The 2026 Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz comparison brings together two compact pickups that approach everyday truck ownership differently. Both seat five, provide an open cargo bed, and offer all-wheel-drive capability, but the Maverick emphasizes efficiency, flexible truck utility, and a wide range of configurations. The Santa Cruz takes a more crossover-inspired approach and offers greater maximum towing capacity with its available turbocharged engine.

At McLarty Daniel Ford in Bentonville, AR, the 2026 Ford Maverick gives Northwest Arkansas drivers several ways to configure a compact truck for commuting, weekend projects, outdoor recreation, and everyday hauling. The Maverick lineup includes XL, XLT, Lariat®, Lobo™, and Tremor® models, allowing shoppers to choose everything from an efficient hybrid pickup to a street-performance or off-road-focused truck.

One of the Maverick's biggest advantages is powertrain flexibility. Its standard 2.5L full hybrid powertrain can be paired with front-wheel drive or available AWD, while an available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine provides an alternative for drivers who prefer a conventional turbocharged gas engine.

McLarty Daniel Ford Compares Maverick and Santa Cruz Performance

The 2026 Maverick's standard 2.5L full hybrid powertrain uses an automatic continuously variable transmission and offers front-wheel drive or available AWD. Ford also offers the 2.0L EcoBoost® four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic on select configurations.

Drivers interested in something more specialized can look at the Maverick Tremor, which features Advanced 4WD with a Twin Clutch Rear Drive Unit, off-road-tuned suspension, Trail Control™, and Trail 1-Pedal Drive. The street-focused Maverick Lobo takes a different approach, pairing its 250-horsepower 2.0L EcoBoost® engine with Advanced 4WD, a seven-speed Quick Shift transmission, torque-vectoring capability, and dedicated Lobo Mode.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers two gasoline engines. SE, SEL, and SEL Activity models use a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. XRT and Limited models feature a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

Front-wheel drive is standard on lower Santa Cruz trims, with HTRAC AWD available. XRT and Limited include HTRAC AWD as standard equipment.

For Arkansas shoppers, those differences provide several clear choices. The Santa Cruz XRT and Limited deliver strong turbocharged output, while the Maverick provides greater powertrain variety, including a hybrid option that isn't offered on the 2026 Santa Cruz.

2026 Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing and Truck Utility

If maximum towing capacity is the deciding factor, the Santa Cruz has the higher ceiling. Properly equipped 2026 Santa Cruz XRT and Limited models can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the turbocharged 2.5L engine and required equipment. Other Santa Cruz configurations can tow up to 3,500 pounds with trailer brakes.

The Maverick comes standard with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Properly equipped Maverick models with AWD and the available 4K Tow Package can increase that figure to 4,000 pounds. Importantly, Ford makes that capability available with both the 2.5L hybrid and 2.0L EcoBoost® on eligible configurations.

Payload is another important consideration. Select 2026 Maverick configurations offer a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. For example, Ford rates the Maverick XLT at up to 1,500 pounds with the 2.5L Hybrid FWD and select 2.0L EcoBoost® configurations.

The Maverick's bed provides 33.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, measures approximately 4.5 feet long, and is 42.6 inches wide between the wheel wells. Ford's FLEXBED® Storage System provides additional opportunities to organize and secure equipment for workdays, DIY projects, camping trips, and other activities.

The Santa Cruz bed is slightly shorter at 52.1 inches and provides 27 cubic feet of volume. Hyundai complements it with useful storage solutions, including a sealed underfloor storage compartment and an available lockable tonneau cover.

The Santa Cruz wins on outright maximum towing capacity, but Maverick counters with strong payload capability, greater bed volume, and a flexible bed design intended to make a compact truck useful for everyday tasks.

Hybrid Efficiency Gives the 2026 Maverick an Important Advantage

Fuel economy creates one of the biggest distinctions between these two trucks. Ford lists an EPA-estimated 42 MPG city for the 2026 Maverick, giving drivers the ability to own a genuinely useful pickup without accepting traditional truck fuel consumption.

That's particularly appealing for Northwest Arkansas drivers who spend much of the week commuting around Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, or Fayetteville but still want a bed available for weekend projects and recreation.

The 2026 Santa Cruz SE, SEL, and SEL Activity with front-wheel drive are EPA-estimated at 22 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, while AWD versions are rated at 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The more powerful XRT and Limited AWD models are rated at 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway.

Hyundai does not currently offer a hybrid Santa Cruz. That gives the Maverick a meaningful distinction for buyers who put fuel economy near the top of their compact-truck shopping list.

Technology is competitive in both trucks. The Maverick combines its modern infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and available truck-oriented technology, while the Santa Cruz provides a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Which Compact Truck Is the Better Value for Arkansas Drivers?

There isn't one answer for every shopper. The Santa Cruz deserves serious consideration if maximum towing is the priority. A properly equipped XRT or Limited can tow up to 5,000 pounds and provides 281 horsepower from its turbocharged engine.

The Maverick's case rests on versatility. Buyers can choose hybrid efficiency, available AWD, a turbocharged EcoBoost® engine, the off-road-oriented Tremor, or the performance-inspired Lobo. Properly configured models can tow up to 4,000 pounds, while select versions provide up to 1,500 pounds of payload capacity.

For drivers who don't need the Santa Cruz's additional 1,000 pounds of maximum available towing capacity, the Maverick's combination of efficiency, bed utility, payload capability, and configuration choices can make it an exceptionally practical everyday truck.

Shoppers interested in a 2026 Maverick can explore available financing options at McLarty Daniel Ford to compare potential monthly payments and ownership choices. Drivers replacing another car, SUV, or truck can also obtain a trade-in value before choosing their Maverick, helping establish a clearer picture of their purchasing budget.

Shop the 2026 Ford Maverick at McLarty Daniel Ford in Bentonville

The 2026 Ford Maverick vs Hyundai Santa Cruz comparison ultimately comes down to what you expect from a compact pickup. The Santa Cruz offers the higher maximum towing capacity and a powerful available turbocharged engine. The Maverick responds with something Hyundai doesn't currently offer: an available hybrid powertrain capable of combining impressive city fuel economy with genuine pickup versatility.

Add available AWD, up to 4,000 pounds of towing, up to 1,500 pounds of payload capacity, a 33.3-cubic-foot bed, and specialized Tremor and Lobo models, and the Maverick gives Northwest Arkansas shoppers plenty of ways to build a compact truck around their lifestyles.

Visit McLarty Daniel Ford in Bentonville, AR, to explore available 2026 Ford Maverick models and compare powertrains, drivetrains, towing equipment, and features. When you've found the Maverick that fits the way you work, commute, and spend your weekends, schedule a test drive and experience it for yourself on Northwest Arkansas roads.