Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz - Which would you choose if the price is the same?

I’ve done a ton of research, and I like both options. If you can get the Maverick XLT AWD + Luxury + Copilot 360 + spare tire or the Hyundai Santa Cruz Night edition (which includes a bed cover) for the same price—$36,500 out the door—which would you choose and why?

We’re a trucky-car kind of family. We need a vehicle that can handle trips to Home Depot since we’re renovating our 160-year-old brownstone, but our primary use case is driving less than 2,000 miles a year, mostly for errands like picking up food downtown.

I’d also like to retain as much resale value as possible since I plan to sell the vehicle after three years.

(Note: For those questioning the price, the dealer is offering a $1,000 discount on the Maverick over MSRP, which includes taxes and registration.)

The Santa Cruz could be better in every way, and I’d still choose the Maverick. That thing is just hideous.

Jory said:
The Santa Cruz could be better in every way, and I’d still choose the Maverick. That thing is just hideous.

The Santa Cruz, visually, is the automotive equivalent of off-brand Crocs.

@Aki
Rare insult, nicely done!

Jory said:
The Santa Cruz could be better in every way, and I’d still choose the Maverick. That thing is just hideous.

I used to think that, but now I see the Santa Cruz as a truck, just not in the traditional sense.

If you’re planning to sell in three years, why not lease instead? That way, you avoid the risk of losing money on resale.

(That said, this is a Maverick sub, so most of us will say the Maverick is better.)

@Voss
Avoid the risk of not making a profit by taking a guaranteed loss? Interesting logic.

If the price is the same, I’d pick the Maverick because I want the hybrid. Also, the fact that you can steal a Hyundai with a USB cable is a huge red flag.

Val said:
If the price is the same, I’d pick the Maverick because I want the hybrid. Also, the fact that you can steal a Hyundai with a USB cable is a huge red flag.

Same here. I was specifically looking for an electric or hybrid, so the Maverick was an easy choice.

Val said:
If the price is the same, I’d pick the Maverick because I want the hybrid. Also, the fact that you can steal a Hyundai with a USB cable is a huge red flag.

At least if someone steals your Santa Cruz, they’ll need to fill it up soon after.

@Val
Haha, good point!

If you’re only driving 2,000 miles a year and want to retain resale value, why not buy a used 2010 Tacoma or something similar? You’ll likely sell it for the same price you bought it, and it’ll handle Home Depot runs just fine.

I’d go for the Maverick, hands down. The Santa Cruz’s bed is slightly smaller and higher, making it less practical. The Maverick is also more fuel-efficient, especially if you go with the hybrid.

Meade said:
I’d go for the Maverick, hands down. The Santa Cruz’s bed is slightly smaller and higher, making it less practical. The Maverick is also more fuel-efficient, especially if you go with the hybrid.

Hyundai is offering a $5k discount on the Santa Cruz, which makes it slightly cheaper than the Maverick.

I own a Maverick hybrid and get 40+ MPG. The Santa Cruz only manages about 28 MPG, so fuel efficiency alone makes the Maverick the better choice for me.

The Santa Cruz doesn’t even look like a truck. It’s more like an SUV with the back cut off.

The Santa Cruz has a nicer interior and more tech features, but the Maverick’s bed is larger and more functional. Plus, the hybrid gets way better fuel economy. If utility and efficiency matter more to you, go with the Maverick.

AWD on the Maverick defeats its purpose, IMO. At $36.5k, the value just isn’t there. The Maverick is a $20k truck at heart—great for what it is, but not worth the premium price.

The hybrid Maverick is the perfect balance of utility and efficiency. Plus, it actually looks like a truck, unlike the Santa Cruz.

My wife’s Hyundai Sonata caught fire while sitting in the dealer lot waiting for engine repairs. Never again.