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It’s time for the Hyundai Santa Cruz to step out of the Ford Maverick’s shadow. The Ford Maverick may sell more trucks, but the Santa Cruz could catch up. Production is increasing as the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz continues to outrank the Maverick. 

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. 2024 Ford Maverick 

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz 2 off-roading in dirt
The 2024 Ford Maverick driving on the road

According to Edmunds, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the best small truck you can buy. It earned a score of 8.1 out of 10. The 2024 Ford Maverick came in second place with a score of 7.4. The Santa Cruz may have a small lead, but it’s still the winner. 

The Santa Cruz outranks the Maverick with a better performance. It’s more fun to drive with responsive steering and handling. The Ford Maverick has vague steering and more body roll. Plus, the Santa Cruz’s dual-clutch transmission is more responsive. 

Also, the Santa Cruz is more comfortable, with a smoother ride over the pavement and a much quieter interior. The Maverick has a coarse engine and firm front seats. The Santa Cruz is more cushioned and offers more space. 

The Santa Cruz has more advanced tech with bigger infotainment screens and higher resolutions. The audio is better, and it comes with more standard safety features. The Maverick is a little spartan. 

While the Maverick offers more storage capacity, the Santa Cruz can tow more. It tows up to 5,000 lbs while the Maverick can only tow up to 4,000 lbs. 

Does the Santa Cruz or Maverick have more value? 

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $26,650, and the 2024 Ford Maverick begins at $23,400. But the $3,250 difference may be worth it because the Santa Cruz offers more standard features. 

With the Santa Cruz, you can opt for ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera display, a composite bed, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, a digital key, a lockable cargo storage bin, and digital key capability. 

The Maverick may be the better off-roader, but the Santa Cruz still has an advanced AWD system and an 8.6-inch ground clearance. 

While waiting months to get your Maverick, go ahead and take the Santa Cruz for a test drive. You might be surprised.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.