Which compact truck adds the most to your Mandeville lifestyle, the 2025 Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz? Our comparison guide puts these models’ features and capabilities to the test!
Key Takeaways
- The Maverick’s available upgrades and sporty trim models make it stand out in a crowd!
- Choose the Santa Cruz for a max towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds!
- If you love to travel, you’re going to love the Maverick’s thrifty performance even more.
- Pinch the most pennies with Ford’s budget-friendly compact truck.
In addition to its impressive list of features, the Maverick introduces two new trim models for 2025. The Lobo is a low-riding, high-performance version of this compact truck — and it’s unlike anything the Santa Fe has to offer! With off-road upgrades like all-terrain tires and a locking rear differential, the all-new Tremor goes further into the wild than other Maverick trim models.
While the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe may not offer a low-rider trim model, it does a good job of competing with the Maverick’s tech-savvy standard lineup. For instance, both trucks feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, big infotainment touchscreens, and lane-keeping assistance. These models are also available with high-tech upgrades like a 360-degree parking camera and built-in navigation!
Towing Capacity: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Here, the Santa Cruz has the edge. Properly equipped, Hyundai’s truck-like SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Depending on how much your fishing boat (or camper) weighs, you may need the Santa Cruz’s extra heft!
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Powertrain Options
- SE, SEL: 2.5L four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 181 lb-ft)
- XRT, Limited: turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine (281 hp, 321 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- SE, SEL: front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
- XRT, Limited: all-wheel drive
Properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds. For 2025, the 4K Towing package is available with either Maverick engine, allowing drivers to tow max loads with their hybrid trucks for the first time. Without this package, the Maverick tows 2,000 pounds max.
2025 Ford Maverick Powertrain Options
- Standard 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Optional turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- Continuously variable transmission (with hybrid) or 10-speed automatic transmission (with 2.0L engine)
- XL, XLT, Lariat: front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive
- Lobo, Tremor: all-wheel drive
Thrifty Adventure: 2025 Ford Maverick
Whether you’re on your way to Tiger Stadium or the Superdome, the Maverick’s hefty payload capacity and thrifty performance make it the best tailgating truck! Most trims can haul up to 1,500 pounds — no upgrades necessary. Better yet, the base hybrid powertrain helps the Maverick earn up to 38 mpg combined (42 city/35 highway), saving you money on your trips across the causeway and beyond!
The Santa Cruz can transport nearly as much gear to your tailgating parties, thanks to its 1,400-pound payload rating. However, it’s not nearly as thrifty. The Santa Cruz earns its best EPA ratings with its base engine, achieving 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway).
Lowest Price: 2025 Ford Maverick
In addition to excellent fuel economy, a budget-friendly price is one of the most popular reasons to shop the compact truck segment. If that sounds like you, you’re going to love the 2025 Maverick (from $26,995*). While the 2025 Santa Cruz (starting at $28,750*) isn’t much more expensive, it also doesn’t come standard with the Maverick’s money-saving hybrid powertrain!
*Prices as of 4/15/25
Mandeville’s First-Choice Compact Truck
Should you buy the 2025 Maverick or Santa Cruz in Mandeville, LA? If you’re shopping for the lowest price, thriftiest performance, or best style, the choice is clear — you need Ford’s game-changing compact truck. Experience everything the updated Maverick can offer right here at Banner Ford of Mandeville in St. Tammany Parish!