2026 Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz: Choosing the Small Truck That Offers the Most

Small trucks are making a comeback, and the 2026 Ford Maverick is at the epicenter. As America’s best-selling compact pickup truck, it’s where utility meets everyday suburban practicality. By finding a Ford Maverick for sale near Kennesaw, you’re getting a truck that has the functionality you need and the attitude you want.

There are several trucks trying to challenge the Maverick’s throne, most notably the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which was introduced the same year as the Maverick. The 2026 Santa Cruz puts up a noble fight, but in the end, the reigning champion is just too strong. When you need a truck made for life in the Big Shanty, the 2026 Ford Maverick is the right choice.

The Ford Maverick is More Efficient

There’s no escaping that gas prices are sky-high. Even in a segment like trucks, built on utility, Kennesaw drivers everywhere want to reduce their operating costs. The 2026 Ford Maverick provides the efficiency you need in your new truck, whether you’re cruising on Interstate 75 or wheeling past Daniell Lake.

Each of these trucks has two engine options, but the 2026 Maverick is the only one available as a hybrid. Its 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and CVT combination produces an EPA-estimated 38 MPG combined in FWD and 37 MPG combined in AWD.

The Maverick’s mileage is even better in the city at 42 FWD MPG and 40 AWD MPG, respectively, making it better than many sedans for daily commuting. These numbers beat the brakes off the 2026 Santa Cruz, whose non-electric 2.5L four-cylinder makes the same 191 hp but reaches a measly 25 MPG combined.

For good measure, Ford’s turbocharged engine is more efficient than its Hyundai counterpart, too. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder is rated for 26 MPG combined, compared to the lowly 20 MPG combined of the 2.5L turbo-four in the Santa Cruz. With 250 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque, and a 4,000-pound towing capacity, the Maverick’s turbo engine does everything you need while burning less fuel.

The Maverick is More Spacious

Since small trucks are often used as daily drivers, they need to be capable and comfortable. This means having enough room for whatever might come up. The 2026 Ford Maverick provides the space Kennesaw drivers and their family and friends need for suburban life.

Are we referring to more cargo space or more passenger space? Actually, we’re talking about both. The bed in the 2026 Maverick holds 33.3 cu.ft. of cargo, which is 23% more than the Hyundai Santa Cruz’s 27 cu.ft. It’s not just volume: the Maverick’s payload capacity is higher at 1,500 lbs versus 1,411, and the bed is six inches longer for larger items like couches and 2x4s.

As for the interior, your passengers can easily spread out as you drive to work, pick someone up from Cobb County International Airport, or head to Truist Park for a Braves game. The Ford Maverick has 42.8 inches of front legroom, compared to the Santa Cruz’s 41.4 inches. Rear legroom is comparable at 35.9 versus 36.5 inches, and the Maverick also provides more hip room, because you need to be comfortable horizontally, too.

A 2026 Ford Maverick is roomy enough to get places and do things without feeling scrunched, but small enough to fit in any parking spot. It’s a mix that suburban truck owners can’t beat.

The Maverick Has Better Infotainment Technology

Good infotainment is another must-have in a compact truck. You’re using your truck the same way as you would a sedan or crossover, so the technology should be up to par. The 2026 Ford Maverick may officially be a small truck, but it has full-size infotainment, outshining the Hyundai Santa Cruz for connectivity and sheer options.

Ford equips all 2026 Maverick grades with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and an eight-inch gauge cluster display, easily trumping the 12.3-inch screen and standard 4.2-inch display in the 2026 Santa Cruz. Maverick owners also receive the new SYNC 4 operating system with enhanced voice recognition for simple on-the-go commands.

While both trucks offer Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Hyundai’s Bluelink+ only offers a 3-month/3-GB trial. The 2026 Maverick comes with one year of unlimited Wi-Fi service via the Ford Connectivity Package. This package also includes Google Maps, access to popular video streaming apps, downloadable games, and Zoom or Webex video conferencing for emergency work meetings.

Are you all about great audio? Ford’s premium B&O sound system is available across three trim levels, whereas Hyundai offers its Bose high-end system only on the Santa Cruz Limited. This added availability makes high-quality listening available to more people, which is essential in a region with such a great music scene.

When you consider these advantages, which come on top of shared features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a SiriusXM with 360L trial, the 2026 Ford Maverick is an infotainment paradise. You’ll always be able to immerse yourself, even in the middle of traffic.

The Maverick Has Better Off-Roading and Sport Trims

What if you want to get away from the bustling downtown and explore the Kennesaw Mountains, Lake Acworth, or your favorite off-road park? There’s no better small truck for this type of swashbuckling than the 2026 Ford Maverick. Its Tremor trim level is a country mile ahead of the Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT for serious excursions.

As off-road trucks go, the Santa Cruz XRT is fairly pedestrian. It does receive a new Terrain Mode and an eight-speed automatic transmission this year, but it remains more of an appearance package than a true off-roader. Upgrades are limited to the basics, such as all-terrain tires, standard AWD, front tow hooks, and slightly redesigned bumpers.

The 2026 Maverick Tremor, though, is a legitimate brawler for Kennesaw adventurers. Along with the features of the Santa Cruz, Ford adds a suspension lift, a torque-vectoring rear differential, stronger half-shafts, a low-speed Trail Control system, and a more thoroughly revised front bumper to improve the approach angle. There is also a 400W Pro Power Onboard generator, dual skid plates, and heavy-duty transmission cooling.

For good measure, the Ford Maverick also offers a hot rod personality on the road with the Lobo variant. This tribute to modified pickups comes with more responsive steering, a high-performance drive mode, and larger brakes. Ford reversed course from the Tremor by lowering the suspension and making the bumpers more aerodynamic.

Hyundai doesn’t even have anything in the same ballpark as these Maverick pickups. If you want driving a small truck to be a massively good time, the 2026 Maverick brings thrills on the pavement or dirt.

Discover the 2026 Ford Maverick

The conclusion is indisputable: the 2026 Ford Maverick remains the pinnacle of small trucks for people in Kennesaw and beyond. Like the city, it offers small-time charm with big-time performance and features.

It’s not just us saying it, either. MotorTrend chose the 2026 Ford Maverick as its Truck of the Year, beating out not just compact trucks, but midsize and full-size models. Car and Driver also ranks the 2026 Maverick as America’s best small truck.

Visit Jim Ellis Ford to test-drive the 2026 Maverick and see why it’s the ideal suburban compact truck. We’re eager to welcome truck buyers from the Kennesaw area with our great selection, prices, and service. As part of the Jim Ellis Promise, we pledge to treat each customer like family and deliver a tailored experience that matches your needs.