2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited vs 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor
31 more hp and 31 more lb-ft torque vs $2,105 less. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 281 vs 250 hp, 22 vs 23 MPG.
The Santa Cruz Limited leads on 31 more hp, 31 more lb-ft torque. The Maverick Tremor leads on $2,105 less. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited | 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,750 | $40,645 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 16.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,295 lbs | 3,731 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 121.1" |
| Length | 195.7" | 200.6" |
| Width | 75.0" | 72.6" |
| Height | 66.9" | 69.4" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | Crew Cab | SuperCrew |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | No published data |
| IIHS Award | TSP | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor?
The 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor starts at $40,645, $2,105 less than the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited at $42,750. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $37/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited is the stronger pick when you need the extra 31 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging; 31 lb-ft more torque for pulling trailers and heavy loads.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor?
The 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,105 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $83/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor?
The 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor rates 23 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited or 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor?
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited produces 281 hp, 31 more than the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor at 250 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft. That torque gap matters most when towing or hauling heavy loads. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited bigger than the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor?
The 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor is 4.9″ longer at 200.6″ vs 195.7″. The 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor has a 2.8″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Ford Maverick offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Santa Cruz trims, Ford trims, Ford Maverick trims
The Santa Cruz–Maverick Decision
Truck buyers cross-shopping the Santa Cruz and Maverick are comparing more than price. Bed size, powertrain, and tow rating all factor in. The $-2,105 gap is about $37/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited has 31 more hp (281 vs 250), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited also delivers 31 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 280), which matters for trailer stability and pulling heavy loads up grades. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor saves roughly $83/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $415.
Living With the Santa Cruz vs the Maverick
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited weighs 564 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited when you need the extra 31 hp for towing, hauling, or highway merging. Choose the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor when you want to keep $2,105 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Maverick Tremor covers your needs.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Ford or any dealership.