I love how honest you were in your review. I am with you if I needed more efficiency due to a lot of driving the hybrid Maverick would be the way to go. But if I’m picking something that I like the looks of and would prefer to be my daily driver I will take the Santa Cruz all day long hands-down!
The Maverick is the cost effective truck. It is great for a person that has the Maverick as a extra work tool. The Santa Cruz is the person who wants a comfort vehicle, family carrier, daily driver, and the weekend project usage. Both are good.
In a Maverick, with only a week of driving, the computer hasn't had a chance to truly gauge your driving. If you watch other videos about the Maverick, the longer you drive, the better your mileage gets. In one video, the exact same truck as here went from 23 MPG at purchase, to 31 MPG in a five-month-long ownership.
If you want to look cool when driving to your favorite surf spot get a SantaCruz. If you want to do truck things get a Maverick. Offroad wise the SantaCruz is crap, the AWD system overheats and disengages. The Maverick AWD system is way better, It gets you up no problem, the SantaCruz limits your throttle a lot and it wont go up if its too rough.
The difference is, a traditional automatic uses a torque converter, it has a fluid connection for when the wheels aren’t spinning, or spinning slower than the transmission is turning. The DCT is like a manual transmission, it has a clutch, that has to absorb the heat in the same circumstance. The lower model Santa Cruz has a traditional auto, with a torque converter, if you prefer. A DCT is much better performing on road, faster shifts, better gas mileage than the regular auto. I bought a Santa Cruz with the Turbo and DCT because I will probably never do any off-road if at all. 😂
Nice video. But it's Not a completely fair comparison. Comparing a mid-level Maverick XLT, without even the Luxury Package, against the FAR MORE expensive, top-of-the-line Santa Cruz is comparing apples to oranges. A more fair comparison would have been using a fully loaded, top-of-line Maverick Lariat against the Cruz. Then most, if not all of those things you had negative comments about with the basic XLT, wouldn't be in this video. Just sayin. Oh, and regarding your low mpg on the Maverick, the Falken tires lower mpg, as will turning OFF the Auto Start/Stop. Not sure why you despise the Auto Start/Stop, but it is impacting your mpg. It's automatic. totally smooth, quiet and doesn't interfere with ANYTHING (except your mind). And it saves a LOT of gas over time, especially in town with all the 4-way stop signs, the LONG traffic lights, slow drivers, and heavy traffic. The savings DO add up.
Depends on what you consider American industry. The Hyundai is made in Alabama, the Maverick is made in Mexico. Which purchase supports American industry more?
Super super solid review! I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into this video! Covered literally everything, and I 100% agree with you about the odd spin-dials and start-stop technology being obnoxious. Subscribed
As a Ridgeline owner, on my second one picked up a 21 in Oct, I like where these are going. I will stick with the Honda as is use the extra cab and bed space, but I think these are great in their own ways. I hope future Ridgelines go hybrid like the Maverick, and that Honda introduces a Cr-v based competitor to these to keep the segment momentum going for the return of compact trucks. I can't wait to see Hyundai and Ford selling tons of these little trucks.
From what I’ve seen the maverick has the better awd system especially when the wheels get to spinning. I’ve seen a video where the Santa Fe’s transmission started to smoke clutches. So if you ask me that’s a huge advantage going to the maverick…. Granted the test was between these 2 and a Canyon AT4 with an off road package which is apples to oranges but the maverick did better then expected. Especially since it is the more budget friendly option. Which is the exact reason why I ordered one.
@@toronado455 you are correct however it is the duel clutch transmission in the Santa Cruz which was the issue. Now they may be awesome for on the road but on the trail they have some serious drawbacks!
@@k5rjtxj Thanks for that info. I know CVT will overheat on the trail, but didn't know DSG also had problems with trail use. I don't like DSG if they are not as smooth as CVT or traditional torque converter automatics on the pavement.
@@toronado455 that is from what I have seen on a few UA-cam videos when awd equipped vehicle went head to head on trail tests also from the video it seemed like the duel clutch in the Santa cruse started to smoke the clutches. Now I don’t plan on heavy trail use with my maverick but knowing the limits of its capabilities is just a way to avoid damages and drive line repairs are expensive. Now I do plan on driving in snow as I need to as it is a requirement for my job.
What everybody is missing is that the SC with the base 2.5 has a regular transmission and handles much better than the dc version. In fact a base SC AWD is actually cheaper than a Maverick AWD. It also has a higher tow rating 5000 pounds . Also the SC dosent overheat when towing. Not to mention the base SC does have knobs and has full use of the bed because it dosent have the bed cover.
A point to think about is that the Lariat trim on the Maverick does have more sound deadening. Including the windows. For their price ranges, they're both great vehicles. But the Mavericks loaded AWD Lariat with added options lose their value proposition. It doesn't feel like it belongs in the $35k+ price range. It makes more sense under $30k. If you're looking at a fully loaded Lariat, it's in anyone's best interest to check out the Santa Cruz and the mid-size truck options. You would also find it easier to find a Santa Cruz.
Very nice reviews but the Maverick should have been the Lariat with Luxury package and with those items, my build is just over 10k less expensive, however for the 4 wheel drive would be 7k more So it comes down to budget and target audience.
What a great video Sam. The best comparaison vid on these two vehicules. You really help me to make my choice. I’ll be on Hyundai’s waiting list next week. Have a nice day from 🇨🇦.
I bought an SC Limited a couple of months ago. I do not regret my decision and I have grown to appreciate it more and more for what it was designed and what it does incredibly well. The other afternoon, at dinner, I came across a new Maverick in the parking lot. Same color as mine (white) and it was an upper trim level. It was then and there that I realized just how much more of a vehicle the SC is compared to the Mav. The Mav just comes across as extremely cheap! It looked so basic utilitarian compared to my SC, and that was just on the outside. It had nothing that gave it any character, style wise. My passenger also had comments that were along the same line. I didn’t even have to look inside to compare as I know the Mav just doesn’t compete on the same level (seen so many videos and pics and heard everyone say how the materials are sub-par). I wanted to consider the Mav, but the interior alone kept that from happening and after finally seeing one up close I know I made the right decision. I know the Mav is more capable off road with its 4WD system, but I have no plans to do off-roading other than minor trails. The SC is more capable than most anyone will need it to be. The Mav would be more competitive if Ford would actually stop going so cheap with its interior materials (across the whole product range).
I've been considering and researching both the Mav and the SC. I thought I had talked myself into the Mav, but I the interior is so cheap looking, as you said, I couldn't do it. When I realized my 2006 Ranger had a better interior, and a more stylish exterior, I was done with the Mav.
@@willr1796 You are the first person I’ve seen since the Santa Cruz came out that said the design will “age well”. All the others have said the design will look like a failed concept in 2-3 years. The Santa Cruz is modern for now, but car design languages always change with every new generation coming out. Car designs in the past don’t look the same as they do now, as for the Maverick it retains the well known boxy design language of a traditional truck which has been carried on to every truck generation there has been. If it won’t age well, then why are they still making their trucks look “cheap” and not something more stylish with more curves and crazy front DRL’s. Because that’s not what the Maverick is after, they are after truck buyers that want a simple utilitarian truck that is compact. The Santa Cruz is looking for people need a truck, but still want to retain the aggressive styling of an economy car, also this car is best to stay on the road. Why would they put a DCT in a truck? For performance? DCT’s overheat and get stressed so easily (watch TFL’s video of comparing the Santa Cruz to the Maverick off-road) if DCT’s are the go to transmissions, why wont the big 3 (Ford, GM, Ram) put it in their half-ton and heavy duty trucks? This car is nothing like a Subaru Brat as that was intended for off-road use. This Santa Cruz was obviously meant for on-road use and going on light dirt roads. When they tested the Maverick, the engineered showed “no mercy for the durability testing” of the Maverick, this Maverick went through the same durability testing as the F-Series trucks do which is why people in the Maverick forums have been towing as much as 8800 pounds. Which is technically illegal, but the owners have stated it could still get up to highway speeds and the transmission and motor was cool the whole time which a DCT can’t do. Also, the Maverick costs way less. Just my 2 cents
@@rhydynamic8306 When the swoopy Sonata first came out, everyone said the same thing that it won't "age well". But when you see one on the road now, it still looks more futuristic than the current Sonata.
@@ThisGuyRides For now, it’s only been out for a few years. I thought the 2018 Sonata was ahead of its time but it’s really dated now and has just become bland.
I appreciate your assessment of the SC wet dual clutch transmission. Other reviewers have said it was clunky and jumpy at low speeds and when off-roading. You spoke highly of how well it performed, contradicting those negative reports. Thanks for your opinion. I guess I'm gonna have to test drive one myself. I'd like to try a Maverick too, but neither option seems plausible at this time. Definitely NOT a good time to buy a car/ truck.
I have a Maverick XLT AWD on order and I priced a Santa Cruz SEL with what I want at almost exactly the same price but it comes with more convenience items. I'm so torn on what to go with.
Wanna go off road? Maverick. Wanna look like a hipster? Santa Cruz. The awd maverick is going to come with a tried and true 8 speed automatic transmission and a 2.0 liter turbo engine 250 hp 277 ft lbs of torque. So long term stability will lean towards the mav. I’m biased though but getting 30mpg in my maverick has made me that way.
if money wasn't an issue. I think most would prefer the Santa Cruz. And besides that, the Ford Maverick has been marked up very high. So it's almost the same cost as the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz is hard to get too but Hyundai made good logistical decisions by building within America while Ford chose to build the Ford Maverick in Mexico.
I love how honest you were in your review. I am with you if I needed more efficiency due to a lot of driving the hybrid Maverick would be the way to go. But if I’m picking something that I like the looks of and would prefer to be my daily driver I will take the Santa Cruz all day long hands-down!
The Maverick is the cost effective truck. It is great for a person that has the Maverick as a extra work tool.
The Santa Cruz is the person who wants a comfort vehicle, family carrier, daily driver, and the weekend project usage.
Both are good.
This is why I'm looking at it. My 350 can handle the work, this seems like a great option for meetings, sales, general running around.
In a Maverick, with only a week of driving, the computer hasn't had a chance to truly gauge your driving. If you watch other videos about the Maverick, the longer you drive, the better your mileage gets. In one video, the exact same truck as here went from 23 MPG at purchase, to 31 MPG in a five-month-long ownership.
The Maverick is a better value as the XLT hybrid version. Love the Arizona desert 🏜 scenery. Well done Sir!
Any thoughts about the rust issues with the Ford and transmission issue with the Hyundai?
If you want to look cool when driving to your favorite surf spot get a SantaCruz. If you want to do truck things get a Maverick.
Offroad wise the SantaCruz is crap, the AWD system overheats and disengages. The Maverick AWD system is way better, It gets you up no problem, the SantaCruz limits your throttle a lot and it wont go up if its too rough.
The difference is, a traditional automatic uses a torque converter, it has a fluid connection for when the wheels aren’t spinning, or spinning slower than the transmission is turning. The DCT is like a manual transmission, it has a clutch, that has to absorb the heat in the same circumstance. The lower model Santa Cruz has a traditional auto, with a torque converter, if you prefer. A DCT is much better performing on road, faster shifts, better gas mileage than the regular auto. I bought a Santa Cruz with the Turbo and DCT because I will probably never do any off-road if at all. 😂
@@patconzip So you agree. Like I said, if you need a "truck" get the Maverick, if you need an SUV get the Hyundai.
Nice video. But it's Not a completely fair comparison. Comparing a mid-level Maverick XLT, without even the Luxury Package, against the FAR MORE expensive, top-of-the-line Santa Cruz is comparing apples to oranges. A more fair comparison would have been using a fully loaded, top-of-line Maverick Lariat against the Cruz. Then most, if not all of those things you had negative comments about with the basic XLT, wouldn't be in this video. Just sayin.
Oh, and regarding your low mpg on the Maverick, the Falken tires lower mpg, as will turning OFF the Auto Start/Stop. Not sure why you despise the Auto Start/Stop, but it is impacting your mpg. It's automatic. totally smooth, quiet and doesn't interfere with ANYTHING (except your mind). And it saves a LOT of gas over time, especially in town with all the 4-way stop signs, the LONG traffic lights, slow drivers, and heavy traffic. The savings DO add up.
That "more sophisticated" dual clutch tranny will show you how good it is when the trail gets a little tricky. Sophistication and dirt don't mix.
I always support American industry so the only choice is Ford maverick, just right for me.
Depends on what you consider American industry. The Hyundai is made in Alabama, the Maverick is made in Mexico. Which purchase supports American industry more?
Super super solid review! I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into this video! Covered literally everything, and I 100% agree with you about the odd spin-dials and start-stop technology being obnoxious. Subscribed
As a Ridgeline owner, on my second one picked up a 21 in Oct, I like where these are going. I will stick with the Honda as is use the extra cab and bed space, but I think these are great in their own ways. I hope future Ridgelines go hybrid like the Maverick, and that Honda introduces a Cr-v based competitor to these to keep the segment momentum going for the return of compact trucks. I can't wait to see Hyundai and Ford selling tons of these little trucks.
4:15 I don't get the little "tabs" they put on these things. Buick Regal TourX also had them, and several others.
I would love to see a video in this format on the Honda Ridgeline vs Hyundai Santa Cruz. And the Toyota Tacoma vs Nissan Frontier
From what I’ve seen the maverick has the better awd system especially when the wheels get to spinning. I’ve seen a video where the Santa Fe’s transmission started to smoke clutches. So if you ask me that’s a huge advantage going to the maverick…. Granted the test was between these 2 and a Canyon AT4 with an off road package which is apples to oranges but the maverick did better then expected. Especially since it is the more budget friendly option. Which is the exact reason why I ordered one.
Even a front wheel drive Maverick will have better traction than a 2WD F150 because all the weight is over the front wheels in the Maverick.
@@toronado455 you are correct however it is the duel clutch transmission in the Santa Cruz which was the issue. Now they may be awesome for on the road but on the trail they have some serious drawbacks!
@@k5rjtxj Thanks for that info. I know CVT will overheat on the trail, but didn't know DSG also had problems with trail use. I don't like DSG if they are not as smooth as CVT or traditional torque converter automatics on the pavement.
@@toronado455 that is from what I have seen on a few UA-cam videos when awd equipped vehicle went head to head on trail tests also from the video it seemed like the duel clutch in the Santa cruse started to smoke the clutches. Now I don’t plan on heavy trail use with my maverick but knowing the limits of its capabilities is just a way to avoid damages and drive line repairs are expensive. Now I do plan on driving in snow as I need to as it is a requirement for my job.
What everybody is missing is that the SC with the base 2.5 has a regular transmission and handles much better than the dc version.
In fact a base SC AWD is actually cheaper than a Maverick AWD. It also has a higher tow rating 5000 pounds . Also the SC dosent overheat when towing. Not to mention the base SC does have knobs and has full use of the bed because it dosent have the bed cover.
You can lock the AWD system on the maverick using Sand mode.
A point to think about is that the Lariat trim on the Maverick does have more sound deadening. Including the windows. For their price ranges, they're both great vehicles. But the Mavericks loaded AWD Lariat with added options lose their value proposition. It doesn't feel like it belongs in the $35k+ price range. It makes more sense under $30k. If you're looking at a fully loaded Lariat, it's in anyone's best interest to check out the Santa Cruz and the mid-size truck options. You would also find it easier to find a Santa Cruz.
Very nice reviews but the Maverick should have been the Lariat with Luxury package and with those items, my build is just over 10k less expensive, however for the 4 wheel drive would be 7k more So it comes down to budget and target audience.
The Maverick gets about 14% better gas mileage.
Please tell us where you got information on $1.5k to $2k upgrade of warranty for the Maverick?
Thank you.
Dealerships offer a variety of extended warranties. They range in price depending on your negotiation skills.
Didn’t even eTch the video yet.....Ford all the way !
What a great video Sam. The best comparaison vid on these two vehicules. You really help me to make my choice. I’ll be on Hyundai’s waiting list next week. Have a nice day from 🇨🇦.
You get what you pay for in life.
I bought an SC Limited a couple of months ago. I do not regret my decision and I have grown to appreciate it more and more for what it was designed and what it does incredibly well. The other afternoon, at dinner, I came across a new Maverick in the parking lot. Same color as mine (white) and it was an upper trim level. It was then and there that I realized just how much more of a vehicle the SC is compared to the Mav. The Mav just comes across as extremely cheap! It looked so basic utilitarian compared to my SC, and that was just on the outside. It had nothing that gave it any character, style wise. My passenger also had comments that were along the same line. I didn’t even have to look inside to compare as I know the Mav just doesn’t compete on the same level (seen so many videos and pics and heard everyone say how the materials are sub-par). I wanted to consider the Mav, but the interior alone kept that from happening and after finally seeing one up close I know I made the right decision. I know the Mav is more capable off road with its 4WD system, but I have no plans to do off-roading other than minor trails. The SC is more capable than most anyone will need it to be. The Mav would be more competitive if Ford would actually stop going so cheap with its interior materials (across the whole product range).
I've been considering and researching both the Mav and the SC.
I thought I had talked myself into the Mav, but I the interior is so cheap looking, as you said, I couldn't do it. When I realized my 2006 Ranger had a better interior, and a more stylish exterior, I was done with the Mav.
BW sure writes like he is a Hyundai salesman. Of course the SC has more features it costs thousands more than the maverick at every trim level.
@@willr1796 You are the first person I’ve seen since the Santa Cruz came out that said the design will “age well”. All the others have said the design will look like a failed concept in 2-3 years. The Santa Cruz is modern for now, but car design languages always change with every new generation coming out. Car designs in the past don’t look the same as they do now, as for the Maverick it retains the well known boxy design language of a traditional truck which has been carried on to every truck generation there has been. If it won’t age well, then why are they still making their trucks look “cheap” and not something more stylish with more curves and crazy front DRL’s. Because that’s not what the Maverick is after, they are after truck buyers that want a simple utilitarian truck that is compact. The Santa Cruz is looking for people need a truck, but still want to retain the aggressive styling of an economy car, also this car is best to stay on the road. Why would they put a DCT in a truck? For performance? DCT’s overheat and get stressed so easily (watch TFL’s video of comparing the Santa Cruz to the Maverick off-road) if DCT’s are the go to transmissions, why wont the big 3 (Ford, GM, Ram) put it in their half-ton and heavy duty trucks? This car is nothing like a Subaru Brat as that was intended for off-road use. This Santa Cruz was obviously meant for on-road use and going on light dirt roads. When they tested the Maverick, the engineered showed “no mercy for the durability testing” of the Maverick, this Maverick went through the same durability testing as the F-Series trucks do which is why people in the Maverick forums have been towing as much as 8800 pounds. Which is technically illegal, but the owners have stated it could still get up to highway speeds and the transmission and motor was cool the whole time which a DCT can’t do. Also, the Maverick costs way less. Just my 2 cents
@@rhydynamic8306 When the swoopy Sonata first came out, everyone said the same thing that it won't "age well".
But when you see one on the road now, it still looks more futuristic than the current Sonata.
@@ThisGuyRides For now, it’s only been out for a few years. I thought the 2018 Sonata was ahead of its time but it’s really dated now and has just become bland.
I appreciate your assessment of the SC wet dual clutch transmission. Other reviewers have said it was clunky and jumpy at low speeds and when off-roading. You spoke highly of how well it performed, contradicting those negative reports. Thanks for your opinion. I guess I'm gonna have to test drive one myself. I'd like to try a Maverick too, but neither option seems plausible at this time. Definitely NOT a good time to buy a car/ truck.
It has been jinky in the past, but the latest version is much better. Still not as smooth and predictable as a conventional auto however.
Your voice is so much more clear and louder in the Hyundai.
But that’s an ugly steering wheel. LMAO
I have a Maverick XLT AWD on order and I priced a Santa Cruz SEL with what I want at almost exactly the same price but it comes with more convenience items. I'm so torn on what to go with.
Worth noting that the Maverick can't come close to the Santa Cruz's warranty. That was ultimately the biggest deciding factor for me.
You get more safety features in the Santa Cruz than the Maverick..and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard
Wanna go off road? Maverick. Wanna look like a hipster? Santa Cruz. The awd maverick is going to come with a tried and true 8 speed automatic transmission and a 2.0 liter turbo engine 250 hp 277 ft lbs of torque. So long term stability will lean towards the mav. I’m biased though but getting 30mpg in my maverick has made me that way.
if money wasn't an issue. I think most would prefer the Santa Cruz. And besides that, the Ford Maverick has been marked up very high. So it's almost the same cost as the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz is hard to get too but Hyundai made good logistical decisions by building within America while Ford chose to build the Ford Maverick in Mexico.
Without watching the video, Sam. I would definitely take the Hyundai.. the "Other" looks like CRAP!!!