I finally got the chance to take the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz for a spin. I’ve reviewed two Ford Maverick models, so this was a great opportunity to compare the tiny trucks. Both are fun to drive, but the Santa Cruz wins in three crucial areas. 

3 ways the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz beats the Ford Maverick 

As we dive in, I’d like to clarify that this isn’t a post to bash the Ford Maverick or gush over the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Both of these trucks have strengths and weaknesses. 

For example, the Maverick has a hybrid engine, and the Santa Cruz doesn’t. But the Santa Cruz has an off-roading XRT trim to battle the Maverick Tremor now. 

However, the Santa Cruz doesn’t deserve to be swallowed up in Maverick’s shadow. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs, basicallyhas the same size bed, and is practical. 

1. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is more comfortable 

I’ve taken the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz on the interstate, in the woods, and crowded city areas. I’ve also taken the Ford Maverick in the same locations and on road trips. 

After hours in both trucks, I can confirm that the Santa Cruz is more comfortable. It has a much smoother ride on the pavement and in the dirt. Plus, it has a quieter interior at highway speeds. 

The front seats are massive with plenty of supportive padding and extra passenger space. The Ford Maverick feels cramped in the front row with a passenger. 

Both trucks have strong and effective climate control systems. But I had the Santa Cruz during a deep freeze in the South, so I got to test how quickly it heats up and defrosts. It gets toasty in a snap. 

I haven’t had a Maverick during frigid temperatures, but it quickly cools off during humid summer afternoons. 

2. The Hyundai Santa Cruz feels more upscale

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a more upscale interior than the Ford Maverick. It’s crafted with premium materials to add a sense of class and value. 

Before people jump on my case, Edmunds agrees that the interior of the Ford Maverick is a little lacking. Even the top-spec Maverick Lobo trim has more plastics than expected, but at least synthetic leather upholstery is available. 

The Santa Cruz has an available leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, ventilated seats, a standard composite bed, and heated mirrors. 

Plus, the tonneau cover is weather proof. It held up to rain, sleet, snow, and mud while keeping the bed dry. The Maverick’s tonneau cover is a bit flimsy. 

3. The Santa Cruz has more space 

If you plan to take your kids with you in your tiny truck, then they will have more backseat space to enjoy in the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. There’s more space to stretch out and at 5’1” I didn’t feel cramped. 

The rear seats in the Ford Maverick are a bit cramped, but I still fit in there just fine. Also, the Santa Cruz seems better suited for three passengers in the back. 

While the Maverick has plenty of smaller trays and cubbies for personal items, the Santa Cruz makes better use of its storage space with an open cubby below the gear shifter. Plus, the center console and glove box are generous. 

You can fold the rear seat up in both trucks, and the Santa Cruz has a larger bin under the seats. Plus, the lockable box built into the floor of the bed is surprisingly large. 

Both trucks have advantages to consider, but in terms of comfort, quality, and space, the Hyundai Santa Cruz wins.