Performance Perks of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz That the Ford Maverick Doesn’t Have

On the hunt for a Hyundai Santa Cruz for sale near Farragut? Come check out this compact truck at Rusty Wallace Hyundai! One of our Santa Cruz experts can show you all that this fun and flexible model has to offer. And if you’re considering other compact trucks, like the Ford Maverick, we can explain why the Santa Cruz is the superior choice.

The Santa Cruz is classified as a Sport Adventure Vehicle, more than a compact truck, and when you get to know it better, we think you’ll understand why. Everything about it was clearly made with exploration in mind! Today, we’re going to look at some performance perks that we believe wanderlusts are going to love, and explain how the 2026 Ford Maverick compares.

Let’s dive in!

A Comfortable Driving Experience 

One of the greatest advantages of the Santa Cruz over the Maverick is its ride feel. Overall, you’ll notice that the Santa Cruz absorbs turbulence and adapts to bumpy roads better than the Maverick, which some drivers find to be a bit stiff. And that was by design, because Hyundai wants the Santa Cruz to offer a crossover feel, more than a truck feel. So, how does it achieve this smooth ride?

A Multi-Link Rear Suspension

The Santa Cruz has its fully independent multi-link rear suspension to thank for its comfortable ride. This unique suspension allows for multi-axis wheel movement, which is a fancy way of saying that when one wheel hits a bump, the other doesn’t feel it. The suspension allows for better mobility and an impressive turning radius, too, so it’s ready for twists and turns. 

While the Ford Maverick does offer this type of suspension, it’s only available on AWD models. Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz offers it standard on FWD and AWD models. So you don’t need to opt for AWD to enjoy the premium ride provided by the independent multi-link suspension. As a result, FWD Mavericks can have a stiffer, more utilitarian feel, rather than a crossover feel.

A More Mobile Platform

The platform supporting each of these vehicles also contributes to their on-the-road feel. The Santa Cruz is built on the N3 platform, which it shares with the Tucson. The N3 platform is designed to reduce harshness, all around, from road vibrations to noise, for a pleasant experience for the driver and passengers. 

The Maverick is built on the Ford C2 platform, which it shares with the Escape. It’s designed for utility applications and has a stiffer feel. So you’re going to feel every bump in the road more intensely.

Superior AWD

When the rainy season arrives in Farragut, you’ll be better off in the Santa Cruz, thanks to its advanced AWD system. It boasts Hyundai’s proprietary HTRAC AWD system, which works in a predictive rather than reactive manner. HTRAC AWD relies on electronic sensors to constantly monitor multiple inputs, including steering, throttle, and speed. 

The sensors then adjust torque delivery based on real-time information, instantaneously. That means you can get enhanced traction and stability as conditions change  The Ford Maverick’s AWD system is a bit more traditional, operating in a more reactive rather than predictive way.

The Maverick’s AWD system is designed for those focusing on towing, hauling, and off-road use, while the Santa Cruz’s AWD system is designed more for everyday comfort and command on normal (but wet) roads. So if you’re after AWD ready for winter conditions, get the Santa Cruz. If you want AWD right for the trails, the Maverick is the one.

Higher Towing and Horsepower

Plan on doing a lot of towing around or outside of Farragut? The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the top choice because it offers 5,000 lbs of towing capacity. The Ford Maverick maxes out at 4,000 lbs, meaning you can tow 1,000 more lbs in the Santa Cruz. That’s 20 percent more towing power, and it will make a big difference when you need to tow, well, a big boat, camper, or trailer.

Not only can the Santa Cruz tow more, but it also has a higher max horsepower. The Santa Cruz’s top hp figure sits at 280, whereas the Maverick’s sits at 250. So not only can the Santa Cruz tow more, but it also has the muscle to back it up. When you need to accelerate, merge or go uphill whilst towing, the Santa Cruz hp can handle the job.

A Better Warranty

With the sky-high costs of maintaining a vehicle today, warranties matter — a lot. And, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a better one than the Ford Maverick. Let’s take a quick look at the most important powertrains and how long you’re covered for in the Santa Cruz:

• Powertrain: 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Bumper-to-bumper: 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Roadside assistance: 5 years, unlimited miles

Now let’s look at the same coverage for the Maverick:

• Powertrain: 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Bumper-to-bumper: 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Roadside assistance: 5 years or 60,000 miles

The biggest difference that probably stood out right away is the powertrain. A vehicle’s powertrain contains everything that keeps it moving, like the engine, transmission, driveshaft, and differentials. Repairing or replacing any of these (especially the engine) can be astronomically expensive. 

The Santa Cruz’s powertrain coverage lasts twice as long for original owners if you go by years, and 40,000 extra miles if you go by distance. That’s a huge difference. In fact, it might outlast how long you even own the vehicle. The Maverick, on the other hand…could leave you footing a major bill if powertrain issues arise after that 5-year or 60,000-mile mark.

The bumper-to-bumper warranty will cover most components between two bumpers, including the infotainment systems, safety features, air conditioning, steering, suspension, and brakes. Having two extra years of coverage in the Santa Cruz could also save you a substantial amount of money. 

Both vehicles offer 5 years of roadside assistance, but the Maverick has a mileage cap. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy roadside assistance for unlimited miles in the Santa Cruz, making it the ideal choice for someone who exceeds the average annual mileage. 

See the Santa Cruz at Rusty Wallace Hyundai

If you’re looking for an easy-to-drive compact truck that adapts to your environment and makes every mile more pleasant, come check out the Santa Cruz! With its predictive HTRAC AWD, the Santa Cruz optimizes traction, and its independent multi-link rear suspension delivers a smooth ride over bumpy roads. 

Its impressive towing and hp figures make a range of tasks and maneuvers easier. And its crossover frame makes for easy rides. Plus, its generous warranties provide peace of mind and real money-saving benefits, much longer than the Maverick’s. We’re proud to offer the Santa Cruz to Farragut drivers who want a fun, flexible, and efficient truck!

With every Santa Cruz trim in stock, and more arriving daily, we have so many models to explore. Our in-house Hyundai specialists can give you an overview of every trim and help you understand which one offers the features you need. Then our finance team can secure a lease or loan that fits your budget. Visit us today for a test drive! The Santa Cruz is waiting for you!

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