Which is the smallest pickup truck? This is a question many people are interested in as the trend of using small pickup trucks becomes increasingly popular. The two most prominent names in this segment are the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Both have compact dimensions, suitable for navigating crowded cities, while also meeting the need for cargo transportation.
The Race Between Two “Newcomers”: Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz
The small pickup truck market is witnessing fierce competition between two leading brands: Ford and Hyundai. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are two pioneering models, opening up a new trend for the urban pickup truck segment.
Two completely new models in the compact pickup segment
The appearance of these two “newcomers” has challenged the dominant position of large pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series, which has led the market in sales for many years. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are developed on a unibody chassis platform, similar to SUVs/Crossovers, providing a more agile and comfortable driving experience.
Dimensions: Which is More Compact?
Which is the smallest pickup truck between these two? In terms of overall dimensions, both are significantly more compact than traditional pickup trucks. The Hyundai Santa Cruz has a wheelbase of 3,005 mm and an overall length of 4,971 mm. The Ford Maverick is slightly longer, with a length of 5,072 mm and a wheelbase of 3,076 mm.
Comparing the length and height of the Maverick with larger pickup trucks
Compared to mid-size pickup trucks, the Maverick and Santa Cruz are about 300mm shorter, and nearly 800mm shorter than the Ford F-150. However, the bed size of both is still spacious enough to meet basic cargo carrying needs.
Cargo bed of the Ford Maverick
The Santa Cruz bed is 1,323 mm long, only slightly shorter than competitors like the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and Honda Ridgeline. The Ford Maverick has a 1.37-meter long bed, integrating many smart solutions to support transportation.
Features and Engines: Each Car Has Its Own Style
Both models are equipped with comfortable and modern interiors that are comparable to Crossovers. The Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out with a 10-inch infotainment screen, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Bose sound system.
Comfortable interior of the Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick scores points with its SYNC3 8-inch infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, WiFi hotspot, and many smart storage compartments. Regarding engines, the Santa Cruz has two 2.5L engine options: naturally aspirated and turbocharged. The Ford Maverick offers a fuel-efficient 2.5L hybrid version and a more powerful 2.0L Ecoboost version.
The 2022 Ford Maverick comes standard with a hybrid powertrain
Conclusion: Which Choice is Right for You?
So which is the smallest pickup truck and suitable for you? Both the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz are attractive options in the compact pickup truck segment. The Maverick has the advantage of a lower starting price, while the Santa Cruz has a more impressive design and features. The final choice depends on each person’s needs and budget. The appearance of these two models promises to liven up the pickup truck market in the near future.
