2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ in Benton, KY
2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ
For shoppers comparing 2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ, the decision often comes down to which compact pickup feels more like a practical truck without giving up daily comfort. At Benton Ford in Benton, KY, we see local drivers looking for a vehicle that can handle errands on Main Street, weekend projects around Kentucky Lake, and longer drives across western Kentucky with equal confidence. The Maverick® pickup answers that need with a standard 2.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid engine, an available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, a flexible truck bed, and a smart cabin built around useful technology. The SANTA CRUZ brings distinctive styling and available HTRAC AWD, but it does not offer a hybrid model. Ford also gives shoppers more personality through trims such as Lobo™ for street-inspired performance and Tremor® for added trail capability. For consumers who want useful size, truck-first versatility, and smart efficiency, the Maverick® pickup stands out as the stronger everyday choice.
| Feature | 2026 Maverick® pickup | 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L full hybrid powertrain | Yes | No |
| Available all-wheel drive with hybrid powertrain | Yes | No |
| Standard 13.2" center display | Yes | No |
| FLEXBED® Storage System | Yes | No |
| Available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ | Yes | No |
| Available 360-Degree Camera or surround-view camera system | Yes | Yes |
| Available street-performance trim | Yes | No |
| Factory off-road model or package with skid plates | Yes | No |
| Available all-terrain tires | Yes | Yes |
| Seating for five | Yes | Yes |
Exterior - Ford Dealer serving Benton, KY
The exterior comparison highlights two different design philosophies. The Hyundai SANTA CRUZ leans into a sport-adventure look, blending SUV-like shaping with an open cargo bed. The Maverick® pickup, by contrast, looks and functions more like a true compact truck, with proportions that make loading, parking, and maneuvering simple. Its 199.8-inch length, 72.6-inch width, and practical 30.4-inch lift-in height help it stay manageable around tight lots, rural roads, and busy routes between Paducah and Hopkinsville. The FLEXBED® Storage System is a major advantage because it is designed to help owners organize cargo, secure items, and adapt the bed to different jobs. Ford also adds character through choices such as the rugged Tremor® model, the off-road-ready FX4® Off-Road Package, and the sporty Lobo™ model with unique design cues and performance-minded attitude. SANTA CRUZ counters with standard bed tie-down points, underfloor storage, and an available integrated tonneau cover, which are useful features. Still, the Maverick® pickup has the edge for shoppers who want a vehicle that looks like a truck, works like a truck, and remains easy to live with every day.
Interior - 2026 Ford Maverick in Benton, KY
Inside, the Maverick® pickup focuses on smart space rather than unnecessary complexity. Seating for five makes it easy to bring family, coworkers, or friends, while available easy-to-clean ActiveX®-trimmed seating surfaces are well suited for active use. That matters for Benton-area owners who might move from a worksite to a school pickup line, then load fishing gear or home improvement supplies later the same day. A standard 13.2" center display with SYNC® 4 gives the Ford an advantage over the SANTA CRUZ’s standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, placing frequently used apps, navigation functions, and vehicle settings in a clear, modern layout. Ford’s cabin also feels intentionally practical, with thoughtful storage spaces and a truck-like driving position that supports confidence without making the vehicle feel oversized. The Hyundai SANTA CRUZ offers appealing technology, available H-Tex® leatherette-trimmed seats, and an available panoramic curved display, so it deserves credit for comfort and polish. Even so, the Maverick® pickup feels especially well matched to drivers who value durability, simplicity, and real daily usefulness. It is welcoming without feeling delicate, and it makes the most of every inch.
Ford Maverick vs Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Mechanical Specs
Mechanically, the Maverick® pickup offers a well-rounded foundation that suits commuting, hauling, light towing, and outdoor recreation. Its standard front-wheel-drive hybrid layout gives owners a confident, efficient starting point, while available all-wheel drive expands capability for gravel lanes, boat ramps, and changing road surfaces common for life in Benton, KY. The available FX4® Off-Road Package adds upgraded suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, and the Tremor® model goes further with Advanced 4WD, a twin clutch rear drive unit, rear drive unit lock, off-road tuned suspension, unique springs and shocks, and skid plates. That gives Ford shoppers a more focused off-road path than the SANTA CRUZ XRT, which emphasizes rugged styling, HTRAC All Wheel Drive, Terrain Mode Select with Snow, Mud and Sand modes, and available all-terrain tires. Ford also offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, a helpful feature for drivers who tow utility trailers, small campers, or equipment. The SANTA CRUZ can be capable, especially with its turbocharged engine, but the Maverick® pickup provides broader mechanical variety. It can be efficient, athletic, rugged, or highly practical depending on trim and equipment.
Powertrain - Ford Dealership in Benton, KY
Powertrain choice is one of the biggest reasons to choose the Maverick® pickup. Ford starts with a 2.5L PowerBoost® Full Hybrid engine paired with an automatic continuously variable transmission, giving shoppers a hybrid option without requiring a step into a larger or more expensive category. Hyundai does not offer a hybrid SANTA CRUZ, so drivers who want compact-truck utility with electrified efficiency will find the Ford lineup more appealing. Ford also offers a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission for shoppers who want stronger acceleration and available all-wheel drive. The Lobo™ model adds a 7-speed quick shift transmission with paddle shifters, a torque vectoring capable twin clutch rear drive unit, and performance-tuned steering and suspension, giving the Ford lineup a street-performance personality the SANTA CRUZ lineup does not match. The Hyundai’s available turbocharged 2.5L engine is powerful, and its available towing capability is notable, but Ford balances capability with greater variety. With standard towing capability of 2,000 lbs. and a max available towing capacity of 4,000 lbs. with the available 4K Tow Package, the Maverick® pickup covers the needs of many local owners.
Safety - Ford Maverick vs Hyundai SANTA CRUZ
Safety technology is another important part of this comparison, and both pickups bring useful driver-assist features. The Maverick® pickup offers available Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology, available Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0, and an available 360-Degree Camera, all of which support awareness during daily driving, parking, backing, and lane changes. Our team at Benton Ford can help shoppers review which trim includes the desired safety and camera systems, since features vary across the lineup. Hyundai equips the SANTA CRUZ with a wide range of Hyundai SmartSense features, including Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and available Surround View Monitor on select trims. That gives Hyundai a strong safety story. Even so, Ford’s advantage comes from how its technology supports actual truck use. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and the available 360-Degree Camera are especially helpful when lining up a trailer, navigating a crowded boat ramp, or backing into a tight driveway. The Maverick® pickup also benefits from compact dimensions that make visibility and maneuverability feel natural. For many shoppers, that combination of size, camera support, and driver-assist availability is easy to appreciate.
Why Drivers in Benton, KY Choose the 2026 Ford Maverick
- Performance: Choose the standard hybrid powertrain, the available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine, or specialized models such as Lobo™ and Tremor®.
- Comfort and technology: The standard 13.2" center display with SYNC® 4 keeps daily driving simple, connected, and intuitive.
- Ownership experience: Flexible bed utility, manageable sizing, and available towing technology fit work, errands, and recreation around job sites, school routes, and weekend errands in Benton, KY.
For a compact pickup that feels useful from the first drive, we recommend putting the Maverick® pickup at the top of your list.
Request more 2026 Ford Maverick information
The 2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ comparison shows two creative approaches to compact truck ownership, but the Ford feels more complete for shoppers who want authentic pickup practicality. The SANTA CRUZ offers bold styling, a comfortable cabin, useful bed features, and strong available turbocharged performance. Still, Ford gives local drivers more of what matters day to day: a standard hybrid powertrain, available hybrid all-wheel drive, the FLEXBED® Storage System, a standard 13.2" center display, available Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology, and trim choices that range from efficient to adventurous to sporty. The Maverick® pickup is easy to maneuver, ready for light towing and hauling, and flexible enough for both weekday responsibilities and Kentucky Lake recreation. Benton Ford is proud to help shoppers compare equipment, explore trims, and find the configuration that fits personal driving needs. Visit us in Benton, KY to see why this compact Ford truck continues to make so much sense for western Kentucky drivers.
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