The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, and Honda Ridgeline stand as the industry’s midsize truck/SUV crossovers. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz' stands apart with turbocharged trims that can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Tulsa-area drivers can take the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz for a test drive at Tulsa Hyundai. The compact pickup segment is small but fiercely contested, and the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out among a tight field that includes the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline. Each of these three trucks blends SUV-like comfort with genuine utility, but they take noticeably different approaches to power, price, and capability. Here's an honest look at how the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz compares. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Overview The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz carries forward many features of the 2025 refresh, but with a few improvements. The biggest update being a switch from a dual-clutch transmission to a conventional 8-speed automatic on the turbocharged engine. This year’s model gives buyers a choice between a 191-horsepower naturally aspirated engine and a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine. Built on the Tucson SUV platform with unibody construction, the 2026 Santa Cruz suits drivers who want genuine pickup versatility, including a lockable in-bed trunk, without giving up the ride quality and refinement of a crossover. 2026 Ford Maverick Overview The 2026 Ford Maverick sees only minor updates this year, adding two new exterior colors and making the Ford Connectivity Package standard across every trim. Performance wise, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine returns with a front-wheel-drive option and a standard 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain that returns up to 42 mpg city. The 2026 Maverick class-leading efficiency makes it the pick for DIY enthusiasts who want real truck capability without a big fuel bill. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Overview The 2026 Honda Ridgeline carries its full six-trim lineup forward with a larger standard touchscreen and no reduction in features. It continues to rely on its proven 280-horsepower V6 and standard all-wheel drive across every trim. The 2026 Ridgeline is the roomiest in this comparison, with a wider cabin and a lockable in-bed trunk that Honda pioneered. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline suits families and drivers who want the most passenger space and refinement in a midsize unibody truck and don't mind paying a premium for it. The Midsize Truck Competition Each of these three compact and midsize pickups, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, and Honda Ridgeline, occupies a different corner of the same unibody truck niche. The right choice comes down to priorities around power, efficiency, and cabin space. Performance and Powertrain Comparison The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz wins on raw horsepower. 2026 Ford Maverick models win on efficiency by a wide margin, and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline splits the difference with a smooth, proven V6. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Performance The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, SEL, and SEL Activity trims use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. XRT and Limited models step up to a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque with standard all-wheel drive. Turbocharged models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the Ford Maverick maximum rating. 2026 Ford Maverick Performance Every 2026 Ford Maverick XL, XLT, and Lariat trim comes standard with a 191-horsepower hybrid powertrain returning up to 42 mpg city and 38 mpg combined. The available 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, standard on the 2026 Maverick Lobo and Tremor, trades efficiency for towing capacity up to 4,000 pounds and adds available all-wheel drive. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Performance Every 2026 Honda Ridgeline trim uses the same 280-horsepower, 262 lb-ft V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Maximum towing reaches 5,000 pounds, matching the turbocharged 2026 Santa Cruz. However, the 2026 Ridgeline combined fuel economy of 20 to 21 mpg trails both the hybrid 2026 Maverick and the naturally aspirated 2026 Santa Cruz. Interior Luxury and Comfort Comparison Cabin materials and space vary meaningfully here. From the Hyundai Santa Cruz SUV-like refinement to the Honda Ridgeline genuinely roomier back seat, luxury interiors are a given. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Interior The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers roughly 101.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in black or medium gray interior color schemes. Stain and odor-resistant cloth upholstery are on the SE, whereas H-Tex leatherette is on the SEL through XRT trims. Genuine leather with ventilated front seats are on the Limited model. The bed offers about 27 cubic feet of volume with a lockable, drainable in-bed trunk and side storage compartments, features neither the 2026 Maverick nor 2026 Ridgeline can fully match for everyday convenience. 2026 Ford Maverick Interior The 2026 Ford Maverick offers 42.8 inches of front legroom and 35.9 to 36.9 inches of rear legroom depending on powertrain. Sloth upholstery is standard, but you have the option of moving up to available ActiveX synthetic leather on the Lariat and Lobo trims. Its 54.4-inch FLEXBED provides 33.3 cubic feet of cargo volume and is designed so a standard 4x8-foot sheet of plywood can lie flat between the wheel wells. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Interior The 2026 Honda Ridgeline offers 108.9 to 109.7 cubic feet of passenger volume with 40.9 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches of rear legroom. Interior colors include Black Leather and Brown Leather with contrast stitching on higher trims. The 60/40 split lift-up rear seat reveals 2.9 cubic feet of underseat storage per side, while the bed's lockable 7.3-cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate that swings open like a door remain features unique to the Honda Ridgeline. Technology and Infotainment Comparison Each of these trucks takes a different approach to screens. That said, the 2026 Maverick offers the largest standard display and the 2026 Santa Cruz spreads a sizable touchscreen across its entire lineup. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Technology Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen regardless of trim giving even the base SE a modern infotainment setup, paired with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster on the SE and SEL. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, and a six-speaker sound system are standard. A wireless smartphone charger and heated steering wheel come standard on higher trims. 2026 Ford Maverick Technology Every 2026 Ford Maverick trim comes standard with a 13.2-inch center touchscreen running SYNC 4, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.. Audio ranges from a standard 6-speaker AM/FM system up to an available Bang & Olufsen 8-speaker system with a subwoofer, standard on the Lariat and Tremor. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Technology Every 2026 Honda Ridgeline comes standard with a 9-inch HD touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims step up to a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker premium sound system. A unique available truck bed audio system turns the bed itself into a giant speaker, a feature neither the 2026 Santa Cruz nor 2026 Maverick offers. Safety and Driver Assistance Comparison All three trucks treat core driver assistance technology as standard equipment, though the packaging and naming differ by brand. 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Safety Every 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes standard with a solid foundation of Hyundai SmartSense features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear Cross-Traffic Warning Lane Keeping Assist Driver Attention Warning Higher trims add a Blind-Spot View Monitor that shows a live camera feed in the instrument cluster when signaling a lane change. 2026 Ford Maverick Safety Every 2026 Ford Maverick comes standard with a meaningful safety package before any optional Co-Pilot360 upgrade. Pre-Collision Assist Automatic Emergency Braking Pedestrian Detection Forward Collision Warning Dynamic Brake Support Lane-Keeping System Intersection Assist Auto LED High-Beam Headlamps The available Ford Co-Pilot360 package, standard on the Lobo and above, adds Blind Spot Assist with cross-traffic alert, while Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 adds adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera on the Lariat and Tremor. 2026 Honda Ridgeline Safety The full Honda Sensing suite comes standard across every 2026 Honda Ridgeline trim. This gives every buyer the same baseline of protection regardless of price point. Collision Mitigation Braking Automatic Emergency Braking Adaptive Cruise Control Lane Keeping Assist Blind-Spot Information System Because Honda Sensing is standard rather than trim-gated, 2026 Ridgeline buyers get the same safety technology whether they choose the base Sport or the range-topping Black Edition Two-Tone. 2026 Pricing and Value On sticker price alone, the 2026 Ford Maverick undercuts both rivals at the entry point. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz turbocharged trims land between the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline. Hyundai Santa Cruz prices range between $32,495 and $44,945 Ford Maverick prices range between $28,145 and $41,425 Honda Ridgeline prices range between $40,795 and $47,895 It’s important to note that value extends beyond the number on the window sticker. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz backs its pricing with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is the longest coverage of any truck in this comparison and well ahead of the Ford Maverick 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and the Honda Ridgeline 5-year/60,000-mile coverage. That warranty advantage, paired with more standard power and features like the lockable in-bed trunk, gives the 2026 Santa Cruz a stronger long-term value case than its starting price alone suggests. Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz at Tulsa Hyundai Each of these three trucks rewards a different kind of buyer. The 2026 Ford Maverick offers the lowest price of entry and unmatched fuel economy for budget-conscious commuters. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline models deliver the roomiest cabin and the most refined ride for families who want maximum comfort. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out by combining the most horsepower, a genuinely upscale interior, and the longest powertrain warranty in the segment. Stop by Tulsa Hyundai to see the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz in person, compare trims side by side, and take one out for a test drive. If you decide that the Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t for you, then check out our plethora of other Hyundai vehicles. We carry the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Contact Tulsa Hyundai Phone: (918) 779-3302 Address: 9777 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133 Return to Blog
The Small 2027 Hyundai Kona Is Big On Strength
The 2027 Hyundai Kona delivers an accessible entry point to the crossover market, offering a starting MSRP around $25,500 with modern tech and versatile performance. Drivers can choose between an efficient 2.0-liter Atkinson engine or a punchy 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, with available Active On-Demand all-wheel drive across the lineup. A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, dual-level cargo floor, wireless smartphone connectivity, and Hyundai SmartSense safety tech make the 2027 Hyundai Kona an adaptable daily driver. Finding a vehicle that balances urban agility with family-friendly cargo room and fuel economy can be challenging, but the 2027 Hyundai Kona hits that sweet spot. It is designed for daily commuters navigating the Creek Turnpike, weekend adventurers heading out to Keystone Lake, and first-time crossover shoppers who want premium styling without a steep luxury price tag. With city-friendly dimensions and an expansive cabin layout, the 2027 Hyundai Kona carries forward its distinctive futuristic styling while refining equipment packages to give Oklahoma drivers maximum value. 2027 Hyundai Kona Overview The 2027 Hyundai Kona continues the bold design foundation established by its latest generation, utilizing an exterior length of 171.3 inches and a 104.7-inch wheelbase. It bridges the gap between nimble subcompact maneuverability and compact crossover space, giving you an easy footprint for parking downtown while providing comfortable seating for up to five adults. Its exterior showcases sculpted body panels, an aerodynamic profile, and Hyundai's signature horizon lamp lighting design. Highlights Of The 2027 Hyundai Kona Include: Up to 35 highway MPG on efficient front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter models Two responsive gasoline powertrain configurations: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Standard front-wheel drive, with available Active On-Demand all-wheel drive featuring Snow mode Seamless connectivity through standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Up to 63.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the 60/40 rear seatbacks folded flat Class-exclusive available safety and convenience tools like the Blind-Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor Performance and Engine Options The 2027 Hyundai Kona offers Oklahoma drivers two distinct powertrains, allowing you to tailor performance to your daily travel needs: A 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque; paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission for smooth daily commuting on SE and SEL Sport trims. The second option is a 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on 2027 Hyundai Kona SEL Premium and Limited trims. Active On-Demand all-wheel drive is available across all trims. This adds an active coupling system that automatically monitors road conditions and channels power to the rear wheels when slipping is detected. Every front-wheel-drive Kona comes equipped with Normal and Sport driving modes, altering throttle response and steering weight at the press of a button. 2027 Hyundai Kona models equipped with all-wheel drive gain a specialized Snow mode, which optimizes wheel spin and torque distribution to keep you sure-footed during unpredictable winter weather. Stand-Out Range and Capability Because the 2027 Hyundai Kona operates with an efficient gasoline architecture, it offers extensive driving freedom without needing to calculate charging stops on longer highway journeys. With an EPA-estimated highway rating reaching up to 35 MPG on front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter models, a single tank of fuel provides hundreds of miles of highway travel. Efficient Fuel Economy Efficiency remains a hallmark of the 2027 Hyundai Kona lineup, ensuring daily trips don’t drain your wallet at the pump. Aerodynamic styling details, including smooth underbody airflow management and active bumper shutters, keep drag low at highway speeds. The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings across the 2027 Hyundai Kona powertrain lineup include: 2.0-liter FWD: 28 MPG city, 35 MPG highway, and 31 MPG combined 2.0-liter AWD: 26 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and 27 MPG combined 1.6-liter Turbo FWD: 26 MPG city, 32 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined 1.6-liter Turbo AWD: 24 MPG city, 29 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined Fast Refueling and Everyday Convenience While electrified vehicles continue to grow in popularity, traditional internal combustion convenience remains unmatched for quick turnarounds. The 2027 Hyundai Kona refuels completely in just a couple of minutes at any neighborhood fuel station, getting you back on the road without hesitation. A Comfortable and Convenient Interior Open the door to the 2027 Hyundai Kona and you will discover a cabin built around passenger comfort and intuitive organization. Hyundai pushed the wheels toward the corners of the chassis, unlocking 41.7 inches of front legroom and 38.2 inches of rear legroom. That allows tall passengers to sit comfortably in the second row without feeling cramped. Flexible cargo solutions make hauling sports gear, luggage, or warehouse-club hauls effortless. The rear cargo hold provides 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row. When you fold the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, capacity expands to 63.7 cubic feet. Dual-level cargo floors can also be lowered to accommodate taller items or raised to create a flat loading surface with hidden underfloor storage. Notable Interior Features Include: Standard high-resolution 12.3-inch infotainment display Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster creating a panoramic dashboard view Over-the-air software update support to keep infotainment and navigation systems current H-Tex synthetic leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and an 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support on upper trims Available 8-speaker Bose premium audio system for rich cabin acoustics Power tilt-and-slide sunroof and hands-free smart power liftgate on Limited models Genius Technology and Connectivity Hyundai packed the 2027 Kona with intelligent connectivity designed to simplify your everyday routine. Bluelink+ connected car services come standard, offering remote engine start, climate preconditioning, and vehicle location services straight from your smartphone. The available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch allows you to unlock, lock, and start your 2027 Hyundai Kona using your compatible Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device. You can securely share digital key access with family members or friends directly through your digital wallet without passing around physical key fobs. Hyundai SmartSense Safety Safety is a core priority across the entire Hyundai vehicle lineup. The 2027 Hyundai Kona comes equipped with an extensive suite of active driver assistance technologies called Hyundai SmartSense, helping you stay aware of your surroundings on busy multi-lane roads. Standard And Available Safety Features Include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go capability Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist Highway Driving Assist for centered cruising on marked freeways Blind-Spot View Monitor, which displays a live camera feed of your blind spot in the digital gauge cluster when signaling Surround View Monitor providing a 360-degree top-down perspective for effortless parking 2027 Hyundai Kona Price The 2027 Hyundai Kona remains one of the most accessible crossovers on the market, with entry-level front-wheel-drive models starting at a base MSRP around $25,500. Fully equipped Limited models with turbocharged power and all-wheel drive land near $35,000. This relatively narrow pricing spread ensures that whether you prioritize simple efficiency or high-end luxury tech, there is a 2027 Hyundai Kona configuration tailored to your budget. 2027 Kona Price by Trim The starting manufacturer suggested retail prices for the 2027 Hyundai Kona vary across the four main trim packages. These figures reflect estimated base manufacturer pricing before the standard $1,650 destination and freight fee. We invite you to reach out to our sales department at Tulsa Hyundai to verify current manufacturer incentives, dealership discounts, and custom lease offers. SE FWD – $25,500: The foundational trim equipped with the 2.0-liter engine, 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and core SmartSense safety systems. SEL Sport FWD – $26,825: Adds 18-inch black alloy wheels, heated front seats, gloss black exterior accents, and a wireless charging pad. SEL Premium FWD – $28,425: Introduces the 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch wheels, and premium H-Tex seating. Limited FWD – $32,535: The flagship luxury trim boasts a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Bose audio, ambient interior lighting, ventilated front seats, and hands-free smart power liftgate. Hyundai Warranty: America's Best Warranty Every new 2027 Hyundai Kona is backed by Hyundai's legendary warranty coverage, offering peace of mind that outperforms other automotive manufacturers. With this level of protection, you can drive your Kona knowing our certified Hyundai technicians will keep your crossover SUV running at factory peak performance. 10-year / 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty 5-year / 60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty 5-year / Unlimited Miles 24-Hour Roadside Assistance 3-year / 36,000-mile Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance Test Drive a 2027 Hyundai Kona at Tulsa Hyundai Reading about specs, safety features, and interior room is one thing, but sitting behind the wheel is the best way to determine if the 2027 Hyundai Kona fits your daily driving lifestyle. Our friendly team at Tulsa Hyundai is dedicated to delivering a transparent, stress-free vehicle shopping experience. Stop by Tulsa Hyundai to see the 2027 Hyundai Kona in person, compare trims side by side, and take one out for a test drive. If you decide that the Hyundai Kona isn’t for you, then check out our plethora of other Hyundai vehicles. We carry the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Contact Tulsa Hyundai Phone: (918) 779-3302 Address: 9777 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133 Return to Blog