Which compact truck has better value in 2025? That’s what we’re here to find out. We’ll be taking a look at the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Santa Cruz to see which is better. We’ll be diving into price, features, and most importantly, fuel economy.
Key takeaways
- The Maverick comes with newer features for 2025, including a new trim.
- The Maverick offers a hybrid powertrain, while the Santa Cruz doesn't.
- The Maverick has a lower starting price and a lower price on the recommended trim.
Are there any 2025 Mavericks available?
Yes, there are Mavericks available. If you’re in the market for a 2025 Maverick, there’s a good chance your local Plan City dealership, Jarrett Scott Ford, will have some in stock.
Some upgrades this year are a new trim level as well as styling refresh with better components. The new trim is the Lobo. This focuses on performance with a 250 horsepower I4 engine paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. To help provide better handling, it comes with a lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, and 19-inch rally-inspired wheels.
The rest of the lineup comes with a larger 13.2-inch infotainment display and now features wireless phone connectivity. AWD is now available with the hybrid powertrain, which now has a max tow rating of 4,000 pounds. More standard driver assisted tech joins the line with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beams.
Are there any 2025 Santa Cruz available?
Yes, 2025 Santa Cruz models are out. For 2025, the Santa Cruz sees a minor refresh. Some changes from this year are a new 12.3-inch infotainment display that has wireless phone connectivity. Other than that, the other new features were just moving things around.
How much is the 2025 Ford Maverick going to cost?
The Maverick has an MSRP of $26,995. The Maverick lineup comes in 5 trim levels:
- XL starting at $26,995
- XLT starting at $29,495
- Lobo starting at $35,255
- Lariat starting at $37,290
- Tremor starting at $40,350
If you want the most bang for your buck, then Car and Driver recommends the XLT. They do note that the XL is the best for keeping the prices low, the features that the XLT adds make it the “value-oriented model”.
The features that it adds are cruise control, a power lock for the tailgate, and power exterior mirrors. They also note that the hybrid powertrain being offered in AWD makes it an “even more compelling option”. Also stating that they’d “order the Tow package to unlock the maximum Maverick towing capacity of 4000 pounds”.
How much is the 2025 Santa Cruz going to cost?
The 2025 Santa Cruz has an MSRP of $28,750. The Santa Cruz comes in 5 trim levels:
- SE starting at $28,750
- SEL starting at $30,450
- SEL Activity starting at $33,450
- XRT starting at $40,250
- Limited starting at $42,750
Much like the Maverick, we’ll get a recommendation from Car and Driver. They note that the “XRT is the trim that we think is the one to get.” They also say, “Admittedly, this model represents a steep MSRP climb over the SE and SEL, but the more powerful turbocharged engine is a must for anyone who cares about acceleration.”
How many miles per gallon does a 2025 Ford Maverick hybrid get?
The hybrid gets 42 MPG in the city. For the 2025 Maverick, the EPA has estimated that you will get 38 MPG combined. Being that it has regenerative braking, these models will excel in the city, getting 42 mpg.
While the Maverick offers a hybrid engine, the Santa Cruz doesn't. The more potent engine that offers better power sacrifices fuel economy. This sits at an EPA estimated 22 MPG combined. While the non turbo charged version gets an EPA estimated 25 MPG combined.
Final thoughts
Ford has done it again. The Maverick is the best selling compact truck, much like its older brother, the F-150. When it comes to the best truck compared to the Santa Cruz, the Maverick is the obvious choice. Come on down to Jarrett Scott Ford for a test drive!