2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ in Hastings, NE
2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ
The compact pickup segment is buzzing, and nowhere is that more evident than right here in Hastings, NE. The 2026 Ford Maverick® brings genuine truck utility together with smart tech and the option for a hybrid + available AWD system, while the 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ leans into its sport-adventure vibe with an available 2.5L turbo and in-bed storage. When you put 2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ side by side, the Maverick stands out for everyday capability that fits local life—think gravel turnoffs to the lake, steady highway manners in prairie crosswinds, and bed solutions that handle weekend projects without fuss. Ford backs that up with available features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, a 360-Degree Camera, and the FLEXBED® Storage System, all designed to make towing, loading, and maneuvering simpler around town. As your neighbors at Hastings Ford, we focus on real advantages you’ll feel every day in Hastings, NE, from school drop-offs to supply runs. If you’re weighing 2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ for a dependable small-truck partner, our view is clear—the Maverick’s blend of hybrid efficiency, truck-first utility, and Ford work-smart features gives it the edge.
| Feature | 2026 Ford Maverick | 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid powertrain available | Yes | No |
| Hybrid + AWD available | Yes | No |
| FLEXBED® Storage System | Yes | No |
| Standard 13.2-inch center display | Yes | No |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ | Yes | No |
| Advanced 4WD with twin-clutch rear drive unit | Yes | No |
| Rear drive unit lock | Yes | No |
| FX4® Off-Road Package | Yes | No |
| Maverick Lobo™ performance variant with paddle shifters | Yes | No |
Exterior - Ford Dealer serving Hastings, NE
Maverick’s exterior design telegraphs capability. The proportions are truck-authentic, with a squared-off bed, a strong shoulder line, and the kind of stance that looks right at a job site or the ballfields. Available FX4® Off-Road Package brings upgraded suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, and skid plates for those county-road shortcuts and rutted access lanes outside town. For drivers who want athletic polish, the Maverick Lobo™ adds a unique grille, performance-tuned steering and suspension, and an aero-minded ground-effects look that still lets you load up camping gear. The headline outside, though, is utility—FLEXBED® features within the 4.5-foot bed help you secure bikes, build simple dividers, and electrify your gear with an available 400-watt outlet shown in Ford’s gallery. SANTA CRUZ is styled more like a crossover with a bed—sporty, with available cladding and a roofline that flows into its short box. Hyundai counters with bed bins, a lockable in-bed trunk with drain, and an available retractable tonneau cover, making it a clever cargo carrier for active lifestyles. Both trucks look modern on US-34 runs, but Maverick’s classic truck cues and purpose-first features fit what many drivers expect from a pickup that works as good as it looks in Hastings, NE.
Interior - 2026 Ford Maverick in Hastings, NE
Inside, Maverick thoughtfully balances space, storage, and tech that works hard without getting in your way. A standard 13.2-inch center display with SYNC® 4 keeps core apps and navigation within easy reach, while the available 360-Degree Camera helps with tight parking on downtown streets in Hastings, NE. Available ActiveX®-trimmed seats are easy to clean after muddy trail days, and the cabin offers clever cubbies for bottles, tools, and charging cables. The layout feels open and durable—great for families and solo commuters who split time between work sites and errands. The SANTA CRUZ counters with a panoramic curved display concept that pairs a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and, on select trims, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s sleek and highly connected, with Bluelink+ remote features and available Hyundai Digital Key. Still, Maverick emphasizes practical touches that suit our roads—physical controls where you want them, available heated elements for Nebraska cold snaps, and thoughtful storage baked into the doors and console. Plus, Ford’s truck-focused seating and material choices are built for wear, tear, and the kind of dust and grit that come with gravel drives and weekend hauling. For many shoppers, that day-to-day usability is the difference maker.
Ford Maverick vs Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Mechanical Specs
Ford's Maverick brings legit small-truck hardware. Available Advanced 4WD with a twin-clutch rear drive unit can proactively send torque side to side for crisp traction, and certain trims add a rear drive unit lock for consistent grip on loose surfaces. Selectable Drive Modes tailor throttle, shift logic, and traction control for dirt or snow, while the FX4® Off-Road Package and the Tremor® model add protective skid plates and off-road-tuned suspension. Ford’s attention to towing extends to the chassis with available Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ that simplifies backing a trailer along narrow alleys or angled driveways—just the ticket near parks or trailheads west of town. SANTA CRUZ’s HTRAC AWD is confident on varying surfaces, and its newer Terrain Mode Select adds Snow, Mud, and Sand on certain trims. Hyundai’s chassis tuning tends toward an SUV-like ride, which some will appreciate for daily commuting. Still, Maverick’s mechanicals read like a traditional pickup—engineered to load, tow, and travel rougher shoulders when you need to. That alignment with true truck priorities, supported by real hardware like the twin-clutch rear drive unit and integrated trailering tech, is a big reason our customers choose Ford.
Powertrain - Ford Dealership in Hastings, NE
Maverick’s engine lineup is a major differentiator. The 2.5L hybrid delivers smooth, quiet power for daily drives with the bonus of available AWD—a compelling combo for mixed paved and gravel routes and those windy stretches between Juniata and Grand Island. If you want more punch, the available 2.0L EcoBoost® brings confident passing performance; the Maverick Lobo™ pairs that engine with a 7-speed quick-shift transmission, paddle shifters, and a torque-vectoring-capable twin-clutch rear drive unit that makes the truck feel as precise as it is practical. Max available towing reaches 4,000 lbs with the 4K Tow Package, and max payload is rated up to 1,500 lbs, so small campers, landscaping gear, and DIY materials are squarely in range. SANTA CRUZ offers two gas engines—a naturally aspirated 2.5L and an available turbo 2.5L rated up to 281 hp, paired with HTRAC AWD for strong highway merges and longer trips. Hyundai also touts up to 5,000 lbs of towing when properly equipped. Both trucks can work, but Ford’s hybrid option—now with available AWD—gives Maverick an everyday advantage for local commutes, errands, and light towing without giving up the kind of responsiveness that makes a small pickup fun to drive.
Safety - Ford Maverick vs Hyundai SANTA CRUZ
Both trucks bring modern safety suites, but Ford’s available features are tailored to the way people use pickups. Maverick offers Ford Co-Pilot360® technologies such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), and a Lane-Keeping System, plus available Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 features for enhanced cruise and lane centering. The available 360-Degree Camera makes threading past parked trucks on narrow neighborhood streets and lining up trailers easier. SANTA CRUZ equips Hyundai SmartSense, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist as standard on many trims, and offers advanced features like Surround View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist on upper models. On icy mornings or dusty harvest-season afternoons, both trucks help you stay confident. Still, Maverick’s truck-centric options—like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and wide-angle camera views—speak directly to the tasks that small-truck owners take on in our part of Nebraska. And with Ford’s thoughtful ergonomics and available heated elements, you can keep your hands and eyes where they need to be when the Platte River winds start to kick up.
Why Drivers in Hastings, NE Choose the 2026 Ford Maverick
Local drivers want a small truck that fits their roads, routines, and weekend plans. Maverick’s hybrid + available AWD, FLEXBED® Storage System, and work-smart driver assists give it everyday readiness and weekend capability, all in a compact footprint that’s easy to park around local shops and parks. At Hastings Ford, we help you tailor your truck to your life—whether that’s a Tremor® for unpaved getaways, an XLT with FX4® for mixed duty, or a Lariat® for tech-forward comfort. And when it’s time for service, our team keeps you moving in Hastings, NE with convenient scheduling and knowledgeable support.
- Performance and control: Available Advanced 4WD with a twin-clutch rear drive unit, selectable drive modes, and up to 4,000 lbs of towing make work and play simple.
- Comfort and technology: A standard 13.2-inch display with SYNC® 4, available 360-Degree Camera, and easy-to-clean ActiveX®-trimmed seats suit everyday life.
- Ownership experience: We configure, maintain, and support your truck so it’s ready for commutes, projects, and weekends in Hastings, NE.
Our recommendation: Choose Maverick for the smartest balance of real truck utility, hybrid + available AWD confidence, and features that match local needs in Hastings, NE.
Request more 2026 Ford Maverick information
When you compare 2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ, both bring fresh design and useful tech to the small-truck conversation. The difference is how completely Maverick embraces pickup priorities—hybrid efficiency with available AWD, the FLEXBED® system for simple DIY cargo solutions, and truck-specific assists like Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ and a 360-Degree Camera. Add in specialized options like FX4® and Tremor® hardware, plus the athletic Maverick Lobo™, and you get a lineup that meets Nebraska’s mix of highway miles, gravel lanes, and weekend tasks with a confident, right-sized footprint. As your team at Hastings Ford, we see how well Maverick fits daily life—easy to maneuver, comfortable to live with, and ready for whatever your calendar holds. If you’re deciding between these two, we invite you to explore our selection, take a road loop that mirrors your routine, and feel how smoothly Maverick settles into your day. From first test drive to regular maintenance, we’ll be here to support you with straightforward guidance and service that keeps your truck working hard for you.
While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the factory rebates, incentives, options, price or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we get data from multiple data sources. PLEASE MAKE SURE to confirm the details of this vehicle (such as what factory rebates you may or may not qualify for) with the dealer to ensure its accuracy. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that is listed incorrectly. Not available with special finance or lease offers. Price excludes tax, title, license, registration, cost of closing, any finance charges, any emissions testing fees, and any applicable state or local fees. All vehicle prices include a $139 documentation fee. Fuel economy ratings and driving range figures are based on EPA estimates for new vehicles, and actual milage and range may vary depending on factors such as driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, fuel quality, driving habits, and modifications. For used vehicles, the EPA estimates were generated when the vehicle was new, and actual fuel economy may differ more significantly due to factors like age, maintenance history, and vehicle condition. Therefore, EPA estimates should be used as a general guide for comparison purposes only and not as a guarantee of actual fuel economy or driving range, especially when considering used vehicles. Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.