Which Small Truck Is The Best? Maverick, Santa Cruz, Tacoma Ranked

 

 

For the better part of a century, Americans have been crazy about small trucks, with legends like the Ford Lightning and Chevrolet C-1500 coming to mind. However, besides the Toyota Tacoma, there really hasn't been a true mid-size street truck available. That changed several months ago, when Hyundai and Ford almost simultaneously revealed their Santa Cruz and Maverick trucks, respectively. These two arrivals have gotten plenty of attention, as their unibody design sets it apart from the vast majority of trucks, which use the BOF (Body-On-Frame) style. Without further ado, lets go through the 3 prominent trucks of 2021, starting with the Ford Maverick.

Ford Maverick - $21K

The Ford Maverick is definitely a great move from Ford, as it adds a less expensive truck to the fray, while it's hybrid option points the brand to the future. Long story short, the Mav is a great example that big things can come in small packages. While it's interior isn't as nice as the Hyundai, it is sufficient. The design, while uninteresting, is sure to be a selling point, considering how aggressive most trucks look nowadays. Just look at a Silverado, it will tell you all you need to know about modern auto design. In that light, the Maverick is a welcome arrival. Overall, I rate the Maverick an 8/10. It is a clear bargain, and is a great option for those who aren't necessarily "truck people" but could use a rear bed. To be honest, Ford have been making trucks for so long, they better be good. 

Toyota Tacoma - $25K

Unlike the other two trucks on this list, the Tacoma is not new, as it has been sold since 1995. It's a typical Toyota, in that it is very practical, efficient, and reliable, but not very exciting or interesting. While that might be harsh, it is the condition that Toyota products have fallen into for a while now. Not that the Tacoma isn't a good pickup truck, far from it. It does everything you could ask from it, besides the fact that it is underpowered. Also, it looks decently attractive compared to the Ford and Hyundai, which might be something of interest to people. Adding to that, it also has a GR variant, which offers more power, style, and off-road capability. Everything considered, the Tacoma is a very decent truck.  7/10

Hyundai Santa Cruz - $25K

Unlike the admittedly tired Toyota and Ford brands, the Hyundai franchise has been on fire recently. Following successes like the Kia Telluride,(Remember, Hyundai owns Kia) Kia Stinger, Sorento, Soul, Elantra, Sonata, etc..., the Korean firm has released the Santa Cruz, and it is a really impressive effort. It is thoroughly more complete and well designed truck than the alternatives. Although styling is subjective, the Santa Cruz looks way more interesting than Ford and Toyota, while the interior is also much better than it's competitors. Although the fuel economy isn't as good as the Maverick, it is still very good (27 mpg hwy). All in all, the Hyundai is very likely the truck to buy if you want a smaller truck that drives like a car, while featuring truck-like capabilities. 9.5/10