The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Heats Up the Small Truck War Again! How Does It Compare to the Maverick?

[@chrishaddad5362]

I like how the TFL guys think about the other staff even when they aren’t there. Andre pointed out Nathan would like the physical switches, and they regularly point out stuff their colleagues would appreciate in other videos.

[@poplaurentiu4148]

I just wish Santa Cruz would be available on European market, this new version is so cool..

[@TFLnow]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment.

[@mergenocide]

It definitely makes it feel like a family. I wonder if they have pizza parties?

[@stephenchisadza4975]

I agree, but I also personally think the boss, Roman, is the least open minded. He tends to bully his co-host (except his son who is the only one that openly disagrees with him).

[@henrikhook.]

That bright (orange red) color on the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT IS stunning!. 😍👍🏼👌🏼

[@tadinator1362]

I own a Maverick but wanted the Santa Cruz since the days of the concept vehicle. I still like the styling of the SC more, though the fuel mileage(34 mpg highway/about 23 mpg on my daily commute on winter blend fuel) and performance of the Maverick are impressive at its price. The Maverick's ride is a bit too firm for what it is -- too truck-like, and the actual handling is nice, though I think they should have made it better. My previous truck, a Ram 1500 handled as well, if not a touch better, and the ride was somewhat better despite having the 20" wheel option. That said, the Maverick will dust my Ram w/ the 3.6L V6 -- and I have already done it! The interior of the Maverick is quite cool, sort of retro, but colorful. I do find it to be somewhat uncomfortable for myself, but other times am quite pleased. I just don't often find it comfortable when it comes to the position I find my legs at while driving -- my knee resting against the lower portion of the dash. I'd have loved to have driven the SC to see what the difference was prior to receiving my Maverick(waited 9 months for my order), but didn't really have the chance to do so. After almost a full year, if I had to do it again, while I like my Maverick and would probably have liked the SC too, but as people tend to tailgate and fly up on your a&& at traffic lights, I'd have kept my Ram for the feeling of safety if gave me at its size. I do like the changes of the SC, physical controls are nice, and most people I know hate everything being controlled by touch screens. Even with the lower HP and lower fuel mileage ratings of the base engine, I'd still like to drive one.

[@shawnfalls3538]

I remember not long ago, the Maverick was $19,995 starting with the hybrid standard.

[@USA__WILL]

I would still be a customer if it was under 20k.

[@gummoonamerica]

Just picked up Maverick XL hybrid base with copilot 360 option only stickered 27k.

[@jamesm568]

I see a lot of Mavericks, but mainly older people driving them. It's the same way with the Cruz. That's probably why they're bringing the knobs back.

[@ThisGuyRides]

@@gummoonamerica It was only $20650 two years ago, with CP360.

[@jldude84]

​@@gummoonamerica In case you hadn't realized it, $27k is seven thousand more than $20k.

[@JoshsGadgetsandMore]

We just bought a Santa Cruz SEL with the activity package (highest equipped trim with a NA engine and traditional trans) for 32k out the door. A similar equiped Maverick was quoted atleast $37k to us and still didn't feel as nice.

[@JoshsGadgetsandMore]

​@@sundogtune ​ XLT with Luxury Package , copilot 360 and Moon roof MSRP 34700 with Taxes and Fees was north of 37k out the door

[@brad4527]

congrats on your purchase

[@joeb2588]

Good for you. Nice vehicle. You made the right choice. I wouldn't buy a Maverick, let alone a Ford.

[@kvmelfkmermv]

As I saw elsewhere: “The Santa Cruz is truck-y car, whereas the Maverick is a car-ry truck.” Still hard to really compare the two.

[@miatalife94]

id rather have a car that I can use like a truck than a truck that is more of a car

[@SMB0927]

Upgraded Santa Cruz is starting to look a lot better !! I own a maverick but don’t think I could switch to Hyundai anytime soon but good to see Santa Cruz with a better style

[@zachmendonca808]

Own the Santa Cruz. Test drove the maverick and loved it. I still chose the Cruz. For the money the Cruz feels WAY more premium and comfortable. Drives like an suv while the maverick drove more like a typical truck. Both are great. I do wish the Cruz was more boxy. The new 2025 design is much better however. Overall both are a great choice but if you like the truck look more maverick it is

[@vinny143]

I have the 22 Maverick,, 13,000+ miles in , the only recall was a reprogram for trailer brake and side impact airbag. Tows a trailer with 60 - 50lb bags of feed on a trailer and 10 - 50lb bags of feed in bed no problem. Doesnt overheat or search for gears in "Tow" mode.

[@daryl9799]

I got a 22 xlt luxury and have 60000km on it haven't had any issues other then the screen freezing once in a blue moon love the truck so good on fuel.

[@TalkingHands308]

Almost 30,000 miles on mine.

[@bshelley234]

I’ve got a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz with 13,000 miles as well. I tow a camper trailer with two dirt bikes in the back no problem as well. I like both the Ford and the Hyundai and think they both are shockingly versatile for their size.

[@NHDude]

Until the Santa Cruz gets the hybrid from the Tucson, it'll always be outsold

[@JT-fq2bl]

It will still be outsold even with a hybrid due to output restrictions. A Tucson, Santa Fe, and Sonata have higher priority over the Santa Cruz. Until Hyundai open a second plant to increase increase productivity, vehicles like the Santa Cruz will always be limited.

[@number1pappy]

The maverick became a high seller because of what it offered for a good price! If you notice the maverick is no longer the big seller it used to be because its no longer sold for a good price. The santa fe is $40 grand plus. How is this a good deal? A full size truck can be found if you look hard enough for a little more than $40 grand. In my humble opinion, auto manufacturers have lost their way and have lost their touch with the middle class customer. The middle class used to be the bread and butter for auto sales. I predict bad times for auto manufacturers until they go back to their roots. Every dealership i see have cars sitting even from 2022, just rotting in their lots. I myself used to buy a new car every couple of years. I no longer do, and i won't until things change.

[@scupking]

Maverick is still selling like hot cakes.

[@joeerau]

I would buy the Maverick over the Santa Cruz.

[@capstone-sr4ok]

"because it's comfy and quiet and comfortable". -Andre -2024

[@Xavier1320]

I see a ton of Ford Mavericks around town here in Phoenix. Very rarely see the Santa Cruz, I give it a couple more years in production if other brands start making these types of small trucks.

[@JT-fq2bl]

It depends on where you live. You see more Santa Cruzes in the southeast, but Hyundai can only produce so much of them at their Alabama plant. That second Georgia plant can't open fast enough.

[@J.R.jr-pc7bo]

I've seen a few in central Texas.

[@craigquann]

Don't put a DCT in the off road version. Make the traditional automatic work for the 2.5T,

[@JT-fq2bl]

Hyundai have no traditional FWD transmissions that can handle the torque of the 2.5t engine.

[@craigquann]

@JT-fq2bl yea, but this is AWD not FWD. It would be a completely different trans anyway. But a DCT will not last long off road, granted, who's going to actually push it that hard and that often? Nice little vehicle for a light duty camping or towing your dirt bike and such.

[@rightwingsafetysquad9872]

@@craigquann It is still a FWD transmission with a clutch-pack transfer case to send power to the rear.

[@craigquann]

@rightwingsafetysquad9872 so DCT is it then... so a "slightly better campsite" kind of off road.

[@dontdoxmebro]

@@craigquann I don’t think any of these see any off-roading besides a gravel road from time to time.

[@melvinnoble8552]

Thats funny at the beginning of the video when he said it was off road ready and pointed out the TOW HOOK; first thing!!! 😆😂🤣

[@alsnow3582]

Good point! What purpose do the hooks serve anyway? I don't get it.

[@USA__WILL]

Pull out cars that aren't capable 😅

[@poplaurentiu4148]

@@USA__WILL Rivian & GMC Hummer even the old military H1 hummer had also front and rear tow hooks even hood + roof hooks for helicopter liftings and drop points with parachutes from planes all those are very capable machines for those who know, more tow-hooks present on a vehicle it means easy access to give them more points to attach & pull other stuck vehicles.. specially in bad weather, winter or off-road..

[@melvinnoble8552]

@@alsnow3582In case you get STUCK while off roading. They are there to hook a tow strap to so that someone with more CAPABLE vehicle can pull you out! 😆🤣

[@melvinnoble8552]

@@poplaurentiu4148 Can you imagine a Santa Cruz ( or Maverick) trying to go through the places that those vehicles are capable to go?! 😆😂

[@witwicky735]

TFL you guys are now owning my video feed. I get all my car content from you. I like that you do your reviews from a "regular guy" POV of a real owner, but without being a sales pitch from the manufacturers.

[@michaelwagner3952]

The Maverick is great if you can get it for no more than MSRP. I went with the Santa Cruz last summer and have been satisfied. The refreshed SC model looks promising with the front hooks and slimmer rear. Rumor has it, the SC gains some more bed space by having a shaved down rear.

[@Chubbydippin]

You said it perfectly Andre, "Trucklet."

[@martinmarinelarena8508]

I kinda feel like ford screwed its customers by making the hybrid more expensive than the 2.0 turbo, when clearly it costs them less to build it. That and raising the overall prices 3-5k in a year for no reason.

[@krtwood]

The market told them it was worth more than what they were asking for it by buying them for $5k markups. Ford wasn't going to sit back and let the dealers take all of that profit. Even with the hybrid upcharge they still got a higher percentage of hybrid orders than they could/wanted to build.

[@martinmarinelarena8508]

@@krtwood The fact that there were dealer markups is also another shame, one that Ford could have avoided with tighter control over its dealerships.

[@VroomNDoom2602]

Looks like the back seat has a center armrest now in the Hyundai.

[@thebeddoctor4273]

They needed to put the hybrid in this for the refresh. Huge miss.

[@themidcentrist]

I think the Santa Cruz is awesome and if it was made by Toyota or Honda I would get one. I just can't get past my memories of the Hyundai Excel. The Theta II engine doesn't help much either.

[@zeus_2001]

Same thoughts. I would buy a Toyota-made version of this style vehicle in a flash.

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

I don’t think the Maverick has anything to worry about

[@jemtec1]

If ford keeps raising prices? The gap is closing. Particularly if the Hybrid 1.6t comes available. But until then..you are mostly right!

[@KkevrockK]

@@jemtec1you get what you pay for.

[@klove405]

Will see about that, the Santa Cruz is a lot better looking vehicle inside and out, with a more powerful engine, more towing capacity, I see more and more people buying them, I've even had a few maverick owners come over to tell me how nice my 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Night trim Hampton Grey looks...

[@RAIIYN]

Both just NEED a Hybrid AWD already!! Only thing holding me back from getting either one. Need that AWD for Canadian winter. Any speculations when?

[@Dr-Nilzo-of-Pompano-Beach]

Still $40K+ and a DCT no thx!

[@zackmeuth]

I love my DCT. Ive pulled and offroaded with it.

[@DP-jaja]

Would would you buy then?

[@jldude84]

Bingo. I'll happily take a slower, cheaper, decontented model if it has a transmission that can last 100k miles.

[@DP-jaja]

@@jldude84 ?

[@Sarkus01]

Not sure why Hyundai doesn't offfer a hybrid of this vehicle. That is half the Mavericks being sold and explains the success of that vehicle as much as anything. I do think the Santa Cruz is a better standard package (better towing capacity, etc.), but it's more expensive so it has to be.

[@JT-fq2bl]

Package issue.

[@mannys4036]

They were smart not to offer the hybrid. Just take a look at all the problems coming in from the Maverick. It all seemed so sweet in the beginning when people were gobbling them up but now most are sitting at the repair shop. Santa Cruz is my choice by far. I'm just waiting until the end of the summer when they become available.

[@hughmackellar7941]

I got a 23 Maverick. I drove my buddies 22 Santa Cruz before my purchase. No regrets. He drove mine. And traded his Santa Cruz on a new Maverick.

[@DP-jaja]

😂 right

[@sooner91]

Oof

[@ThisGuyRides]

I had a 22 Mav hybrid, now have a 24 Cruz SEL AWD.

[@savancleveland7756]

$100 for “Things that Never Happened”

[@Mobadventures]

I love when people make up stories for no reason.

[@canadiankrispybacon]

Personally I like the Santa Cruz, bit pricy…and in my area, they have 15-20 of them sitting on the lot

[@moshesmoving]

The media might pit the Santa Cruz against the Maverick but I don’t think buyers are cross-shopping these two vehicles.

[@drnick40]

Thank you Andrei! As usual your work is the most informative and thorough.

[@poppyneese1811]

He’s absolutely the best, TFL second to none!

[@Bluemagoo2002]

Santa Cruz needs a 5’10” bed and I would buy one either either powertrain. Same with the Maverick, Although the Santa Cruz looks a lot better inside and out

[@ludeman]

2 door longer bed with manual transmission is all I want

[@ofmyownaccord]

GM offered that in the Gen 2 Colorado.....no one bought it. So just stop already.

[@WheresHerb]

@@ofmyownaccord I did and I had a 1st and 2nd generation regular cab long box S10,V6 4wd. All 3 bought brand new.

[@ferretsmiles]

​@herbwheeler4470 so one person bought it. Now let's compare it to the thousands that bought 4 door short beds. It doesn't make sense to build something inexpensive for only a few people.

[@kenttaylor3388]

You better be careful the crew cab mafia will come after you.

[@cargueone1971]

Everyone says that, but never buys.

[@SunnynPhilly]

The Front end refresh for the Santa Cruz is a nice improvement. Its kind of odd the Santa Cruz is not being sold worldwide yet. In places like SE Asia, Australia, South America and Europe it seems like it would be popular.

[@AHungryHunky]

It feels too early for a refresh on these, almost as if they just came out.

[@crowneproductions9908]

These "light trucks" are still too expensive. Yeah yeah, I know, I know "all trucks are too expensive". You are correct. But these "light trucks" are specifically too expensive to make me choose a unibody/crossover platform truck when I can purchase a lightly-moderately used actual mid-sized body on frame truck for about the same price or maybe a little more. I will always choose a used 202x Chevy Colorado with 40k miles on it for barely much more money than one of these. If they dropped 5k off the price of a new one of these trucks (and not just the boring crappy base models) then maybe you're got a value proposition that I'll take seriously. Until then, I'm writing off the "light truck" category in favor of a lightly used mid-sized body on frame truck. Change my mind.

[@Michael-1337]

The entire automotive market is suffering from inflation. Nothing is cheap anymore. Even used cars are selling at almost new prices.

[@crowneproductions9908]

@@Michael-1337 I already addressed that in my comment. If you compare the cost of a mid level version of one of these trucks (not a BASE MODEL cheap as possible outfit) to a comparable used midsized truck, even something like a Z71 Colorado from 2020 or 2021, those midsized trucks are a BETTER value and are almost on par when it comes to off the lot cost. These light trucks aren’t even trucks and they are too expensive. If you actually want a truck, don’t buy a new fake truck, but a slightly used midsized.

[@Michael-1337]

@@crowneproductions9908 you're comparing apples to oranges. If you found a used Santa Cruz with that same mileage how much would it cost? Probably less than Colorado. Stop complaining about light trucks just because you don't use them.

[@stevethomas760]

Bought a '20 F150 XL reg cab/short bed for 26.5K. You can buy a full size truck for less than 50K.

[@outdoorsnevada4138]

Only reason I did not buy a Maverick is it was AWD and not 4WD. Such a shame

[@beexiong2995]

TFL needs to talk about the failed transmissions

[@NoPro1962]

Iv heard a few issues on the Hyundai to bad cause the Trucks R cool?

[@beexiong2995]

@@NoPro1962 the DCT has issues for sure

[@richardkusimenkah]

The compact pickup segment IS NOT heating up because there are only two makers who are actually making them. Ford and Hyundai The fact that Toyota and Subaru still aren't jumping in on this segment with even a slight sense of urgency is actually comedically ridiculous.

[@markadams5823]

And Honda

[@paulspitz2354]

I think Toyota will come out with one in a few years but Subaru would do great with another Baja

[@richardkusimenkah]

@@paulspitz2354 I agree. I think they be a huge comeback king if they had the balls to remake the Baja. Toyota eventually will no doubt. Just seems and feels like they are taking their time. By the time they release their small truck, the Maverick and Santa Cruz might be the same size as an f150 haha. Maybe that's Toyota's plan

[@adamn7516]

@@paulspitz2354 I think Subie could potentially dominate if they released one on the Legacy platform. Or even a 2 door extended cab one based on the Crosstrek and resurrect the BRAT name.

[@bigalno1]

look at the sales numbers for last year those two compact trucks sold more than most of the midsize trucks only the Taco sold more that is no dead market if anything the mid size is dead

[@kevin5145]

Maverick, I'm seeing them all over the place. Companies buying them for work vehicles.

[@jraheemjefcoat429]

It's a work fleet looking vehicle. That's why I'm turned off by their styling inside and out.

[@password953]

I’m glad there’s both types of options for compact unibody pickups now. You can get off-road performance and tow 4K lbs with the work-truck maverick, or enjoy the smoothness and slickness of the Santa Cruz, with the bed more of a spare trunk than anything

[@JebusHypocristosX]

@@password953 Smooth and silky while being fixed...

[@password953]

*slickness. I’m referring to Hyundai’s design, materials, and focus on creature comforts instead of traditional utility-focused capabilities. The maverick is flat and plain, utility focused like the other ford trucks. The Santa Cruz is like a small Hyundai SUV, just with a bed

[@JebusHypocristosX]

@@password953 All awesome while they Hyundai is in the shop being fixed

[@keithbaker1951]

I've got a 2023 limited and I love it ❤ I don't care much about not having the dials and wish I did but otherwise I love my truck

[@angelmatos5987]

This refresh in the Sant Cruz looks very good, the front is very nice, the rings are very nice and the interior is very nice, much better than the previous one but in terms of ground Clarence it should be a little higher in this model.

[@timothymarshall9631]

The Santa Cruz looks sharp. I do like the new wheels and the tow hooks. Definitely makes it stand out now.

[@mfgxl]

I am loving my 23 Maverick Hybrid. Averaging 54 mpg. Tows great. 1500 lbs in the bed multiple times, no problem. 5500 flawless miles. I would buy again and again.

[@samuelbutterworth4303]

Amazing how many of the hybrid drivers say they get 55-60 mpg when EPA rated it at 39. Wonder who's lying?

[@ThisGuyRides]

@@samuelbutterworth4303 It's possible if you drive in a city and try to keep in in EV mode as much as possible, annoying other drivers behind you.

[@jldude84]

We're you able to get one for the price they advertised or did you have to bend over and take it up the rear when they gave most people the middle finger?

[@jldude84]

​@@samuelbutterworth4303A vehicle of this size and mass in conservative city driving can easily exceed 40mpg. Now....55mpg is a bit of a stretch. But I'd absolutely believe the Maverick hybrid can get 45mpg city.

[@RAIIYN]

Wish there was a hybrid AWD version already. They’re really milking it

[@gregholloway2656]

Hyundai would have been better off finding ways to lower the price and undercut Maverick, instead of screwing around with gimmicky screens.

[@KCEL-i1i]

The reason Ford can produce the Maverick cheaply is because it's made in Mexico. The Hyundai factory is located in Alabama, USA.

[@AHungryHunky]

​@user-ru2yl8ts9b Yup, lmfao. Buying a Hyundai supports more blue-collar Americans than buying a Ford. Go figure. Plus it's pretty clear Ford is aiming for the frugal crowd, while Hyundai is aiming at the premium crowd. Hyundai sells less, but I bet they make a decent profit on each sale

[@Snake-ms7sj]

More electronics, more expensive to replace if it goes bad. Can imagine what those screens would cost to replace if they went bad.

[@gregholloway2656]

@@Snake-ms7sj my worry is that spare parts for screens like this will be unavailable after ~10 years, due to supplier contracts. Which means the car is worthless once the screen goes.

[@0toeknee0]

Didn't the hyundai's trans overheat when you guys tried to put them through minor off road testing?

[@vinny143]

Twin clutch sooks

[@0toeknee0]

@@vinny143 I THINK that’s why Nathan went with the different set up.

[@W_T.F]

It didn't.

[@DP-jaja]

@@vinny143DCT is superior in 95% of driving conditions for those who occasionally go off road. For the vast majority of buyers the DCT is just fine even in the snow and trails. 0-60 in sub 6 seconds!!!

[@vinny143]

@user-mn2ju7tv8f its that one time when it fails...

[@5000mrnomercy]

I think Hyundai listened to their customers. The addition of the recovery points, physical buttons, and more aggressive tires should help but this by no means was a vehicle intended for the Rubicon trail. I always found it laughable when reviewers were trying to offroad this on street tires. 99% of the people who buy both of these trucks will never take it on a real off road trail.

[@Michael-1337]

Yeah I got a good laugh about that too. Most of them got a loaner from the dealer though and we're too afraid to damage them so they babied them up hills and over bumps on street tires which exaggerated the problems with the DCT which is constant stops while rapidly putting the DCT on and off a torque load.

[@ChrisPollard]

I'll stick wth my Santa Cruz. From launch, I expected Ford to do about 5:1 against the Hyundai. That it's only 3:1 after a couple of years, I find a little disappointing. Both are good little trucks, when what you really want is an SUV most of the time and a truck on occasion. The choice comes down to if you want to drive a small truck (Ford) or an SUV that just happens to have a bed (Hyundai). I wanted an SUV with a bed, even if it would have been easier (based on dealer accessibility) to go with a Maverick. They just look so boring by comparison. Glad to see both still doing well in the market though. The segment was sorely missed. We need some more competitors to spice things up though! Come on, Subaru ... give us a new Baja!

[@roguedolphin]

STILL Waiting for a simple basic economical 4 cylinder gas mini truck with a manual transmission. 🤔

[@KkevrockK]

You’ll be waiting forever because only like 10% of the population can drive a standard now a day. And half of that actually want to.

[@ronreagan-x5w]

Toyota Stout.

[@opencarry3860]

A late 80s Toyota mini pickup is what I would buy if they still produced them.

[@yuriykukhar3563]

we need manual back! I owned Ford fiesta with manual! it was bullet proof i start having problems with clutch around 260k

[@stevelouie5928]

They sell a super basic Toyota truck for 10k brand new outside murica.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

You still can't get a Maverick anywhere close to MSRP within 100 miles of my area. The entire value proposition of this vehicle is the PRICE POINT. If I can't get it for under $30 grand there are better vehicles out there for the money.

[@ProAlchemist]

I like the more squared off front end. I would disable and black out the bottom two rectangles on the DRLs though. Two strips under the edge of the hood would look much better

[@C-Henry]

The new Santa Cruz looks much better, especially the grill, I could actually see myself driving one now. As for the Maverick I'm starting to see a lot on the road so hopefully that means supplies are up and markups will be down. I'm hoping one or two more light pickups will appear at this auto show, but even if they don't at least the current crop is looking good.

[@JoshsGadgetsandMore]

Still marked up in Louisiana, some as much as 4k over MSRP.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

To each thier own taste. I like the looks of the 2022-2024. Not a fan of the big screens either. But that's just me.

[@wrongway1358]

I would purchase the Santa Cruz if it were a hybrid.

[@bshelley234]

I’ve got a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz with 13,000 miles and I’m very happy with it still! I tow a 2500lbs camper trailer with two dirt bikes in the bed no problem. I like both the Ford and the Hyundai and think they both are shockingly versatile for their size.

[@sonofgars1074]

I dont think they went quite far enough with making the sante cruz more truck looking. I can barely tell they changed it

[@Snake-ms7sj]

If Hyundai wanted it to look like a truck they should have done so in the first place. They specifically DIDN'T call it a pickup truck but a "Sport adventure vehicle". They sacrificed bed space for design (the sloped C pillar). So now doing some superficial changes to make it more truck like seems kind of lame. Why didn't they make more of an effort and redesign the C pillar to be more vertical like the Maverick and make the bed a little bigger? This just seems like a half baked attempt to draw new buyers from the Maverick.

[@reynaldotorres4349]

I like the Santa cruz style but, if it doesn't offer a Hybrid version in 2025 ill pass, Maverick hybrid is the option to go for me

[@Offshore1977]

That Santa Cruz is sharp. Also, you can’t beat that warranty.

[@Madalec1]

And now the base on these will be 35k plus at your local dealership.

[@Queensizemusic]

It’s a beautiful design.

[@beyondview]

I have a Santa Cruz right now and the new one looks great! The Maverick outsells the SC because it's cheaper of course it's going to sell more. I love my SC!

[@Snake-ms7sj]

Don't think it was just the price. The Maverick traditional style appeals to more people that just want a pickup. Also if I remember correctly you can't configure a Santa Cruz how you want it right from the factory. You basically have to find one in the configuration/color you want that is in a dealers inventory or is in the process of being shipped to a dealer. Correct me if I'm wrong but that is how it was with the 2022's unless Hyundai changed it.

[@beyondview]

@@Snake-ms7sj if that's the case then I could definitely see that being a factor of how the Maverick out sells the Hyundai.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

@@beyondview I almost bought a 2022 Santa Cruz SEL AWD. The dealer happened to have one being shipped to his dealership in the exact same color and configuration I was interested in buying. I had a 2022 Maverick on order already for a couple of months. I decided to wait on the Maverick which took 10 months. I really liked the Santa Cruz but the Maverick had some advantages for my purposes.

[@craigquann]

Apparently Hyundai is releasing a midsized truck/UTE in Australia this year too. Not many details yet.

[@scotthopkins2235]

I drove the 2023 Santa Cruz Night (used 6k miles) and was impressed. I went to the ford dealer today and looked at a Mavrick (XLT) Both are 33k, AWD and not the lowest trim level and Turbo motors. Inside the cab of the Mavrick it looks like a 25k vehicle the Santa Cruz looks like a 40k vehicle. I started up the Mavrick and it was noisy and sounded cheep. My 2017 Ford Fiesta with 163k miles cold starts quieter and at least has a nice exhaust note. I had a 2014 Focus ST with the 2.0 Turbo and it didn't have that tinny sound on start up. Why is the 2.0 turbo on the Mavrick sound so bad on a brand new tuck just delivered yesterday to the dealer? I declined the test drive because I was that unimpressed with the Mavrick. I looked at a used Frontier 4X4 and it had 16k miles on it and it was 29k and honestly I would rather pay 33k for that even used as it sits over the Mavrick. it was way nicer in the cab for an older truck (2021). I heard people say the Mavrick interior was not good and felt cheep But I figured it was just people being cry babies on the internet, man was I wrong. I have a history with Ford, 2003 Focus ZX3 (used), 2002 Focus SVT (Used), 2014 Focus ST (Used with 25k miles), 2017 Fiesta ST (New My car) and the 2018 Fiesta ST (New Wives Car). I Think Ford needs to start looking seriously at the price point of the Mavrick because it is priced out of its quality level. It should be a 25k truck with the XLT turbo AWD is just not that nice for 33k.

[@scotthopkins2235]

@@sundogtune How Many miles are on your 18 year old truck?

[@sundogtune]

@@scotthopkins2235 sorry, i deleted my smart ass reply. i have over 250000. which is not all that much for a truck that old but it keeps ticking along. and i mean that litterally, it has a small tick to the engine, but i think i have another 3-5 years in her before i need another one. i feel like i got my moneys worth.

[@noboringcars1227]

I went to look at buying a Santa Cruz today in Colorado but got sidetracked. I like the sporty unique look of the Santa Cruz and I value comfort a lot. So, I like the Limited trim of the Santa Cruz for comfort and practicality. I hope on the 2025 they put the memory seat position back in like the Tucson. I am actually going to probably trade a Tucson for it. I like the red color and if there is one negative on the Santa Cruz is that there are only two seat choices, black and dark gray. I like lighter colored seats and brighter interiors so maybe there will be some new choices in both exterior and interior colors. The design of the XRT is awesome and the body matching tow hooks on the front really set it off. I think Hyundai has the best exterior designs of any manufacturer now, at least to my tastes. Nice quick overview here. I may wait for the 2025’s, now.

[@carlfrei2419]

I have a 2022 Santa Cruz Naturally aspirated SEL with the tow package and it is a awesome little Truck(SUV with a bed lol). I have almost 30000 0n it and still getting 28 mpg. It tows my 5x8 open trailer loaded with fire wood with no issues.

[@nicholaswilkerson501]

yea the issue i have with the Maverick is it looks like a basic work truck inside. i like the santa cruze better. you almost pay the same price but they tried inside lol you got the dual screens and it just feels like i spent my $$$ more efficiently. Ford likes to do this thing where they update the outside and on the inside is jus insane $$$ savings. everything is super cheap and bare minimum.

[@rmalmeida1976]

Took a test drive of the 2024 Santa Cruz limited yesterday and almost traded in my 2016 Tacoma to buy it. I think I'm going to wait until the 2025s arrive.

[@greensandbeansgaming1358]

I don't likes screens I rather have buttons and gauges.

[@jareddavis105]

I purchased a 2023 Maverick Hybrid in December of 2023. I love it, over the last 7000 miles I am averaging above 40MPG. I like the Santa Cruz, and actually like the exterior looks better than Maverick. With the 2025 interior update I prefer the Santa Cruz also. If the Santa Cruz had a hybrid it would have been a really difficult decision for me.

[@timstrobel9220]

Why no hybrid yet??? They revised the vehicle but failed to add a hybrid...big mistake

[@JT-fq2bl]

The Santa Cruz wasn't designed to have a hybrid despite being on the same platform as the Sonata/K5 and Sportage/Tucson. It's a package issued. I expect the Santa Cruz getting a hybrid for the next generation.

[@norsefalconer]

Now they need to make 1st gear ultra low, accessed via the "manual" shift gate.

[@WheresHerb]

Surprised it wasn't a Santa Cruz "N"

[@DiaperGranny11]

I love the Santa Cruz styling, interior, and the sliding bed cover along with its practicality over the maverick but it’s a Hyundai 😬

[@patrickg8429]

The sports bar on the Maverick looks terrible. It doesn’t look right or designed correctly, almost looks like it’s weighing it down. Just looks like a bored engineer bolted it on.

[@densctycollective7627]

Love the look and new interior of the Santa Cruz but maybe the Maverick is a better value. Still not sure myself but looking forward to seeing the new Santa Cruz

[@AcktongueBaby]

What I don't understand is why there are only two options STILL in the compact truck segment?? Where is Toyota? Where is GMC? Where is Chevy!? Where is Nissan? Of those I think it would be the perfect time for Nissan to swoop in and be the third challenger. They are discontinuing the Titan so take the opportunity to put R&D into a compact truck and keep the Frontier! Ford is basically printing money with really no competition. All that being said... I own a '22 Maverick at just over 40K miles on an Ecoboost 2.0 loaded XLT. Everything except FX4. I REALLY like this Santa Cruz. They added back physical controls and the tech. It's leaps and bounds above what's in my truck as far the entertainment stack, safety features and options. I just don't know about the price. I paid a hair over 32K for my Mav in July in '22 and it's just capable and has been reliable for my towing needs and keeping things simple. Mavericks have been lacking in the paint options lately...the Santa Cruz red is really nice! Shame you can't get the Maverick in Area 51 anymore.

[@loniebrown9646]

I cant fit in the Maverick, Santa Cruse is a tad more forgiving, but the base Tuson offers more usable interior cargo volume than the Maverick or Santa Cruse..

[@dickeyseamus]

How about a single/ext. cab with a longer bed?

[@PookieMaliboo]

Not bad for a mid-cycle refresh, can't wait to see an all new model in a few years. I like the rims, my '19 Tucson has asymmetrical wheels which don't hold up well long term as far as style goes (IMO).

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Im going to say what nobody else seems to notice (or care). The maverick is not in the same ballpark as the santa cruz. You want better fuel economy ok fine, you got me. Go buy the maverick. But the comparison ends THERE. The santa cruz is way more engaging to drive, it has a much more sophisticated driving dynamic. It's miles ahead on interior features and qualities.

[@g-mo961]

I have a '23 SEL Santa Cruz without turbo. She's a Cowboy Cadillac!

[@sundogtune]

like you said who cares

[@kenwolf2431]

You are in the minority when all the reviewers choose the Maverick over the Santa Cruze. Having driven both its clear the Ford has a better package for a small truck and what the people want and they spoken with their wallets.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@@kenwolf2431 More people also bought a Toyota camry than a 3 series, does this mean the camry is a better sedan or does it simply just mean people preferred the Toyota because perhaps it's cheaper and has a good reputation for reliability. I'm not questioning why more people bought the maverick. I'm making a statement that the SC is above and beyond the maverick when it comes to build quality and features. Reviewers also tend to pander to the mass and will tell people what they want to hear -- cheaper, better fuel economy, etc. If you don't care about either of the above, the SC makes a very, very compelling case. (I've always scratched my head at people who made a car buying decision over negligent amount of money)

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@@sundogtune I do because I ended up buying one? lol nice attempt at trying to be a smartass

[@laundrupatton208]

FMC has no worries about the refresh Santa Cruz. Customers are looking for a simple practical wheel barrel and that's what the Maverick is. Great fuel economy( hybrid), daily little hauler, and a targeted decent price. ( Even with the recalls they have)

[@Radsinqer]

Waited 370 days for our 22 AWD EB Lariat Lux FX4 4k CP360 in Velocity Blue from order to delivery. Test drove a Santa Cruz first and it's Maverick all day.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

Test drove a 2022 Santa Cruz SEL AWD (non-turbo) before buying my 2022 Maverick EB AWD with Lux pkg. My Maverick was about $50 less and to me just made a better pickup because the bed was more useful. Plus the EB Maverick gets better mpg than even the non-turbo SC. The SC did have a nicer interior though. Not knocking the SC, I still like it as well.

[@NoPro1962]

I was really digging these came very close to getting one then saw some serious mechanical problems, in Reviews so decided to step away wondering if they’ll ever correct that?🤔

[@bernesto2468]

Maverick is $25410 (base truck, no options) including the destination charge of $1595). If one wants the Blind Spot and cross traffic safety monitoring, that is an extra $650. Base 2024 Santa Cruise is $28,745 with destination charge included, $1395 plus Blind Spot and cross traffic safety as standard

[@turboash78]

Give me a vehicle with no BS sensors and screens thanks.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

Ah the good old days when cars were simple. Too much electronic garbage on cars now.

[@roguedolphin]

And a manual transmission I can shift myself!!

[@cgatito3528]

They need things to break so service department can make bank after warranty runs out.

[@providentpathfinders219]

Buy a polaris ranger and make it street legal. thats like your only option. 😂

[@davidalexispr]

Get a Wrangler

[@twe73jr]

Chevy take note..with a tow package for small boats ..under 20k.

[@sethcatron3725]

I wish they swapped the DCT 🤷🏼‍♂️. Definitely like that the front approach angle is different I didn’t necessarily like how it almost looked like it was pointing down before. New color is cool hopefully not just an XRT color. Interior is an improvement for sure. Wish they had a hybrid powertrain, IMO that would have been major for them if they could have pulled that off by now

[@Michael-1337]

One thing I wish they would change on this vehicle is the very low mounted headlights. If they brought them up higher it would look so much better and provide better light distribution which is something a lot of hyundai owners complain about.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

The complaints came mostly from the non-turbo SC's which had different headlights (not as bright) as the Turbo SC's

[@rxvanz]

Pass to all Hyundais. If you want a good reliable truck cheaper than the Santa Cruz is a 2024 Nissan Frontier proX4. It's a 4X4 with a regular transmission no CVT. I've seen them start at 35 thousand for the 2023

[@kens8903]

Love the Santa Cruz. Would get the non turbo so I could have the regular automatic transmission.

[@joemontalbano2407]

My Santa Cruz runs circles around the Nissan fuel mileage and speed. Don't knock something you know nothing about 2023 Santa Cruz zero problems.

[@joemontalbano2407]

By the way regular transmission in the Santa Cruz and 100 thousand mile warranty does Nissan offer that NO

[@MrMikeDao]

Not in the same category, bud. At that point I'd rather go with the i4 turbo midsize trucks

[@Snake-ms7sj]

What is nice about the Frontier is that you can still get a V6. I like the power of my ecoboost Maverick, but I still would rather have a V6 over a turbo 4. I always avoided turbos. Got the Ecoboost Maverick because I wanted AWD.

[@mikeburton8426]

In summary, the new one has some really cool tow hooks and a new dash. Everything else pretty much the same.

[@namename1]

1:35 removable lights will be nice feature

[@bluman79]

With the updates, I'll be looking forward to a comparison, between the XRT, and the Tremor.

[@witwicky735]

Nice. Like the color and wheels. Honestly, as a repeat truck owner, I will admit most of us would be very well served by these "Ute's". Australia had it right first. If the El Camino had been available with 4 seats...

[@icare7151]

Santa Cruz needs an optional tow package which includes a brake controller, hitch, heavy duty cooling, oil and transmission coolers and active air rear self leveling suspension.

[@BennyT_3434]

The uodated Santa Cruz looks great, and the switch to knobs in the interior is awesome.....i just dont know that i can trust Hyundai quality enough to actually buy one

[@jamesm568]

I have never sat at a Waffle House talking about how my toe hooks are bigger than your tow hooks.

[@williamsisk2897]

I went to the Hyundai website and filled out the info to keep me updated for more info. The hard choice will be picking out a color.

[@TheIrishPhantom]

Glad I traded in my Santa Cruz when I did. It's still for sale at the same dealership and resale depreciated another 8,000 dollars. Couldn't recommend this car less, DCT is horrible. First time full throttle it went into limp mode, also shudders like crazy in traffic. Headlights are about 2,000 dollars a piece because the bulbs are integrated into the light. The whole front bumper, fender flares and liners have to come off to change out a simple light. If you are shopping around get something else. My 23 F150 regular cab with the 5.0 is getting the same fuel milage as this 4-cylinder turbo.

[@sunchaser999]

Koreans are killing it. They just need a true body on Frame SUV 4x4 to the line up.

[@briantoner5247]

5:11 that shelf is a nice touch.

[@andrewkruse4900]

I see that they haven’t made it any better looking. Maverick all the way.

[@LettinOneRip]

I have a 22 santa cruz, I like the front grill a bit more but it's just to squared off. Also, big ass screen that spans almost the whole dash? I know people want more tech, but more isn't always better, I like my sel with a small screen and physical buttons and switches. I see the 2025 has some but I hate that screen.