After the quirky Subaru Baja went out of production in 2006, it took almost two decades for the compact pickup segment to be revived, thanks to new arrivals from Hyundai and Ford. Based on unibody platforms but with an open bed at the back, these compact pickups are a unique alternative to dime-a-dozen crossovers. It’s a segment that’s expected to grow in the years ahead, but for now, there are only two legitimate compact pickups on sale. We’ve considered our own impressions, EPA and safety ratings, and key specifications to determine the best model you can buy in this small segment.
Winner: Ford Maverick
Ford
Ford has been building pickups for as long as anyone can recall and has mastered the full-size category, but the Maverick shows off the manufacturer’s expertise at a much more attractive price point, too. Our favored choice in this segment, the Maverick gets off to a good start by looking much like any other small pickup—just a downsized version. It doesn’t appear to be a crossover with part of its roof hacked off like the Santa Cruz or the older Baja. Rather, you get a confident, squared-off design with just enough ruggedness.
The powertrain choices for the Ford have been smartly considered. There’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 191 horsepower, but its EPA rating of 42/35/38 city/highway/combined stands out more than anything else, as it’s the most efficient pickup on sale. A 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four model provides better performance, and Ford also revived the classic street truck with the sporty Lobo. All versions drive well and feel much nimbler than a bigger, body-on-frame truck, although some may find the ride to be a touch on the firm side.
Ford
The bed is small by truck standards but has a practical volume of 33.3 cubic feet. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds and has a practical, easy-to-use interior that’s completely devoid of any gimmicks. Without trying to mirror the crossover experience, Ford has built something that feels like the perfect starter truck. An estimated starting price for 2027 of just under $30,000 sweetens the deal.
Maverick Pros
- It still looks like a proper truck
- Efficient hybrid and responsive EcoBoost
- Much easier to drive than larger Ford trucks
- Appealing base price
Maverick Cons
- Limited bed size
- Hyundai Santa Cruz tows more
Who’s It For?
Anyone considering a compact crossover but who needs a touch more versatility for transporting oddly shaped items will appreciate the Ford Maverick. It’s also ideal for small families and first-time truck buyers.
Recommended Trim
The XLT is our preferred trim choice and we’d go for the incredibly efficient hybrid model. Expected to cost around $31,000 for 2027, it’s less basic than the cheapest trim but still costs about as much as a base RAV4.
Top Ranked: Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai
For now, the only credible alternative to the Ford Maverick is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, but it may not be for much longer. Early 2026 reports suggest that Hyundai will discontinue the Santa Cruz earlier than expected due to poor sales, so your only option may be to purchase a lightly used one.
If you prefer the sportier crossover look, the Hyundai will be preferable. It’s more visually striking than the Ford, and inside, you’ll find a more upscale-feeling interior. Offering a true car-like driving experience, the Hyundai is more comfortable. The base 191-hp engine delivers only adequate performance, but there’s a turbocharged model with 281 hp that’s far quicker. And, at 5,000 lbs, the Santa Cruz can actually tow more than the Maverick. What you won’t get is anything approaching the frugality of the Maverick Hybrid, as even the most efficient Santa Cruz gets only 22/30/25 mpg.
Hyundai
Finally, there’s the problem of price. The Santa Cruz is around $2,000 more expensive than the Maverick, and if it soldiers on for 2027, expect a base price of over $30,000. If you want the much better turbo engine, the 2026 model requires you to spend over $41k on the XRT, a huge premium. For these reasons, the better-value Maverick edges the Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz Pros
- Styling has plenty of pizzazz
- Powerful optional turbo engine
- Smooth ride and decent handling
- Upmarket interior, especially on top trims
Santa Cruz Cons
- Limited bed size and off-roading capability
- Turbo engine too expensive
- Expected to be discontinued soon
Who’s It For?
As with the Maverick, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is a good choice for first-time truck buyers or hobbyists who need something more versatile than a crossover.
Recommended Trim
While we’d love to recommend the turbo model, the Santa Cruz doesn’t make enough sense at over $40k, considering you can get a Palisade for the same price. Our pick is the SEL, which costs $31,400 (2026 pricing) and adds welcome extras like heated front seats, leatherette seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Conclusion
Ford
Ram is set to enter the compact pickup segment in the near future, which is expected to happen before the end of the decade. Besides that, Toyota dealers have been begging for a RAV4-based pickup, something the Japanese automaker believes could prove successful. Until those new arrivals, the Ford Maverick leads the way as the most well-balanced compact pickup you can buy. Its low price and optional hybrid powertrain are the main reasons to choose it over the Hyundai Santa Cruz, a vehicle that may not stick around for much longer, anyway. Before the end of the decade, we hope to see a thriving compact pickup segment, but right now, the Maverick is the vehicle to beat.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog