The Santa Cruz is more crossover-like

 

Sold out. Good luck getting one. Ford did something right here, Sports truck, good fuel economy

 

What do folks think about the bed size? I'm considering one of these as well but just afraid that the bed won't be able to carry anything substantial because the dimensions are small (although the payload is surprisingly high!)

Any thoughts?

 

The bed would be too small for me and my current needs, but it all depends on what you want to haul in it.

 

The bed extension for $370 would be a must for me. Then you would have close to 6 feet of usable space. That and a bed cover would be the only upgrades I would buy on an XLT.

I used to have a 6 ft bed F150 and I didn’t find it to be too small, ever.

 

The bed extended is a great idea. I do wonder how much one has to spend to get a truck with a full 6 foot bed.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Tacoma is the smallest truck that offers a 6 ft bed. If you want new, you would be looking at that or a base full sized truck.

 

I think so. But it’s extra money for that size, 5.5 is standard I believe . Bed walls aren’t that high either

 

The Ranger has a 6' bed in a SCAB.

 

You might think Toyota would consider getting back into the segment they started and make a small pickup again. I would buy on in a NY minute.

 

The 6' bed is standard on the access cab Tacoma, optional on the double cab. Double cab comes standard with 5'.

 

I understand what you are saying from a work-truck-standpoint, but none of those smaller BOF trucks would have the Maverick's comfort or road-manners. They are all bouncy and stiff-riding, particularly when unloaded.

 

Yeah, it's all tradeoffs. Comfort versus capability.

 

If you like a traditional-looking Ford pickup with the square jawed styling, the the Maverick is a nice suburban runabout. The Santa Cruz is far better for material quality and ride/handling - but it's slightly goofy styling might be off-putting to some traditional Ford buyers who want rugged "Sport-trac" style.

The Hyundai has better materials on the inside and better ride on pavement, not to mention superior handling. Better warranty in the USA for the Hyundai vs the Ford as well the Santa Cruz's infotainment screens and displays.

 

I won't argue with your better-materials opinion on the Santa Cruz, although, like some other recent Hyunda/Kia products, IMO, the material solidness is not quite up to what they themselves were building from the mid 2000s to about 2020. I'd say their peak in material quality was around 2010 or so....then gradual cost-cutting set in, with a couple of exceptions like the Hyundai Venue and Kia Niro. which still seem built like tanks.