What Are the 2026 Ford Maverick Starting Prices and Powertrain Choices vs the Santa Cruz?

The 2026 Ford Maverick lineup starts at $28,145 MSRP for the XL FWD trim equipped with a 2.5L hybrid engine producing 191 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque, while gas EcoBoost models feature a turbocharged 2.0L engine delivering 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the Hyundai Santa Cruz lacks a hybrid powertrain option entirely and starts higher at over $30,000 MSRP.

Ford structures the Maverick lineup across five distinct trim levels to suit different driving needs and budgets. The base XL trim provides essential utility at an accessible entry point, while the XLT adds upgraded upholstery, power mirrors, and enhanced wheel options. The luxury-focused Lariat trim includes premium ActiveX seating, adaptive cruise control, and elevated interior appointments. For enthusiasts, the street-tuned Lobo features a lowered ride height and performance steering, while the off-road-oriented Tremor brings specialized suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, and locking all-wheel drive.

Here is how the main 2026 Ford Maverick configurations stack up by starting price, engine specs, and transmission pairings:

• XL FWD: Base MSRP $28,145 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2.5L hybrid engine, 191 hp, 173 lb-ft of torque, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), Front-wheel drive.
• XL AWD: Base MSRP $30,365 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2.5L hybrid engine, 191 hp, 173 lb-ft of torque, CVT, All-wheel drive.
• XLT FWD: Base MSRP $30,645 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2.5L hybrid engine, 191 hp, 173 lb-ft of torque, CVT, Front-wheel drive.
• XLT AWD: Base MSRP $32,865 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2.5L hybrid engine, 191 hp, 173 lb-ft of torque, CVT, All-wheel drive.
• Lariat AWD: Base MSRP $38,090 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2.5L hybrid engine, 191 hp, 173 lb-ft of torque, CVT, All-wheel drive.
• Lobo Standard 4WD: Base MSRP $35,930 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2L EcoBoost engine, 250 hp, 277 lb-ft of torque, automatic 7-speed transmission, All-wheel drive.
• Lobo Premium 4WD: Base MSRP $41,425 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2L EcoBoost engine, 250 hp, 277 lb-ft of torque, automatic 7-speed transmission, All-wheel drive.
• Tremor 4WD: Base MSRP $40,645 (plus $1,845 destination charge), 2L EcoBoost engine, 250 hp, 277 lb-ft of torque, automatic 8-speed transmission, All-wheel drive.

Choosing between the two engines comes down to your personal driving demands. The hybrid powertrain shines in stop-and-go driving and long-distance travel, offering exceptional fuel savings. The turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost engine provides quicker acceleration and maximum towing muscle for hauling heavier loads.

You can browse our new Ford Maverick inventory to see current trim availability and standard equipment options.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

What Is the Total Driving Range of a 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid?

The 2026 Ford Maverick Hybrid offers a total driving range of approximately 500 to 524 miles on a single 13.8-gallon tank of gas, thanks to its EPA-estimated 42 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined ratings in front-wheel-drive configuration. This efficiency far outpaces non-hybrid compact trucks like the Santa Cruz, which yields roughly 23 to 25 mpg combined.

The Maverick achieves this range by pairing a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and regenerative braking. During city driving, the hybrid system frequently operates in pure electric mode at lower speeds, capturing energy during braking to recharge the battery pack. Even when equipped with available all-wheel drive, the Maverick Hybrid maintains an impressive EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined, giving drivers all-weather traction without a major penalty at the pump.

Real-world driving conditions can influence total range, particularly during central Illinois winters. Cold winter weather and sub-freezing temperatures can temporarily reduce hybrid battery efficiency, resulting in a typical winter range loss between 15% and 30%. Taking advantage of garaged parking and preconditioning the cabin while plugged in helps minimize this seasonal dip.

For commuters making daily highway trips along I-57 around Effingham, the Maverick Hybrid's low cost per mile delivers noticeable operational savings over time. If you prefer a pre-owned vehicle, you can also check our selection of pre-owned trucks to compare late-model hybrid pickups.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

Can a 4x8 Sheet of Plywood Fit in the Bed of a 2026 Ford Maverick?

Yes, a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood can fit inside the bed of the 2026 Ford Maverick when using the multi-position tailgate set to its halfway angle. By resting the sheet across the wheel wells and the adjusted tailgate lip, 4-foot wide construction materials lie flat above the wheel arches for secure transport.

The Maverick's cargo box is designed specifically around real-world work needs. Key bed dimensions and utility features include:

• Bed length of 54.4 inches (4.5 feet) with the tailgate closed.
• Width between the wheel wells of 42.6 inches.
• Total bed cargo volume of about 33 cubic feet.
• Stamped slots in the bed sides that accept 2x4 or 2x6 lumber to build custom multi-tier storage racks.
• Threaded DIY mounting holes for installing custom tie-downs, brackets, or bike mounts.
• Available 110V/400W Pro Power Onboard outlet in the bed for powering tools, lights, or camping equipment.
• Maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds, surpassing the Santa Cruz's 1,411-pound limit.

Because the Maverick features a low bed side height and a back-friendly 30-inch tailgate lift-in height, loading heavy cargo, bags of mulch, or equipment over the bed sides is much easier than with tall full-size trucks.

If you are planning to upgrade from your current vehicle to a versatile compact truck, you can value your trade online to see how much equity you can apply toward your purchase.

How Does Towing Capacity Compare Between the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz?

The 2026 Ford Maverick offers a maximum 4,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with either the 2.0L EcoBoost engine or the 2.5L Hybrid and the available 4K Tow Package, matching real-world utility needs for small boats, camper trailers, and utility rigs. While top-tier turbo gas versions of the Santa Cruz list a 5,000-pound maximum rating, the Maverick comes factory-engineered with dedicated towing hardware that makes pulling heavy loads straightforward.

Standard configurations for both the Maverick Hybrid and EcoBoost models without the upgraded package feature a 2,000-pound towing capacity. Adding the optional 4K Tow Package equips the Maverick with essential heavy-duty mechanical cooling and electrical upgrades, including:

• A higher-capacity radiator fan and heavy-duty transmission oil cooler.
• A factory trailer hitch receiver with integrated 4-pin and 7-pin wiring harness connectors.
• An integrated trailer brake controller mounted directly on the dashboard.
• Upgraded final drive gear ratios on select models for improved low-end pulling power.

The inclusion of an integrated trailer brake controller directly from the factory gives the Maverick a distinct edge over the Santa Cruz, which does not offer a factory brake controller. This feature allows drivers to adjust electric trailer brakes seamlessly from the cabin, enhancing stopping confidence on highway downgrades and emergency stops.

When you are ready to review purchase steps and monthly budgeting, you can submit a credit application online through our secure finance portal.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim