How the Hyundai Santa Cruz stacks up against its Ford Maverick rival in the US

Hyundai has announced pricing for its new Santa Cruz pick-up, starting at US$25,175 (AU$33,738).

The Tucson-based twin-cab is due to go on sale in the US later this month, though it was unveiled back in 2015. Unfortunately, Hyundai has confirmed it will be produced for left-hand drive markets only, so it won’t be arriving on our shores.

The entry-level Santa Cruz SE’s price makes it more expensive than its nearest rival, the 2022 Ford Maverick. The Maverick pick-up will be offered in base XL form for US$21,490 (AU$28,798), but like the Santa Cruz it won’t be coming to Australia.

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Two engines will be offered with the Santa Cruz. A 2.5-litre four cylinder capable of 142kW/244Nm and backed by an eight-speed auto is standard on most models, while the SEL Premium and Limited variants pack a turbocharged version good for 205kW/420Nm through a dual-clutch auto.

Two engines will likewise be offered to Maverick buyers: a hybrid 2.5-litre making a combined 142kW/210Nmm via a CVT, and a 2.0 Ecoboost making 186kW and 375Nm with an eight-speed auto. Unlike the Santa Cruz’s turbocharged four, the Ecoboost will be available for every Maverick variant.

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Both pick-ups are front-wheel-drive as standard. All-wheel-drive can be optioned on any Santa Cruz, but AWD is only available on Ecoboost-equipped Mavericks.

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Santa Cruz SE FWD features include:

• Privacy glass
• 18” alloy wheels
• Power locking tailgate
• Six-speaker audio system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

One level up is the US$27,190 (AU$36,377) SEL FWD, which adds:

• Heated front seats with eight-way driver’s seat
• Collision avoidance assist
• Remote start

Moving to the turbo SEL Premium, buyers will pay US$35,680 (AU$47,721) for:

• AWD as standard
• LED headlights
• Leather steering wheel
• Dual-zone climate control

Topping the Santa Cruz range is the Limited, which will slug consumers US$39,720 (AU$52,196). Features include:

• Unique grille
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 20” alloy wheels
• Stop-start cruise control
• Bose premium audio

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In comparison, buyers of the top-spec Maverick Lariat can expect to pay US$26,575 (AU$35,596), but with all options added the price jumps to US$36,210 (AU$48,492).

While the Santa Cruz will arrive this month, Americans will have to wait until at least September for the Maverick.