Ford Won't Like The Hyundai Santa Cruz's Towing Capacity originally appeared on Autoblog.
The industry’s only compact trucks
If you’re in the market for a small truck, your options are limited to just two models, largely due to the questionable existence of the Chicken Tax of 1964. Interestingly, both the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz made their debut for the 2022 model year. It’s fairly rare that we only see two vehicles in a segment, especially when the word “truck” is in the name. While small trucks aren’t typically known for their towing capacity, both entries are pretty impressive, but at the end of the day, the Hyundai Santa Cruz tops its American rival when it comes to towing capability.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz tows up to 5,000 lbs.
At a glance, the 2025 Ford Maverick seems like it would be the obvious winner. It does wear the blue oval, after all. When comparing spec sheets, however, Hyundai claims that its small truck can tow a good deal more than the Maverick. At the base level, the Santa Cruz SE can tow up to 3,500 lbs. The base Ford Maverick can only tow up to 2,000 lbs.
Both the Maverick and Santa Cruz have the option to upgrade their towing capabilities. In Ford’s compact pickup entry, you’ll need to add the 4K Towing Package to the equation while also upgrading to Ford Co-Pilot360 and AWD as well, bringing the total cost to $3,760. As the name entails, adding on the towing package increases the Maverick’s capacity to 4,000 lbs. Notably, the performance-driven Maverick Lobo and off-road Tremor are rated for a 2,000-lb. maximum towing capacity.
In the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, you’ll need to upgrade to all-wheel drive, which adds $1,500 to the total price - that’s it. All Santa Cruz models are available with all-wheel drive, but it comes standard on the XRT and Limited trims, which means they can tow up to 5,000 pounds in their standard form. Unlike the Maverick Tremor, the Santa Cruz XRT maintains its 5,000-lbs. maximum towing capacity, even with its off-road styling.
Most Ford Maverick models come equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a CVT. It sacrifices performance for improved fuel economy, producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Santa Cruz’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
Both compact trucks are available with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the Maverick, that powerhouse is available on all models and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
You’ll need to upgrade to the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT or Limited models to get a turbocharged powertrain in the South Korean truck. Hyundai’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes paired with AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The Ford Maverick is more affordable
Available from $28,145, the Ford Maverick XL is the more budget-friendly option. Add in its 2.5-liter hybrid engine that’s rated for an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, and the Maverick is the clear winner in ownership costs. Upgrading to an all-wheel drive train reduces hybrid fuel economy to 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Comparatively, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE starts at $29,500. At its most efficient, the South Korean truck earns up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Tacking on all-wheel drive reduces fuel economy by one mile per gallon in both categories.
The Maverick maintains its more affordable price when it comes to luxury, with the Lariat model priced from $38,440. The top-spec model includes a premium B&O eight-speaker sound system, wireless charging pad, and 19-inch wheels. The top-spec Santa Cruz Limited starts at $43,340, and includes a standard turbocharged engine, 20-inch wheels, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system.
In terms of off-road models, the Maverick is still the cheaper option, with the Tremor model available from $40,995. A true off-roading machine, it comes equipped with a standard turbocharged engine, skid plates, and an off-road tuned suspension, among other functional off-road features. The Santa Cruz XRT is slightly more expensive, priced from $41,100. In addition to its turbocharged engine, the XRT model wields a more rugged aesthetic compared to the rest of the range, with model-exclusive 18-inch wheels, dark grille, and fender flares, among other elements.
Final thoughts
When it comes to the battle of compact trucks, the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick are competitively priced. In terms of towing capability, however, the Santa Cruz takes a clear win, topping out at 1,000 lbs. more than the Maverick. At the base level, that lead extends to 1,500 lbs. Price-wise, the Maverick is the better option at a glance, but upgrading to get that 4,000-lbs. towing capacity adds up quickly. Hopefully, more small trucks will emerge to challenge these two pickups in the near future, but until then, our options remain limited.
Ford Won't Like The Hyundai Santa Cruz's Towing Capacity first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 28, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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