire might be comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Picking one often comes down to how you balance daily commuting efficiency with weekend utility. Whether you are navigating the morning rush on the 91 freeway or heading out to the desert, both vehicles offer a versatile alternative to traditional SUVs.
For the 2026 model year, the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz offer distinct approaches to entry-level power for Riverside pickup truck shoppers. The Maverick focuses on hybrid efficiency as its standard offering, while the Santa Cruz utilizes a traditional gasoline powertrain. This comparison examines the standard base features and available performance upgrades for both models to help you decide which compact pickup best fits your Riverside lifestyle.
Performance and Efficiency
When comparing the standard power of these two vehicles, the 2026 Ford Maverick standard 2.0L Full-Hybrid engine offers a responsive driving experience ideal for the stop-and-go traffic often found around Southern California. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz provides 2.5L 4-cylinder engine offers a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission driving experience.
Standard Powertrains
- 2026 Ford Maverick: Features a standard 2.5L Hybrid I-4 engine paired with a Power-Split Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT). This system delivers 184 combined horsepower. A key technical highlight is the electric motor output, which provides 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque for responsive city driving.
- 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Comes standard with a 2.5L GDI-MPI 4-Cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration produces 191 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Fuel Economy
Efficiency is often times a primary consideration for commuters from the Inland Empire to Los Angeles. The Maverick Hybrid is EPA-estimated at 42 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. The standard Santa Cruz rated at an EPA-estimated 22 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.
Capability and Truck Bed Versatility
While both vehicles feature unibody construction for a comfortable ride, their utility specifications cater to different hauling needs.
Payload and Towing Technical Specs
- Payload Capacity: The Ford Maverick offers a standard payload of 1,500 lbs. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a standard payload capacity of approximately 1,411 lbs.
- Towing Capacity: The base Maverick Hybrid is rated for 2,000 lbs of towing. The base Santa Cruz is rated for 3,500 lbs.
Available Capability Upgrades
- Ford Upgrades: Choosing the available 2.0L EcoBoost engine increases output to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. When paired with the available 4K Tow Package, the Maverick reaches a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs.
- Hyundai Upgrades: The available 2.5L Turbocharged engine delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped with this engine and All-Wheel Drive, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Interior Technology and Dimensions
Inside the cabin, both manufacturers have integrated high-resolution displays and modern connectivity for the Riverside driver.
- Digital Displays: The Maverick comes standard with a 13.2-inch center LCD touchscreen featuring SYNC 4® technology and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. The Santa Cruz features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
- Cargo Volume: The Maverick FLEXBED® Storage System provides 33.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with a 54.4-inch bed length. The Santa Cruz bed provides 27.0 cubic feet of volume with a 52.1-inch bed length, though it does include a standard lockable under-bed storage compartment.
- Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are standard features on both the Maverick and the Santa Cruz.
Find the 2026 Ford Maverick at Raceway Ford
Choosing the right pickup depends on your specific needs for efficiency and hauling. If you are searching for a Ford Dealership near Jurupa Valley or Grand Terrace, Raceway Ford offers a large selection of Maverick trims to compare in person. Our team is dedicated to helping Riverside shoppers find the vehicle that matches their technical requirements and budget.
Visit Raceway Ford on Sycamore Canyon Blvd to see a fuel-efficient hybrid pickup in action and test drive its capabilities. View our current inventory online and visit our showroom to speak with a truck specialist today.
2026 Ford Maverick
STARTING MSRP $28,1451
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
STARTING MSRP $29,750
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. The 2026 Ford Maverick features a standard 2.5L Hybrid powertrain that is EPA-estimated at 42 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. In comparison, the base 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz utilizes a traditional gasoline engine with an EPA-estimated 22 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. For Riverside commuters on the 91 freeway, the Maverick Hybrid offers a significant technical advantage in fuel economy.
The 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid provides 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of electric motor torque available nearly instantly from a stop. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE produces 181 lb-ft of torque from its standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. While the Santa Cruz has a higher peak horsepower at 191 HP compared to the Maverick’s 184 combined HP, the Maverick’s electric motor delivers higher low-end torque for responsive city driving.
Yes. For the 2026 model year, Ford has introduced All-Wheel Drive as an available option for the 2.5L Hybrid powertrain. Previously, AWD was only available with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This allows Inland Empire drivers to combine the efficiency of the hybrid system with the enhanced traction needed for varying road conditions.
The 2026 Ford Maverick features the FLEXBED Storage System with a bed length of 54.4 inches (4.5 feet) and a total cargo volume of 33.3 cubic feet. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a bed length of 52.1 inches (4.3 feet) and a cargo volume of 27.0 cubic feet. The Maverick's bed is designed with specific pockets and pre-wired 12v leads to support DIY organizational solutions.
