I don't know why but I really like this mini truck. I want to justify buying one to replace my Jeep but I would want a hybrid AWD but that doesn't exist yet.

 

The Maverick, because of its styling, roofline, two-box design, and space-efficiency, gives it the appearance and suggestion of a larger vehicle. The Santa Cruz, IMO, compromises too much in its styling and design. I strongly suspect (but can't prove) that is one thing that is driving the Maverick's sales.....plus the availability of a Hybrid version.

 

The Maverick looks like a truck, the Santa Cruz looks like a crossover with a bed. Thats the reason why.

 

Ok but "thinking" the Mav is "significantly" bigger does not actually make it so.

 

What does the Santa Cruz compromise by its styling and design?

 

It is, in fact, about four inches longer.....much of that in the bed length.

From what I can tell, visibility (smaller windows), bed length, and rear seat headroom. Also, Steve's point about the Maverick looking far more like a truck.

 

The Maverick is also 2-inches taller as well

 

I'll add something else that I don't think anyone else in the thread has. Because the Maverick is not truck-based, it might (?) pass as a four-door, 21st-Century version of the old Ford Ranchero, which goes back to 1957, and ran until the 1970s.

 

Thanks MM. I never knew of such a Buick pick up. Is that body on frame?

 

Yes. It uses a perimeter-frame, but not with the typical cross-beams. The cross-bracing is an "X" design. Here is one undergoing restoration.




Later GM cars, in the 50s and early 60s, used an "X" design without the perimeter frame.

 

A lot that is in the roofline....Ford didn't try and rake the styling.

 

The Maverick can be total garbage like the new Explorer and it would still outsell the Santa Cruz just like the Explorer outsells the Palisade. Hyundai alone just doesn't have the same production numbers when it comes to crossovers as Ford.

 

Wow. I never knew those types of frames existed.

 

Are those cameras on top of that vehicle?
Thanks

 

To be fair, I mentioned earlier that I thought the Hyundai seemed more solidly assembled, had better fit/finish, comes with a much longer warranty, and will likely be more reliable (if the engines don't catch fire LOL). That is likely one reason why it also costs more than the Maverick to start.....stripped Mavericks theoretically start at 20K, but good luck finding one. And the Maverick, like other smaller Ford crossovers, suffers from some indifference in its trim quality, paint-gloss, and interior hardware. But, any way you look at it, it is simply more of a truck, period....even lacking a truck-type ladder-frame. The Santa Cruz is more of a successor to the Subaru Baja of the early/mid 2000s.