Is There A Clear Winner?

As of 2026, the pickup truck market has seen a dramatic shift towards overall lifestyle usage, surpassing conventional off-roading and manual labor. A few years ago, Hyundai saw an opportunity to capitalize on the body style by building a truck body on the Tucson chassis and calling it the Santa Cruz. Unlike the body-on-frame trucks, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is engineered for the lifestyle owner, primarily someone who navigates tight city streets during the week but requires an open bed for mountain bikes or DIY supplies on the weekend.

Blending an SUV’s refined monocoque chassis with the rugged utility of a truck makes the Santa Cruz a product that doesn’t compromise on capability or comfort. Joining the South Korean truck in this competitive space are two formidable rivals, namely the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline. The Maverick acts as the entry-point disruptor, appealing to budget-conscious buyers with its efficient hybrid powertrain and F-150-inspired styling. On the other end, the Ridgeline serves as the seasoned veteran, offering mid-size dimensions and a silky V-6 engine for those who need more interior volume and traditional truck presence.

Performance: Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. Ford Maverick vs. Honda Ridgeline

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  Base Trim Engine

  2.5L Smartstream I4 ICE

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-speed automatic

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Horsepower

  281 HP @5800 RPM

  Base Trim Torque

  311 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM

  Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

  18/25/20 MPG

  
  

  
  

• 
  

  

  

  Base Trim Engine

  2.0-liter 4-Cylinder EcoBoost

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-Speed Automatic

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  Front-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Horsepower

  250 hp

  Base Trim Torque

  277 lb-ft

  Make

  Ford

  
  

  
  

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  Base Trim Engine

  3.5L V6 ICE

  Base Trim Transmission

  9-speed automatic

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Horsepower

  280 HP @6000 RPM

  Base Trim Torque

  262 lb.-ft. @ 4700 RPM

  Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)

  18/24/21 MPG

  
  

  
  

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is available with two powertrain options, each with a unique transmission.Base models adopt the South Korean brand’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, driving your choice of the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. With this, you can expect to cover a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time in about 8.8 seconds before hitting a 120 MPH top speed. The EPA indicates that this model will consume 22/30/25 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle in front-wheel drive guise and 21/29/24 MPG with all-wheel drive fitted.

If it is more power that you are after, you can specify the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. For 2026, Hyundai replaced the dual-clutch with a retuned eight-speed automatic transmission for all trims. As a result, you can expect a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 6.0 seconds before hitting a 133 MPH top speed. Expect this model to return 18/25/20 MPG.

The 2026 Ford Maverick remains the efficiency king in this match-up, thanks to its available hybrid drivetrain, consisting of the Mazda-derived 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 191 horsepower, sent to the front wheels or to all four wheels depending on specification. With the front wheels driving, expect a 42/35/38 MPG consumption average, while the all-wheel drive achieves a 40/34/37 MPG result. According to independent testing, you can expect a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of around 8.5 seconds.

The Maverick’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, available only with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, produces 250 horsepower. In its most efficient trim, it returns 22/30/25 MPG, while the Tremor achieves a 21/27/23 MPG estimate. Despite being less powerful, it covers a 0 to 60 MPH sprint in a faster 5.8 seconds.

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is only available with a much larger naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6, with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The system generates 280 horsepower, resulting in a 0 to 60 MPH time of 6.0 seconds. Despite matching the Santa Cruz truck’s acceleration, it consumes 18/24/21 MPG due to its bigger engine and heavier curb weight, which worsens to 18/23/20 MPG when you opt for the TrailSport.

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. Ford Maverick vs. Honda Ridgeline Towing And Off-Road Capability

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz features a surprising amount of capacity, especially if you opt for the turbocharged all-wheel drive XRT and Limited trims. Hyundai rates base models for 3,500 pounds of towing, while the turbocharged variants can haul up to 5,000 pounds. This is largely thanks to its standard heavy-duty cooling system and Trailer Stability Assist.

The Ford Maverick needs the optional 4K Tow Package, available for both drivetrains as of 2026, in order to pull its 4,000-pound limit. This package adds an upgraded cooling fan and a trailer brake controller. Without this package, it will only tow 2,000 pounds. The Honda Ridgeline remains the steady veteran, offering 5,000 pounds of towing as standard across all trims.

Towing And Payload Capacities

Off-Road Capability

The Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT is the dedicated choice if you value off-roading, featuring rugged fender flares, side steps, and unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. For 2026, this adventure-minded derivative also benefits from enhanced software, including a specialized Surround View Monitor that acts as a digital spotter for navigating tight trails or hitching a trailer alone.

The Ford Maverick Tremor benefits from a more comprehensive off-roading experience, boasting a one-inch suspension lift, skid plates, and a twin-clutch rear drive unit for better torque vectoring in mud. The Honda Ridgeline TrailSport trim provides a much more legitimate dirt-road driving experience, thanks to a specialized off-road-tuned suspension and steel underbody protection.

Interior: Tech, Comfort, And Usability

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz features a tech-forward SUV-like interior experience. The entry-level SE and SEL trims act as the base models, followed by the SEL Activity, XRT, and Limited derivatives. For 2026, the Santa Cruz features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen across all models, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL Activity and Limited trims upgrade the experience via a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While the base SE employs durable and stain-resistant cloth, the mid-tier SEL and rugged XRT upgrade to H-Tex leatherette. The Limited trim adds genuine leather, ventilated front seats, and a premium Bose audio system.

The Ford Maverick is available in XL, XLT, Lariat, and Lobo trims, each including a surprisingly large 13.2-inch standard touchscreen for 2026. This model’s cabin is heavily characterized by hard plastics and a utilitarian design meant for durability and cost-efficiency. In contrast, the Honda Ridgeline, offered in Sport, RTL, TrailSport, and Black Editions, provides the most spacious and mature interior that aligns with the pickup truck world. We do have to note that the Ridgeline’s tech may feel slightly dated by comparison, as it features a smaller nine-inch touchscreen and a more traditional physical button layout.

Usability remains a high point for all three, but they cater to different needs. The Santa Cruz excels in small-item storage and tech integration, offering a fingerprint scanner on the Limited trim to start the vehicle and a surround-view monitor that makes urban parking effortless. The Maverick focuses on DIY utility with its innovative Flexbed system and abundant rear under-seat storage bins. The Ridgeline’s larger proportions mean it can capitalize on passenger comfort and large-scale interior storage, with a rear seat that flips up to fit a bicycle and a cabin that is significantly wider, allowing for genuine five-adult seating.

Comfort And Ride Quality

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers the most car-like ride in its class, prioritizing a refined sport-utility experience that feels more like a nimble Tucson than a traditional truck. This composed feel is largely due to its fully independent multi-link rear suspension and a shorter wheelbase than its competitors, promoting stability through corners.

The Ford Maverick has a respectable ride, with a suspension that can feel a bit more bouncy or utilitarian when the bed is empty, especially in the lower trims. The Honda Ridgeline remains the benchmark for highway comfort, utilizing a wider footprint and a heavy-duty independent rear suspension that deals with road imperfections well.

Cargo Capacity

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz adopts a specialized cargo approach that favors security and urban adaptability over raw volume. Its 4.3-foot bed is the shortest in the group, but it is packed with clever features like a lockable and weather-protected in-bed trunk, complete with a drain plug for use as a cooler.

You also get an integrated sliding tonneau cover that transforms the bed into a trunk-like compartment to keep your things secure. The Ford Maverick features a slightly longer 4.5-foot Flexbed, which benefits from pre-stamped slots and pockets for DIY 2×4 dividers and specialized 12-volt power access for hobbyists. Ford does not include a standard composite bed liner and integrated security cover, but they are optionally available.

The Honda Ridgeline remains the heavy-hitter for flexibility, boasting a 5.3-foot bed that is wide enough to lay 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood flat between the wheel wells. It also features a unique dual-action tailgate that swings out or drops, resulting in improved access to its 7.3-cubic-foot under-bed trunk.

Cargo Space Comparison

Safety And Reliability

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz holds a significant edge with its industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which vastly outclasses the five-year or 60,000-mile coverage offered by both Ford and Honda. From a safety perspective, the Santa Cruz earns Top Safety Pick accolades and a five-star NHTSA overall rating, coming standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes blind-spot collision avoidance, which is something that is optional on the base Ford Maverick.

While the Honda Ridgeline boasts a legendary reputation for mechanical longevity and consistent five-star safety scores via Honda Sensing, it has recently seen more recalls than the Hyundai. The Maverick, while highly praised for its hybrid innovation, has faced the most scrutiny regarding initial quality and frequent recalls, though it remains a strong value-per-dollar contender.

Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety And Reliability

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out as the only small pickup in its segment to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2026. It achieves this distinction by meeting more stringent requirements for second-row occupant protection. It boasts a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, bolstered by the standard Hyundai SmartSense suite, which includes advanced features like forward collision-avoidance with junction turning detection and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist.

On the reliability front, the Santa Cruz has moved past the early-generation transmission faults of its 2022 debut. The 2026 model benefits from a mid-cycle refresh that notably replaces the complex dual-clutch transmission in turbocharged models with a more durable traditional eight-speed automatic. Early years are subject to recalls for trailer wiring harnesses. The 2026 model currently has recalls for an instrument panel display failure and side curtain airbags that may deploy incorrectly. It also earns a Great reliability rating from J.D. Power and is backed by an industry-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $468 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,765 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 2
• Worst Years To Buy Used: 2022

Ford Maverick Safety And Reliability

While the Maverick earns a solid four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good scores in most IIHS crashworthiness categories, it falls short of the Santa Cruz’s Top Safety Pick status. This is because of a Marginal rating in the updated moderate front overlap test, where rear passenger protection was noted as a concern.

Reliability for the 2026 model has improved as Ford addressed early-run teething issues, such as battery harness glitches and software bugs in the hybrid powertrain. However, the model has faced early 2026 recalls regarding instrument panel covers that may detach during airbag deployment and engine block heaters prone to short-circuiting.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $775 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $10,773 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 3
• Worst Years To Buy Used: 2022

Honda Ridgeline Safety And Reliability

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline earns a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with perfect scores in frontal and side-impact tests, and the IIHS has historically rated its unibody structure as Good for occupant protection. However, while the Honda Sensing suite is standard across all trims, some reviewers note that its lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control systems feel less refined than the more modern systems found in key rivals.

Reliability remains a strong point for the Ridgeline’s proven V-6 engine, yet it has not been immune to scrutiny. There are no recorded recalls specifically for the 2026 model year as of early 2026, but the engine family was recently part of a large federal investigation into connecting rod bearing failures in older models from 2017 to 2019. Despite these legacy concerns, the Ridgeline is generally considered a safe bet for mechanical longevity, backed by a standard five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

• Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $429 (RepairPal)
• Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,263 (CarEdge)
• Total Recalls: 0
• Worst Years To Buy Used: 2017-2019

Verdict: The Santa Cruz Gets The Balance Right

The 2026 Ford Maverick is the objective winner for the average buyer and the clear market champion. Its sales performance is dominant, outselling the Santa Cruz by a staggering six-to-one margin in 2025. This is driven by its accessible entry price and its hybrid efficiency, which remains unmatched in the segment. The Maverick’s authentic truck appearance and DIY-friendly bed provide the best balance of price, starting at $28,145, and utility, even if its interior materials feel cheaper than the competition.

However, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the best choice for the urban lifestyle buyer who prioritizes tech and comfort. While its sales have struggled, it remains the most sophisticated to drive. It offers a premium, SUV-like cabin and a superior 10-year warranty that neither Ford nor Honda can touch. If you want a daily driver that happens to have a bed for weekend gear, the Santa Cruz is the better option, though its higher starting price of $29,750, and lack of a hybrid option have limited its mass-market appeal.

Finally, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline is the choice for the traditionalist who needs a midsize truck but values overall ride comfort. It is the most expensive of the group, with the range starting at $40,795, but it has the most interior space and the largest, most versatile bed. While it lacks the futuristic tech of the Santa Cruz and the efficiency of the Maverick, its high resale value and V-6 power make it the most substantial truck here.

Source: The EPA, NHTSA, and IIHS