Matt Bowers Ford · Metairie, Louisiana
Maverick vs. Santa Cruz.
Find your everyday truck.
Compare the 2026 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz for hybrid choices, bed space and towing. Then shop available Mavericks in Metairie, near New Orleans and Kenner.
Inventory may include multiple model years. Confirm powertrain, drivetrain and tow-package equipment on the truck you choose.
A smaller pickup. A decision built around your day.
Commuting with truck utility
Explore Maverick's full hybrid option alongside the EcoBoost engine. Drive the powertrain you are considering and see how the cab, visibility and parking feel on your usual route.
Room for weekend gear
Think about what actually goes in your bed: bikes, garden supplies, tools or camping gear. Check dimensions, tie-down locations and accessory clearance before choosing a truck.
2026 Maverick vs. Santa Cruz at a glance
| Compare | Ford Maverick | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid option | 2.5L full hybrid; standard on XL, XLT and Lariat | No hybrid in the 2026 lineup |
| Other engine choice | 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder; availability varies | 2.5L four-cylinder or 2.5L turbo on XRT and Limited |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Published bed length* | 54.4 in. at floor | 52.1 in. |
| Published bed volume* | 33.3 cu. ft. | 27.0 cu. ft. |
| Maximum available towing** | Up to 4,000 lbs with AWD and available 4K Tow Package | Up to 5,000 lbs on XRT or Limited with required towing equipment |
*Manufacturer-published measurements. Bed dimensions and usable space vary with measurement location, tailgate position and accessories. Volume does not establish payload. Secure cargo and stay within load limits.
**Maximum towing requires properly equipped vehicles. Maverick's maximum requires AWD and the 4K Tow Package on an eligible configuration. Santa Cruz's maximum requires XRT or Limited and installation of aftermarket towing equipment; Hyundai specifies these capacities with trailer brakes. Actual ratings depend on configuration, cargo, passengers and accessories.
Put the hybrid question first.
The Maverick offers a full hybrid powertrain, including available AWD. Hyundai does not offer a hybrid Santa Cruz for 2026. If a hybrid is on your shopping list, start by checking the Maverick's actual powertrain and drivetrain in our inventory.
Prefer a turbocharged gas engine? Compare Maverick EcoBoost models with the appropriate Santa Cruz configuration. A model badge alone does not tell you which engine, drivetrain or towing equipment is installed.
Ask About Hybrid and EcoBoost AvailabilityCompare usable bed space and carrying capacity.
Maverick's published bed volume is 33.3 cu. ft., compared with 27.0 cu. ft. for Santa Cruz. Try loading the gear you use most and ask for a demonstration of Maverick's FLEXBED storage system and tailgate positions.
Payload is a separate limit. Ford lists up to 1,500 lbs of available Maverick payload; the rating on a specific truck may be lower. On either vehicle, add passengers, accessories, cargo and trailer tongue weight, then check the doorjamb label and other applicable ratings.
Towing: compare equipment, not just the headline.
Santa Cruz has the higher published maximum: up to 5,000 lbs on qualifying XRT or Limited models with the required towing setup. Maverick offers up to 4,000 lbs with AWD and the available 4K Tow Package, including eligible hybrid configurations.
A receiver hitch alone does not mean a Maverick has the 4K Tow Package. Ford requires that package for trailers over 2,000 lbs. Bring your loaded trailer weight and tongue weight so our team can help you check the truck's equipment and manufacturer guidance.
Follow the towing guide and owner's manual. Never exceed the vehicle, axle, tire, hitch or trailer ratings. Maximum towing and payload are independent figures and may not be achievable together.
Ask About a Maverick's Tow PackageChoose your Maverick priorities.
XL or XLT
Start with the cab, powertrain and equipment you need for everyday driving. Check the available packages on the individual truck.
Lariat
Explore a Maverick with more comfort and convenience features, and confirm which features and packages are installed.
Tremor or Lobo
Compare the off-road focus of Tremor or street-performance focus of Lobo. Their equipment and ratings differ; do not assume the lineup's maximum tow or payload figures apply.
A better experience before, during & after the sale.
Before your visit
Tell us your priorities. Request equipment details, photos or a walkaround video and confirm the Maverick is available before you make the trip.
When you buy
Compare the actual vehicle, take a test drive and ask about pricing, your trade and financing. Take time to understand the equipment and paperwork. Financing is subject to credit approval.
Through ownership
Our Metairie Ford service team can help with maintenance and ownership questions. Qualifying vehicles include our Lifetime Powertrain Warranty, subject to its terms and required maintenance.
Lifetime Powertrain Warranty: Applies to qualifying vehicles for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle. Eligibility, coverage, limitations and exclusions apply. Commercial-use vehicles are excluded. All lube, oil and filter changes must be performed at a Matt Bowers dealership or service center to maintain coverage. See dealer for actual warranty terms.
Maverick vs. Santa Cruz FAQs
Does the Maverick offer a hybrid with all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2026 Maverick offers a 2.5L full hybrid with available AWD. Hybrid power is standard on XL, XLT and Lariat; confirm the drivetrain and equipment on the truck you select.
Is there a 2026 Santa Cruz hybrid?
No. Hyundai lists gasoline four-cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder choices for the 2026 Santa Cruz, with no hybrid version. Maverick is worth a closer look if a full hybrid is a priority.
Which truck has the larger bed?
Maverick has the larger published bed volume: 33.3 cubic feet versus 27.0 for Santa Cruz. Published lengths are 54.4 inches at the Maverick bed floor and 52.1 inches for Santa Cruz. Check the actual opening, tailgate position and accessory clearance for your gear; cargo must stay within weight limits and be secured.
Can a Maverick Hybrid tow 4,000 pounds?
A properly equipped 2026 Maverick Hybrid with AWD and the available 4K Tow Package can be rated up to 4,000 lbs. A hitch alone does not establish that rating. Ford requires the 4K Tow Package for trailers over 2,000 lbs. Confirm package availability and the exact truck's ratings.
Can Santa Cruz tow more than Maverick?
At their published maximums, yes: Santa Cruz is rated up to 5,000 lbs on properly equipped XRT or Limited models, compared with Maverick's available 4,000-lb maximum. Hyundai requires aftermarket towing equipment for its maximum, and its towing specifications require trailer brakes. Other configurations have lower ratings.
What counts toward a truck's payload?
Passengers, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue weight all use carrying capacity. Ford advertises up to 1,500 lbs of available Maverick payload, but individual trucks can be lower. Read the doorjamb label on either truck and follow all applicable weight and hitch ratings.
What maintenance does the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty require?
All lube, oil and filter changes must be performed at a Matt Bowers dealership or service center to maintain coverage. Coverage applies only to qualifying vehicles under the actual terms; commercial-use vehicles are excluded. Ask us to explain eligibility and coverage before purchase.
Where can I test drive a Maverick near New Orleans?
Request an appointment at Matt Bowers Ford, 3724 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002. Tell us whether you prefer hybrid or EcoBoost, your drivetrain needs and your visit time. Appointments and vehicle availability require confirmation.
Find your next compact truck in Metairie.
Shop available Ford Mavericks at Matt Bowers Ford. Request a test drive and confirm the powertrain, equipment and availability before visiting from New Orleans, Kenner or elsewhere in Greater New Orleans.
Appointments are subject to confirmation and vehicle availability.
3724 Veterans Memorial Blvd · Metairie, LA 70002Call 504-293-1100
Sources & comparison notes
2026 U.S. model information checked November 11, 2026. Equipment varies by trim, configuration and package. Manufacturer pages can change; confirm details on the actual vehicle. No price or incentive is promised.
