Finding the ideal compact pickup that blends everyday usability, advanced technology, and dependable performance is essential for drivers across Midwest City and neighboring areas like Norman, Edmond, and Guthrie. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Ford Maverick cater to this segment, but when it comes to delivering a versatile, family-friendly, and feature-rich vehicle, the Santa Cruz stands out as the smarter choice. From practical towing ability and superior warranty coverage to modern connectivity and a comfortable interior, the Santa Cruz offers value that perfectly suits both urban commuting in Yukon and weekend adventures around Moore.
For more information or to get behind the wheel yourself, visit Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City at 6601 Se 29th St, Midwest City, OK 73110, or call us directly at (405) 733-1611 to schedule a personalized test drive.
Table of Contents
- Compact Pickup Showdown: Santa Cruz Meets Maverick
- Power and Driving Dynamics
- Distinctive Exterior Design and Style
- Interior Comfort and Practical Space
- Cutting-Edge Technology and Connectivity
- Advanced Safety Features and Ratings
- Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Range
- Cargo Capacity, Towing, and Everyday Use
- Value, Warranty, and Ownership Costs
- Why the Santa Cruz Is Your Best Bet in Midwest City
Compact Pickup Showdown: Santa Cruz Meets Maverick
When evaluating compact pickups like the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Ford Maverick, the goal is to balance utility, comfort, and reliability for both daily drives through Oklahoma City and weekend trips near Norman or Bethany. The Santa Cruz’s innovative design combines the drivability of an SUV with the practicality of a pickup, offering flexibility uniquely suited for families and professionals alike.
While the Ford Maverick is known for its hybrid fuel economy and a traditional pickup layout with a larger bed, the Santa Cruz brings superior towing capability, a more premium interior, and a comprehensive warranty to the table. Hyundai’s refined unibody construction provides a smooth, car-like ride favored by drivers who want easy maneuverability around Midwest City without sacrificing utility.
Meanwhile, the Maverick focuses heavily on fuel-saving hybrid technology but does so at the cost of towing power and interior refinement. For those prioritizing a balance of advanced safety, connectivity, and a spacious, family-focused cabin, the Santa Cruz becomes the astute choice.
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Compact unibody pickup truck | Compact pickup truck |
| Powertrains | 2.5L NA I4 (191 hp); 2.5L turbo awd (281 hp) | Hybrid 2.5L (191 hp); 2.0L turbo (250 hp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT (hybrid); 8-speed automatic (turbo) |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD option | FWD standard (hybrid); AWD standard (turbo) |
| Bed Volume (cu. ft.) | 27.0 | 33.3 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs.) | 3,500 (NA); 5,000 (turbo) | 2,000 standard; 4,000 with tow pkg |
| Payload Capacity (lbs.) | 1,411 | 1,500 |
| Front/Rear Legroom (inches) | 41.4 / 36.5 | 42.8 / 36.9 |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 12.3 inches | 13.2 inches |
| Warranty (New Vehicle) | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Power and Driving Dynamics
The Santa Cruz impresses with a range of powertrains that address varying driver needs around Oklahoma City’s mix of urban and highway settings. Its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four delivers 191 horsepower with smooth acceleration and capable towing up to 3,500 pounds, ideal for light hauling or recreational gear. For those requiring more muscle, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine generates a robust 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmatching the Maverick’s offerings. With an eight-speed automatic transmission standard across the lineup, the Santa Cruz promises engaging yet refined performance, whether navigating city streets in Edmond or cruising highway routes to Moore.
Although the Maverick’s hybrid system excels in fuel efficiency, its CVT can feel less responsive during brisk acceleration. The turbocharged Maverick’s 250 hp falls short of Santa Cruz's turbo in both power and torque, which translates to more confident passing and towing. The Ford’s slightly longer wheelbase and traditional pickup tuning result in a stiffer ride, less suited for comfort-focused drivers.
| Performance Metric | Hyundai Santa Cruz (Turbo AWD) | Ford Maverick (Turbo AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Output (hp / torque) | 281 hp / 311 lb-ft | 250 hp / 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard | AWD standard |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration (seconds) | ~6.0 | ~5.8 |
| Braking Distance (70-0 mph) | 171 feet | 188 feet |
| Suspension | Independent front struts, multi-link rear | Strut front, multi-link rear |
The Santa Cruz offers a more balanced blend of power, handling, and braking responsiveness, creating a confidence-inspiring experience for drivers traversing Midwest City’s varied roadways.
Distinctive Exterior Design and Style
Hyundai’s Santa Cruz defines a fresh category by mixing SUV-like sophistication with pickup utility. Its unibody structure and aerodynamic silhouette result in a vehicle easier to park and maneuver through congested Norman streets compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks like the Maverick. Thoughtful exterior details, such as LED lighting with automatic high beams, sculpted body panels, and available 20-inch alloy wheels on the Limited trim, project a modern yet rugged look tailored for today’s lifestyle buyers.
The Maverick adopts classic pickup styling with a larger, versatile bed and a straightforward design. While practical, it lacks the Santa Cruz’s flair and premium touches. In addition, the Santa Cruz’s integrated rear steps and multifunction tailgate with assisted opening provide practical convenience often missing in its competitors.
| Exterior Features | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Sizes | 18-inch standard; 20-inch Limited | 17-inch to 19-inch, depending on trim |
| Lighting | Projector Bi-LED headlights, LED DRLs | Halogen or LED, depending on trim |
| Bed Side Power Outlet | 115V available on select trims | 12V standard, 110V optional |
| Tailgate | Multifunction with assisted open/close | Standard tailgate |
| Bed Length | 52.1 inches | 54 inches |
| Exterior Accents | Satin black door handles (base), dark chrome (Limited) | Body-color door handles |
Santa Cruz’s styling strikes an excellent balance between everyday refinement and the toughness demands of a pickup, making it extremely appealing for local Oklahoma drivers wanting a versatile vehicle for both work and family life.
Interior Comfort and Practical Space
Step inside the Santa Cruz, and you find an inviting cabin that prioritizes passenger comfort and practical ergonomics. Its crew cab layout provides ample legroom (41.4 inches front, 36.5 inches rear) and premium materials, such as available leatherette and leather upholstery on higher trims, that elevate the driving experience. The digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment screen foster intuitive, clutter-free controls. Features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and noise-reducing laminated glass create a welcoming environment suitable for daily drives around Bethany or family outings to Yukon.
The Ford Maverick offers competitive seating dimensions but favors a more utilitarian design with fewer upscale touches in base trims. While it accommodates five passengers, some may find its cabin finishes less refined compared to the Hyundai. Storage solutions inside the Santa Cruz shine with creative additions like a lockable under-bed bin, an integrated tonneau cover, and multiple USB charging ports—key conveniences for drivers balancing work gear and personal tech.
| Interior Dimensions & Features | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Legroom (inches) | 41.4 | 42.8 |
| Rear Legroom (inches) | 36.5 | 36.9 |
| Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) | 101.8 | ~102 |
| Seating Material | Cloth to leather (varies by trim) | Cloth and leather options |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone auto (SEL+) | Single or dual-zone (higher trims) |
| USB Ports | Four total (front and rear) | Standard with wireless charging |
| Noise Reduction | Acoustic-laminated windshield | Standard glass |
Through attention to detail and superior ergonomics, the Santa Cruz earns its place as the more family-friendly, comfortable choice for drivers who spend time on both city streets and country roads.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Connectivity
Hyundai equips the Santa Cruz with a remarkably advanced technology suite tailored for the modern driver. Its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen pairs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration for hands-free calls, navigation, and media. Exclusive features such as Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch allow smartphone-based vehicle access and starting, while Hyundai Pay enables convenient in-vehicle payments for gas or parking—a convenience particularly appreciated by busy professionals in Midwest City or Edmond.
In contrast, the Maverick offers a slightly larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and standard wireless smartphone integration but does not match the Santa Cruz’s digital key, in-vehicle payment technology, or the comprehensive Bluelink connected services package that includes remote start, vehicle status monitoring, and OTA updates.
| Technology Features | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Screen Size | 12.3-inch touchscreen (dual 12.3 on higher trims) | 13.2-inch touchscreen |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Digital Key & Mobile Access | Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch (XRT, Limited) | Not offered |
| Wireless Charging | Standard on SEL Activity and above | Available on some trims |
| Navigation System | Available on XRT and Limited | Optional on higher trims |
| Connected Services | Bluelink+ with 3 years free service | Wi-Fi hotspot standard |
| Voice Recognition | Dynamic voice recognition on higher trims | Available |
| Premium Audio System | Bose premium on Limited | Optional B&O Play audio |
The Santa Cruz's user-friendly interface and forward-looking connectivity make it a natural fit for tech-savvy buyers seeking effortless integration and control on their daily routines.
Advanced Safety Features and Ratings
Safety deserves utmost priority, and the Santa Cruz delivers a robust package that includes both active and passive systems designed to protect occupants in Midwest City’s heavy traffic. It earned a coveted Top Safety Pick from IIHS with five-star ratings from NHTSA, underlining Hyundai’s commitment to occupant protection.
Standard safety systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane-Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning across all trims. Higher-level trims add Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and a Blind-Spot View Monitor, giving 360-degree awareness. The Maverick provides solid base safety features but lacks some of the advanced tech, like the Blind-Spot View Monitor and broader adaptive cruise control availability, only on select trims.
| Safety Features | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS Top Safety Pick | Yes | Yes |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard on all trims | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard (BVM on select trims) | Standard |
| Lane Keeping & Following Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Available on many trims | Limited to higher trims |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Standard |
| Surround/360 Camera System | Available on XRT, Limited | Optional on higher trims |
These comprehensive safety features provide peace of mind for family trips and everyday commuting, making the Santa Cruz an especially prudent choice for safety-conscious drivers.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Range
Fuel economy remains a key consideration for drivers commuting within Oklahoma City and beyond. While the Maverick’s hybrid powertrain boasts an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city and up to 35 mpg highway, the Santa Cruz focuses more on balanced performance and capacity. The naturally aspirated Santa Cruz engine offers 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with an estimated range surpassing 425 miles, which is suitable for most daily drives and weekend getaways.
The turbocharged Santa Cruz trims prioritize power and towing over maximum efficiency, achieving about 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. However, the hybrid Maverick’s efficiency advantage comes with a tradeoff in towing capacity and interior refinement.
| Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated) | Hyundai Santa Cruz (NA) | Ford Maverick Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| City (mpg) | 22 | 42 |
| Highway (mpg) | 30 | 35 |
| Combined (mpg) | 25 | 38 |
| Estimated Driving Range (miles) | 425–442 | 511–524 |
For Midwest City drivers, the Santa Cruz’s fuel economy balances efficiency with stronger power and towing flexibility, especially useful in varied weather and hauling conditions encountered in regions like Proviso Township and Yukon.
Cargo Capacity, Towing, and Everyday Use
Cargo functionality is where the Santa Cruz’s innovative engineering shines. Though its 27.0 cubic feet bed volume is smaller than the Maverick’s 33.3 cubic feet, Hyundai compensates with clever storage features such as a lockable under-bed trunk, multifunctional tailgate with assisted opening, and power outlets for tools or accessories. These add significant practicality for drivers who need secure, organized cargo space without increasing vehicle size.
Towing capability is another area where the Santa Cruz clearly leads. Its turbocharged trims tow up to an impressive 5,000 pounds, outpacing the Maverick’s maximum 4,000 pounds with the tow package. For hauling larger trailers or boats for weekend trips from Oklahoma City to Moore, this increased capability is a major advantage.
Payload figures are competitive, with the Maverick offering about 1,500 pounds and the Santa Cruz close behind at 1,411 pounds, sufficient for most personal and work needs.
| Utility Specification | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Bed Volume (cubic feet) | 27.0 | 33.3 |
| Bed Length (inches) | 52.1 | 54 |
| Max Payload (lbs.) | 1,411 | 1,500 |
| Max Towing Capacity (lbs.) | 3,500 (NA); 5,000 (turbo) | 2,000 (standard); 4,000 (with tow pkg) |
| Bed Features | Lockable under-bed storage, tonneau cover, 115V outlet | 12V outlet standard, 110V optional |
| Tailgate | Multifunctional & remote release | Standard |
These innovative cargo features, paired with excellent towing, make the Santa Cruz an outstanding choice for drivers needing a practical, versatile work-and-play vehicle in Midwest City and nearby suburbs.
Value, Warranty, and Ownership Costs
Hyundai leads in long-term ownership confidence with its class-leading warranty. The Santa Cruz offers a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty alongside an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, outstripping Ford’s shorter coverage of 3 years/36,000 miles for basic and 5 years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. This difference translates to meaningful peace of mind for those investing in a reliable vehicle over time, especially families and professionals residing in Edmond and Guthrie.
Beyond the warranty, the Santa Cruz benefits from complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years, easing upkeep costs. Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City backs this with a Comprehensive service department staffed by factory-trained technicians using genuine OEM parts, ensuring your Santa Cruz runs optimally year-round.
Moreover, Joe Cooper Hyundai offers online tools like the Trade Valuation Page to assess your current vehicle’s value quickly, supporting seamless trade-in transitions. For those interested in the latest models, check our extensive selection via the New Hyundai Santa Cruz inventory.
| Ownership and Warranty | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles | None |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
This enduring warranty and service support make ownership simple and worry-free, aligning perfectly with the needs of Midwest City’s practical, family-minded vehicle buyers.
Why the Santa Cruz Is Your Best Bet in Midwest City
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers a striking balance of power, comfort, technology, and safety that outmatches the Ford Maverick in critical areas for Midwest City drivers. Whether you prioritize higher towing capacity for weekend adventures near Moore, a smarter bed design with secure cargo storage, or a modern interior equipped with seamless connectivity for busy family life in Oklahoma City, the Santa Cruz has you covered.
With its outstanding warranty coverage, comprehensive safety features, and refined driving experience, the Santa Cruz anticipates and exceeds the demands of everyday Use in Edmond, Guthrie, or Yukon. When combined with the trusted service and supportive buying experience at Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City, the Santa Cruz becomes more than just a vehicle — it’s a dependable partner on every journey.
Explore our extensive new inventory of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at New Santa Cruz Inventory at Joe Cooper Hyundai, or browse our full used vehicles selection if you’re also considering pre-owned options.
When your Santa Cruz needs maintenance, use our convenient Service Scheduler to book your visit. Plus, count on genuine OEM parts available via our Parts Request Page, ensuring your vehicle runs like new.
At Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City, we’re proud to serve families and professionals across the Oklahoma City metro area with trustworthy service, transparent purchase experience, and expert support. Visit us soon at 6601 Se 29th St, Midwest City — your next great drive awaits.
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