New 2026 Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz for Sale in Three Rivers, TX

If you’re shopping for a compact pickup in Three Rivers, TX, two top choices are the 2026 Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. While both offer modern tech and city-friendly sizing, the Maverick stands out with class-leading hybrid efficiency, stronger value at every trim level, smarter towing technology, and more versatile capability options for work and play.

At Three Rivers Ford, we help drivers compare trucks side-by-side so you can choose the one that actually fits your lifestyle, not just the spec sheet. Explore our new Ford Maverick inventory today.

What’s New for the 2026 Ford Maverick?

The 2026 Ford Maverick continues to redefine what a compact pickup can be by blending hybrid efficiency, real truck capability, and smart technology. While the Hyundai Santa Cruz focuses more on comfort, the Maverick delivers true pickup functionality with exceptional fuel economy and flexible configurations.

2026 Ford Maverick Highlights

• Starting at $28,145 MSRP

• Up to 42 MPG city EPA-estimated (hybrid)

• Up to 4,000 lbs max available towing capacity

• Up to 1,500 lbs max payload capacity

• Standard FLEXBED® Storage System for unmatched cargo versatility

• Available AWD and Advanced 4WD options

• Standard 13.2-inch center display with SYNC® 4

• Multiple off-road and performance trims, including Tremor® and Lobo™

Key Takeaways

• The Maverick delivers hybrid efficiency that the Santa Cruz can’t match at its base level.

• Ford’s FLEXBED® system offers more functional cargo versatility than Santa Cruz bed storage solutions.

• More drivetrain options (AWD, FX4®, Tremor®, Lobo™) give Maverick drivers better customization.
  
  

2026 Ford Maverick Trim Levels vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims

Choosing the right trim matters, and the Maverick lineup offers more powertrain variety and capability-focused options than the Santa Cruz.

What trim levels are available for the new Ford Maverick?

The 2026 Maverick is available in XL, XLT, Lobo™, Lariat®, and Tremor®, giving drivers everything from efficient hybrid commuting to off-road-ready performance.

Ford Maverick XL

The most efficient entry point into the Maverick lineup is the XL.

• 2.5L Hybrid engine

• Up to 42 MPG city

• Standard 13.2-inch center display with SYNC® 4

• FLEXBED® Storage System

• Available Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology

Advantage over Santa Cruz SE: Better fuel economy and standard availability of a hybrid powertrain.

Ford Maverick XLT

The XLT is a step up in comfort and convenience with more capability.

• Intelligent Access with push-button start

• Available FX4® Off-Road Package

• 2K trailer hitch receiver standard equipment

• 17-inch painted aluminum wheels

Advantage over Santa Cruz SEL: More off-road and towing customization options.

Ford Maverick Lobo™

The Lobo™ is a performance-focused, sport-inspired trim.

• 2.0L EcoBoost® engine

• 7-speed quick-shift transmission with paddle shifters

• Torque vectoring twin-clutch rear drive unit

• Performance-tuned steering and suspension

Advantage over Santa Cruz XRT: More advanced performance engineering and drivetrain tuning.

Ford Maverick Lariat®

Premium comfort meets advanced trailering tech with the Lariat®.

• 360-degree camera system

• Heated seats, steering wheel, and mirrors

• Pro Trailer Backup Assist™

• 19-inch machined aluminum wheels

Advantage over Santa Cruz Limited: Superior trailering technology like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™.

Ford Maverick Tremor®

The Tremor® is built for serious off-road capability.

• Advanced 4WD with twin-clutch rear drive unit

• Rear drive unit lock

• Off-road tuned suspension

• Skid plates

• Trail Control™ with Trail 1-Pedal Drive

Advantage over Santa Cruz AWD models: More purpose-built off-road hardware and systems.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Trims

• SE

• SEL

• SEL Activity

• XRT

• Limited

While the Santa Cruz offers solid comfort and styling upgrades, it lacks the hybrid-first efficiency and multi-purpose work capability that define the Maverick lineup.

2026 Ford Maverick vs. Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Features

Both trucks offer modern driver-assistance features, but the Maverick offers more integrated towing support and Ford Co-Pilot360® across trims.

Ford Maverick Safety & Driver Assist

• Available Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go

• Lane Centering

• Predictive Speed Assist

• Intersection Assist

• Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking

• BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert

• Available 360-degree camera system for towing and parking

Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Features

• Standard driver assist suite (varies by trim)

• Available navigation-based smart cruise control

• Lane keeping assist and forward collision avoidance

• Blind-spot monitoring systems

Why Maverick Wins on Safety Tech

While both trucks offer strong safety features, the Maverick stands out with more advanced, towing-focused driver-assistance tools, especially Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™, which the Santa Cruz does not match in terms of integration.

Performance & Capability: Maverick vs. Santa Cruz

2026 Ford Maverick Performance

• Hybrid standard engine available

• Up to 42 MPG city

• Up to 4,000 lbs towing (with 4K Tow Package)

• FX4®, Tremor®, and Lobo™ performance options

• Multiple drive modes for every condition

Hyundai Santa Cruz Performance

• Up to 281 horsepower (2.5L turbo)

• Up to 5,000 lbs towing (with turbo engine)

• Available HTRAC AWD

• Terrain Mode Select (Snow, Mud, Sand)

Real-World Advantage: Maverick

The Santa Cruz has strong towing on paper, but the Maverick wins where it matters most for everyday drivers:

• Better fuel economy

• More flexible hybrid ownership option

• More specialized off-road trims (Tremor®, FX4®, Lobo™)

• Easier city driving and lower ownership cost

Interior & Technology: Maverick vs. Santa Cruz

Ford Maverick Interior & Tech

• Standard 13.2-inch center touchscreen

• SYNC® 4 infotainment system

• FLEXBED® multi-use cargo system

• Pro Trailer Backup Assist™

• Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™

• Available driver-assist and towing cameras

Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior & Tech

• 12.3-inch touchscreen (available navigation)

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (available)

• Bed storage and underfloor compartments

• Available retractable tonneau cover

• 115V power inverter available

Why Maverick Wins on Tech

The Santa Cruz offers a more traditional SUV-style pickup experience, but the Maverick is built around smarter functionality, especially for towing, trailering, and hybrid efficiency management.

2026 Ford Maverick FAQs in Three Rivers, TX

How much does the 2026 Ford Maverick cost?

The Maverick starts at $28,145 MSRP, making it one of the most affordable trucks in its class.

What is the MPG of the Ford Maverick?

The hybrid Maverick delivers up to 42 MPG city, EPA-estimated.

How much can the Maverick tow?

The Ford Maverick has a 4,000 lbs max available towing capacity with the 4K Tow Package.

Does the Maverick come in AWD?

Yes. AWD is available, and some trims like Tremor® include advanced 4WD systems.

Does the Maverick have a hybrid engine?

Yes. The 2.5L full hybrid engine is standard on XL and available across the lineup.

Which is better: Maverick or Santa Cruz?

For most drivers, the Maverick offers better fuel economy, more trim versatility, stronger towing tech, and better long-term value.

Test Drive the 2026 Ford Maverick in Three Rivers, TX

If you’re comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick vs. the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the best way to decide is behind the wheel. The Maverick delivers smarter efficiency, real truck capability, and unmatched versatility in the compact pickup segment.

Three Rivers Ford proudly serves drivers from Three Rivers, Corpus Christi, Beeville, Kenedy, George West, and beyond. Visit us today at 905 N Harborth Ave in Three Rivers to explore current inventory, value your trade, and explore financing options.

DISCLAIMERS:

*Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.

*Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.

When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.

*Intersection Assist does not detect all vehicles in intersections, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A/X/Z Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A/X/Z Plan.

*Max towing on AWD models with available Max Trailer Tow Package. Excludes Maverick® Lobo™ and Tremor® models. When properly equipped. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.

**Max payload on Maverick® pickup with AWD 2.0L engine and FWD 2.5L hybrid engine. Excludes Maverick® Lobo™ and Tremor® models. Max payload varies and is based on accessories and vehicle configuration. See label on doorjamb for carrying capacity of a specific vehicle. Always properly secure cargo.

??EPA-estimated rating of 42 city/35 hwy/38 combined, 2.5L hybrid engine, Power-Split Electric CVT, and FWD. Actual mileage will vary.

Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. They do not make your vehicle autonomous or replace your responsibility to drive safely. Please only use if you will pay attention to the road and be prepared to take over at any time. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

*Check your Owner’s Manual for flat tow information.