The refreshed 2025 Ford Maverick just debuted in July, ushering in a host of changes for the compact pickup – inside and out. However, all of those updates also mean that the 2025 Ford Maverick is more expensive than its predecessor – in some cases, significantly pricier. When we compare the pricing of the recently-refreshed Maverick to its sole competitor – the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz – those figures don’t look nearly as bad, however.
| Hyundai Santa Cruz Trim Level | 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz MSRP | 2025 Ford Maverick MSRP | Ford Maverick Trim Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE 2.5L FWD | $28,500 | $26,295 | XL EcoBoost |
| SEL 2.5L FWD | $30,200 | $28,795 | XLT EcoBoost |
| SEL Activity FWD | $33,200 | $36,735 | Lariat EcoBoost |
| SE AWD | $30,000 | $39,795 | Tremor |
| SEL AWD | $31,700 | $40,495 | Lobo |
| SEL Activity AWD | $34,700 | $26,295 | XL Hybrid |
| XRT 2.5L Turbo AWD | $40,000 | $28,795 | XLT Hybrid |
| Limited 2.5L Turbo AWD | $42,500 | $36,735 | Lariat Hybrid |
| Freight charges (destination) | $1,395 | $1,595 |
Though it’s difficult to perfectly line up the trim levels of the 2025 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, it’s quite clear that the former is cheaper to procure than the latter, in general. The base Maverick XL starts out at $26,295 for the 2025 model year, which is quite a bit lower than the Santa Cruz SE 2.5L FWD model at $28,500, for starters. From there, the gap grows even further in some cases, with the range topping Maverick Lariat Hybrid starting out at $36,735 compared to the Santa Cruz Limited 2.5L Turbo AWD at $42,500.
Like the Maverick, the Hyundai Santa Cruz also received a refresh for the 2025 model year, one that brought forth many of the same sorts of updates. Those include some minor exterior styling updates, along with new wheel designs and exterior paint color options, plus a larger 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
As for the 2025 Ford Maverick, it also received a revised front fascia, plus a hybrid all-wheel drive option, and a digital instrument gauge cluster paired with a larger, 13.2-inch screen running SYNC 4, while the former Tremor Off-Road Package has become its own trim level, to boot.
| MODEL | Q2 24 / Q2 23 | Q2 24 | Q2 23 | Q2 24 SHARE | YTD 24 / YTD 23 | YTD 24 | YTD 23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD MAVERICK | +81.02% | 38,052 | 21,021 | 80% | +81.45% | 77,113 | 42,499 |
| HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ | -11.31% | 9,528 | 10,743 | 20% | -10.50% | 17,945 | 20,050 |
| TOTAL | +49.79% | 47,580 | 31,764 | +51.97% | 95,058 | 62,549 |
In terms of sales, there isn’t much of a comparison between these two compact pickups, in spite of their similarities. Rather, the Maverick currently dominates the sales charts with an 80 percent share of the segment in Q2, outselling the Santa Cruz at a rate of 77,113 units versus 17,945 in the first half of 2024.
And Bathurst is the place to do it.
A way to prevent theft or unwanted use.
With Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric on top.
Led by F-150 range and bolstered by Maverick again.
A nice complement to Ford's array of carbon fiber goodies.
And it's owned by a former Ford engineer.
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A lot of people were freaking out about the price increase of the 2025 Maverick. None of them had ever even considered looking at Santa Cruz pricing to see how good a deal the Maverick still was. All they saw was that it didn't start at $20k anymore.
Comparing the Maverick to an already expensive Santa Cruz doesn't comfort me in the least. Since introduction the Maverick has increased in price by more than $6,000. This for a vehicle whose main attraction was a very attractive price. Ford just doesn't have as much of a winner as it did.
I have to agree. If the Maverick sold in numbers like the SC, the Maverick would probably already be discontinued. Ford, please keep the price low for the "more base" models (XL & XLT) and let the folks who want to option-up their Mav do so at a cost.
I think they could use a trim below the current XL. I wouldn't mind seeing a new "base" trim, or maybe even a "Work Truck" trim down near $20k. But given current inflation since the car came out, and the added features, the price increase has been reasonable.
Well prices of the Maverick are so high the truck doesn't make much sense. You might as well get a Ranger. Much more capable and could do much more.
The front end of the new 2025 Maverick is a deal breaker for me. It looks cheap . Previous years of the Maverick front end were much better . Design changes should be better not worse. I love Ford trucks but GM is making some great looking trucks.
The Ford Maverick may have a better price or better meet the needs of a customer, but if you have to wait a year or more to get the vehicle you order, the price doesn't help that much. We just want our vehicle.
Or you know.....just buy one of the thousands just sitting already built. What on earth needs to be special "ordered" that you couldn't find at a dealer lot?!
Ya’ know, the quality of the Santa Cruz is much, much better than the Maverick. Ford puts really marginal quality components in the Maverick which will not last long, and charges customers more. I do believe that they may have speeded the demise of their little “golden goose “, really sad state of affairs. So sad. (IMO).
Less expensive, but a lot uglier!
If looks could kill………..