2023 Ford Maverick vs 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, with its compact dimensions, evoked memories of the mini trucks from the 1970s to 1990s. However, its unibody construction and unique styling positioned it more as a modern reinterpretation of the Subaru Baja or a smaller Honda Ridgeline. Measuring 4,970 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height, the Santa Cruz was notably shorter than the Toyota Tacoma, yet nearly as wide. Its wheelbase of 3,005 mm was also shorter than the Tacoma's. Despite its compact size, the Santa Cruz was larger than the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, making it stand out with its SUV-like appearance and distinctive design elements such as a toothy grille and integrated headlights. The interior, while conventional, was honest in its design, offering appropriate materials for its price range and purpose as a rugged adventure vehicle.

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its familiar look, showcasing the Ford truck family resemblance with its side and rear styling, complemented by a blocky front end and headlights. The introduction of the Tremor package added off-road capabilities and street cred, featuring blacked-out logos, unique colour options like Avalanche Grey, and distinctive orange accents. The Tremor package also included special 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the Maverick's crew cab was characterized by utilitarian plastic materials, with options to upgrade for more comfort. The Black Onyx seats offered a trendy look, though their long-term appeal was uncertain. The interior design leaned towards a highbrow aesthetic, contrasting with the actual feel of the materials.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada, providing a spirited driving experience with its multi-link suspension and self-leveling feature. The Santa Cruz offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kg and a payload capacity of 864 kg, aligning more with midsize SUVs than traditional pickups. However, its off-road capabilities were limited due to the lack of low range and locking differentials.

The 2023 Ford Maverick stood out as the first standard full-hybrid pickup truck, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid model featured a CVT and front-wheel drive, while the 2.0-litre, 250-hp turbo EcoBoost engine came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Tremor package introduced advanced off-road features, including a unique all-wheel-drive system, Trail Control, and enhanced ground clearance. The Maverick's towing capacity varied, with the EcoBoost engine capable of towing up to 1,814 kg, while the Tremor package reduced it to 907 kg.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz offered a maximum payload capacity, but its 1,323 mm long truck bed limited its utility for larger cargo. Hyundai included features like a lockable tonneau cover, adjustable tailgate, and in-bed storage to maximize space. The crew-cab configuration provided seating for five, though rear-seat legroom was tight. The front seats offered more space, and the vehicle's design allowed for good outward visibility. Storage was ample, with a well-designed centre console and under-seat compartments.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was slightly longer but maintained consistent legroom across models. The gas engine models offered 1,088 mm of front legroom and 937 mm in the rear, while the hybrid reduced rear legroom to 912 mm. The Maverick's interior was utilitarian, with options to upgrade for more comfort. The XLT and Lariat trims offered additional features like heated seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was responsive, with clear graphics and quick boot-up times. Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service provided additional connectivity options, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, positioned as an entry-level truck, offered basic tech features. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen was adequate, with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. FordPass Connect enabled a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Lariat trim added a 6.5-inch LED driver-information display, additional USB ports, and optional tech upgrades like a B&O sound system and wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with standard safety features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and Highway Driving Assist, though the system struggled with highway curves.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, offering features like automatic high beams and pre-collision assist. Additional safety options included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns noted during crash tests. The IIHS rated its front crash prevention as Superior, though it received lower ratings for pedestrian detection at night.