Maverick v. Santa Cruz v. Ridgeline: Who Says Small Trucks Can't Be Useful!?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- ( tfl-studios.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! The Honda Ridgeline isn't the only crossover-based pickup in the game anymore - now it's joined by the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Each of these trucks are useful in their own ways, but which one offers the best all-around practicality? Nathan busts out the tape measure for a closer inspection!
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#SmallTrucks #Bed #Compared - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
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I had a Ram for over 20 years, and replaced it with a Ridgeline. After 30K miles of living with the Honda, I consider it a real truck. It tows, hauls loads, and gets truck gas mileage. The ride is amazing compared to the Ram.
I had a used 2006 ridgeline, put 70k on it over 10-12 years. It's definitely a truck. I loved it. Will be buying another 2021 or newer RTL-E or Black edition.
Edit: got a 2023 RTL in Nov '22
Ram 1500s can be had with leaf spring, coil, or airbag suspension. They can ride really nice now.
I don't think they'll outlast a Ridgeline though.
congrats. You set the marker and accomplished it@@ellea3344
5 Ridgelines owned. Currently have a 23 rtle. Can't live without the lockable trunk. It's amazing
I have a 2020 Ridgeline and to be honest, I love it! We bought it because it has the biggest interior of any midsize, it does everything I've ever asked of it and I don't have an ego to feed. All of these trucks fit most peoples trucking needs just fine!
I think the Maverick will steal a lot of sales from the Ridgeline due to the price.
@@joeking433 Yes, unless the people have kids. I cancelled my Maverick order for a Ridgeline. The interior space is great, so is the split rear seats, rear air vents, big waterproof trunk and easy access car seat attachment points. It's also nice to not have the speaker right at the kids ear at the pillar like on the maverick.
@@nathanialhughes Yeah, I like the Ridgeline better but I don't want to pay $35k and up.
@@joeking433 Ever wonder why comparable Hondas / Toyotas cost more? You'll figure it out if you keep buying american.
@@Justin-lc1xz I've had Hondas and Toyotas. In fact the Hondas I've had were a lot cheaper than the German and American cars I've owned!
The Ridgeline bed is very, very useful in the real world. I keep all the stuff I used to store in a crossover toolbox on my half-ton in the in-bed trunk with tons of space leftover to throw in all sorts of stuff (mountain biking stuff, camp chairs, groceries, junk I bought at Hobo Freight, etc).
I thought the side opening tailgate was a little gimmicky, but after having it, it's pretty handy not just when accessing the trunk, but retrieving items up at the front of the bed.
The high load floor is both an asset and a liability. It does make stepping up into the bed and loading my motorcycle more difficult. It also limits cargo capacity beneath my bed cover with the shorter bed side walls. The plus side there is that it makes reaching over the bed sides to grab an item a bit easier. That's the price you pay for the convenience of the trunk and I find that much more useful on a regular basis than the inconveniences described above. It would have been nice if Honda copied GM and did the bumper corner steps, but if you are using the tailgates swing open function, the center of the rear bumper makes a great step upninto the bed.
As for the other two, I like that Hyundai did the side steps and at least a small trunk, but the retracting tonneau's box is just too bulky for what is already a very short bed. I'd probably skip that option and look for a more easily removeable cover like what I have installed on my Ridgeline. The Maverick seems to have packed the most useful function into a very simple, compact package. No fancy gadgets or gizmos.
The Maverick will be the best selling crossover pickup (I like Nathan's term he is using to describe these) because of Ford's long-standing truck cred. Hyundai seems to be on a roll with their interiors, tech, and overall good quality. My Honda has been flawless thus far and my previous Honda products have been good to me.
The bed trunk and the tailgate side opening are the primary features that convinced me that the Ridgeline is the one to get.
I use it almost every day.
How lovely is to buy food, put it in the bed trunk and keep your cabin free of foul odors.
I don't need to tow heavy stuff or go to extreme off-roading. Plus I get a very comfortable driving experience and AWD watching my back on every possible road condition at all times. Win-Win for me.
What tonneau cover do you use on the ridgeline?
@@border4554 I have the weather tech hard cover. Easy to install and very durable. Got it on sale. $100 off.
I had the previous gen ridgeline and now a maverick, both are great. The ridgeline was far and away more useful then my 2021 tundra was. The trunk was a game changer, as now i could keep tools dry and secure without them taking bed or interior space. I didn't need a tonneau cover as the trunk could hold luggage for week end trips. This allowed me to carry tall things without the need to roll or fold a cover. The Maverick is missing the trunk so I do wish it had one, but in return its saving me a bunch of gas, as my ridgeline only got 18mpg. The dual open tailgate was really great too.
I never dreamed how useful the Ridgeline tailgate and trunk would be until I owned it. It's great to be able to access the bed without reaching across the tailgate, and the trunk is great storage. The Santa Cruz trunk is tiny by comparison, and the trunk is not nearly as useful when you have to reach across the tailgate to access it.
I have a ridgeline and love it. its not perfect but many trucks aren't without its flaws. Each of these have their advantages for sure: Santa Cruz for its tech, maverick for its hybrid option and customizable bed, and ridgeline for reliable v6 and spaciousness of a midsize compared to others like tacoma and ranger
Santa Cruz turbo is better then v6
I looked at all three, drove all three and liked all three. Each was different. They are all modern spins on small/mid-size trucks. For our use, any of them would do a great job. Day to day driving, hauling things once in a while and even towing a small fishing boat or motorcycles. We decided on the Honda. It's slightly larger and definitely the best quality.
Honda Ridgeline all day any day. May be a couple grand more for comparable trims but it is well worth it. Just purchased a 2022 RTL-E and man am I thrilled with it.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz costs about the same, lol.
@@TalkingHands308 Yep and it’s much smaller.
Just call them trucks and save everyone the time explaining what a crossover pickup is every video. Everyone will be calling these things trucks in the real world anyway.
It’s very true. I tried to explain how strange he appears to have to pigeon hole these trucks so his “macho” “manly” brain and comprehend them. He does love the Maverick, so I don’t know why he goes so far with the name. They are classified as trucks, trucks,,,,,,,.
Amen
Not to mention, he uses the term "pickup" for these, but you look at the definition of "pickup" it is all the way up to 1 ton trucks. The official definition is based on towing and weight, and a "pickup" is under 14k lbs empty and can tow up to 30k lbs. Larger is a "truck" and is based on CDL requirements. Yes in the common parlance everyone calls their F150-F350 a "truck" but it is a "pickup truck". So given the common parlance, let's just call them all trucks and stop splitting hairs for machismo. Does it have a bed, if yes, truck.
Agreed. The whole "not a truck" thing is tiresome and a waste of video time.
Humor me here - The definition of a full-size pickup used to be, it can fit a 4-x-8 sheet between the wheel wells. The Ridgeline does that. And its payload is 1500+ pounds. Hmm...what portion of a ton is that? So, calling Ridgeline a "3/4-ton full-size pickup" would be just as valid as "crossover pickup." Let's move on!
The way I see it, if it has a bed, it's a truck. These just aren't heavy haulers, that's all.
I like the variety in the crossover truck segment.
-You want a traditional styled truck with traditional functionality, get a Maverick.
-You want a bit of styling (exterior and interior) of a crossover suv with some truck functionality, get a Santa Cruz.
-You want a midsize(ish) truck but the comfort of a crossover with truck functionality, get a Ridgeline.
Traditional body on frame trucks will always perform better with truck duties, but this segment is (IMO) a good one because it is a different class of "truck" that has its niche of consumers. I hope that other manufacturers get in this segment with their own style/type of crossover truck and provide more variety.
Well said.
I appreciate this comment. You have summed up every truck in their own characteristics. I got tired of the Maverick vs. Santa Cruz comments. You can look at the styling and see what kind of people it will attract. Santa Cruz (don't own one) is more of my style... I'm a tech savvy guy so the tech features and SUV like innovative styling gravitate towards my personality...But I also love to have fun..
So the bed will serve a purpose for me to do outdoor lifestyle activities or diy projects....I have a friend of mine bought a Maverick for his landscaping company. He likes it because it looks like a truck, but drives like a car due to better mpg. Overall, both crossover trucks serves it purpose for people lifestyles.
Mavericks Warranty and quality Is terrible. That Mexican built plant is turning out junk ! Ford gives you one free Oil Change and 3 /36 warranty! My Santa Cruz Came with 125 I warranty and Free Synthetic Oil changes for life. So kind of a no brainers. Not to mention it's just better looking, Faster and I can pull my 19foot RV .I have a utility trailer for Lows and home Depot.
The Santa Cruz for baby boomers like myself . Looks like a 4 door Chevy Elcamino. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s nice to have a small utility vehicle that doesn’t suffer from the chicken tax. The best part about it to me is that you can get it without a turbo.
This is a great breakdown. I hope more manufacturers make trucks like these.
Hyundai Santa Cruz looks best, well optioned inside-out has the bed cover and it really is perfectly sized for Europe..
i really don't know why they do not ship & sell over here, it would be such a useful & awesome little pick-up !..
DUDE!! You completely missed that the Santa Cruz tailgate has two positions - for hauling those 4x8 sheets of whatever. They had that before the Maverick. Just move the tailgate straps up to the higher pegs. You can't say it's a feature for the Mav but not the Santa Cruz - in fact, you listed that as something the Ford has that the Hyundai doesn't! Don't misinform your followers like that.
The Santa Cruz also has raised tailgate capability to support a sheet of plywood, just like the Maverick
They are both inferior vehicles to a ridgeline or other truck.
@@ellea3344 Ridgelines cost too much! They really aren't competition because you can't get one for under $30k. The Maverick is a really nice truck! I think mine is just about perfect. It has such a smooth ride for a Truck but still has that truck like feel! I would buy a Lightning if I wanted a full size truck but they're too large to garage easily and my wife doesn't like something that big.
@@joeking433 I don't buy American. There is a difference in price for a reason... reliability.
@@ellea3344Isn’t the Ridgeline made in America?
@ryanb8736 Japanese design. Of course, for cost purposes, there are locations in the US where it is assembled.
Heck, I already have a F-150 4x4 truck and a jeep. I want the little Maverick Hybrid for daily driving. Love the MPG and overall utility, and I already have 4x4 overkill for winter or other excursions.
Yes at this price and mpg it is a great 2nd truck when you only need to haul yourself.
I’ll be going with the ridgeline just because you can fit three average sized adults in the backseat and they will be a lot more comfortable than the other two.
Spot on, Alex on Autos once showed putting 3 child seats in the rear of one. In mine (on my second, upgraded 17 to 21 this year), I can comfortably sit in the middle rear, between the seats for my 2 kids, and I am 6 feet tall and 175lbs.
@@jg8263 I remember that video. We (my wife and I) plan to put our daughter in the middle. We did a test drive and did that and we both sat on the sides of her and we had no issues. No other midsize truck lets us do that comfortably.
@@CactusJack252😊
You can load plywood in the Santa Cruz same as the maverick, the tailgate can be leveled with the wheel wells. I hauled plywood in my Santa Cruz this way the other day. Idk why everyone acts like it's unique to Ford.
The hybrid Maverick XLT (with luxury package) I have on order will be the first pickup I have ever owned,. I am 67 years old and VERY excited. I only wish it came now as a plug-in hybrid or full BEV. A BEV Maverick with AWD - a miniature F-150 Lightning - would be my dream vehicle. Thanks TFL for your ongoing coverage of this new class of trucks.
A BEV or PHEV would add quite a bit of cost and put the Maverick in an entirely different market.
@@plmn93 Errrr... Since the difference in price between the Escape SE Hybrid (which is the same C2 platform with essentially the same power train as the Maverick Hybrid) and the PHEV ($28K vs $33K) is $5K, that suggests Ford could ship a PHEV Maverick for $26K± (by the way, the floor pan stamping already has a place for the PHEV battery). I guess you didn't notice that a loaded Maverick Lariat costs about $34K. So it looks to me like there is A LOT of pricing headroom for a PHEV Maverick to exist and address the same general market. Sure, a BEV would be more, but with the entry level F-150 Lightning at $40K, it would be hard to price a BEV Maverick above $31K or so. In other words, still less than the top of the line Maverick today. Just saying... if they build it, I will run-not-walk to my nearest dealer and buy it. And as a first time truck buyer - who has avoided them because of crummy MPG - I am definitely part of Ford's market for a fuel efficient Maverick.
Hi Ralph, I seen someone on TH-cam tune their Maverick with everything stock and was able to get 250 horse to the wheels and 310 torque. You can have your mini lightning with just a performance tune. 😁
@@smokeyj3983 Actually, I was talking about the new F-150 Lightning which is all electric. Don't think tuning it will make a difference, but that is an interesting piece of information.
@@ontheroadwithralph1530 That's right that truck is electric, I thought you meant like a very sporty powerful version of the Maverick. An electric Maverick with 600 mile range, would be best ever. ;-)
Pretty sure the Hyundai's tailgate can be adjusted to close halfway too just like the Maverick, to help support 4x8 plywood when laid on 2x4s. That wasn't mentioned. The Honda's MSRP starts where the Mavericks ends or a mid-spec Santa Cruz. It's a much bigger and more expensive vehicle. It'd be like comparing a Honda Accord to a Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. Totally different classes of vehicles with very different pricing. I think that was your point with this video though.
I own one and you definitely can adjust the tailgate like you can with the maverick.
Came here to say that. Was yelling at the screen 🤣
@@W_T.F Exactly - and Hyundai had the feature first. LOL
They also did not mention the damped tail gate of the Hyundai, do I sense some discrimination here?
@@ChrisPollard I don't know who had it first, but it was not Hyundai. The GM twins and Jeep Gladiator already had it.
I have the exact same 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport with the HPD package that is in this video. It’s even the same color. I’ve had it since Mid-March. This is a great video. I really have enjoyed mine. I use it for work and the in-bed trunk and 2 way tailgate comes in handy. I actually have two vintage station wagons with the dual opening tailgates so this Honda tailgate reminds of them.
Pricey stickers and wheels you got there
The bed height on the Ridgeline is a mixed bag for me, as an owner. It's nice when I'm putting groceries in the trunk that I don't have to lean down that far. It's also the right height to put my camp stove on and cook. But when actually trying to get something heavy in the back, or run a motorcycle up ramps into the bed, it has me wishing for air springs or a lowering kit.
Still a good truck. It's comfortable, efficient, AWD, handles decently and actually fits in my driveway (as opposed to full size trucks). I do think Honda has them priced too high. But that can be said for a lot of Honda's lineup. And it's not like other mid-sizers are cheap.
The Ridgeline is my favorite. Not too big, not too small, just right 👍.
Cheers
Best part was the side by side view. Its hard to appreciate the size without another vehicle in the picture. I wish Honda would get serious about hybrids. How much better would the Ridge line be with a phev drive train getting 35 mpg
I've always said if they gave it a hybrid powertrain and 5k cheaper it would be the best selling truck in NA
The other issue is not only does the Ridgeline get relatively crappy MPG, but the mechanical mumbo-jumbo that is required to maximize that MPG like a spaceage automatic transmission and direct injection are not long term solutions. People always talk about hybrid batteries, but the reality is first, if the battery temps are managed, the batteries will last well over 150K and in hybrids generally last twice that while the rest of the drivetrain is virtually bulletproof.
@@bechtoea one word tells you the reliability that hybrids can have - Prius. There are many with 250,000 + miles.
That’s my issue with the Ridgeline. The fuel economy and price aren’t much better than its direct competition that’s more capable. If you buy a Ridgeline, it’s purely because of how it drives. Which isn’t a bad reason, but they could sell a lot more of these if they had lower MSRP and better MPGs
@@colten53 I get it. Just to add there are other reasons as well, for example leader in its class for rear seat room. Someone that has kids might consider this as #1 criteria. Trunk in bed. Honda dependability (not really a factor for me if I was shopping around but there are many people that will be persuaded just because they trust the badge)
I'm just glad small & medium trucks are making a comeback since the 80's. I have a Silverado but its retiring the second Ford delivers my 2023 Maverick. Definitely ordering one this year.
Thanks for doing this video. I've been wanting to see a video that dives into the bed sizes of these particular models.
My Ridgeline has the power outlet and bed speakers and when you make the trunk a cooler best tailgating truck
These are the going to be the future for people who really didn’t NEED a truck but wanted to stay away from the dreaded crossover. Especially hybrids and EVs. Younger folks are drawn to these. Insanely practical.
I do wonder how the fleet world will react. Can picture white Mavericks everywhere but not so much something like the Santa Cruz. Curious to see what GM brings to the party.
Great content keep it up!
All the more reason to buy a Santa IMO.
Just like Ford has.
Why would it be for people who don't need a truck? They tow more than the ranger, toyota, nissan/datsuns of old. They have way more interior room, loads more power and better gas mileage as well. Lots of people worked out of small pickups. I just feel like somewhere along the line we were brain washed into believing you need an f450 to tow a utility trailer with a lawn mower and some mulch. These trucks all have smaller beds then my tundra had and yet all have high payload. The people that in general need a truck daily that may fit the "I need a real truck" crowd are the ones driving around in base models with vinyl seats. Heck for most real big hauling or working I think a cargo van is better than a pick up truck. More capacity and dry storage by far. I just think people who want a smaller truck doesn't mean they don't need a truck, they just don't need a bigger one.
@@normcheers1726 I don't see these working too well for families with kids. A comparable size CUV is more practical where cargo is secured inside for shopping. Even grocery shopping with a couple kids, you're groceries are going in the bed, which isn't great. Cargo gets wet in the rain. If you enclose it, you might as well get a CUV. I'm definitely the type who needs a "real" truck and I drive a base model pickup with vinyl interior. It's perfect for my needs...except on grocery day.
@@jaxandmore440 my sister has a Ridgeline and gets groceries with kids in the back with no problem, because of the in-bed trunk. (and a Honda accessory tonneau cover)
Yes, another clear and informative video with Nathan.
Thanks for the useful information in this. It's something that we need to know, when buying 'trucks' but never seem to ask about, or check out by ourselves.
Well done Nathan!
Living in Canada...having the spare tire inside the bed (ridgeline) is a huge plus....it and the jack will be nice and clean if and when you have to actually swap out for the spare. Having the spare under the truck is a royal pain...everything corrodes, gets filthy and snow/slush/salt covered. Having to crawl under the truck to try and drop the spare sucks.
My father has on two occasions on two different half ton trucks been unable to lower the spare when needed due to corrosion, leaving him stuck and needing to call for assistance. He also once blew his spare out while off-road on a large sharp rock that caught it when going through mud. He was actually very impressed when he saw the spare on my Honda. Under body has the advantage if your have the bed full, but in my experience, your bed is empty more often then full, and both options have their pros and cons.
One additional note, I do wish honda had put a full size spare rather than a compact one under the bed.
@@jg8263 I believe the 2024 model will have a full size spare tire. Also, I believe on the Ridgelines you can attach the spare in the bed standing up behind the rear window, and stow the jack inside under a seat if you are going to haul a hard to remove load. I'm really interested in getting either a 23 or 24 Ridgeline.
@@freespirit1975 yep, the spot to attach a full spare is front driver side of bed, with bolt for it included in the trunk, but then you are giving up a lot of bed space, sadly. I hope you are right about the 24, one of my very few complaints on mine.
I had my 2017 Ridgeline for 5 years now. Love it to the moon. I had owned different truck, but my Ridgeline is the best and does all things I need.
I put a cap on my Ridgeline. Lots of room for camping equipment and pulls our camper very well. We love the swing out tailgate. It makes it very easy to put groceries in the trunk. It rides like an SUV but does the job of a truck.
Definitely like the ridgeline, Maverick is a close second. The Maverick though can be hybrid which is a huge plus.
Not to mention you can get the Maverick for almost half the cost of the Ridgeline. The Ridgeline is certainly more refined and has a lot more features though so it's what is more important to you.
Nathan great job on that video great information
This video was actually very useful and informative. 👍👍
Great video, I needed this information. I keep bees 🐝 as a hobby and was wondering how many boxes would fix between the wheel wells with the tailgate closed
Great video!
I've had an '06 Ridgeline, now on a '11 Pilot, and thinking of going to a newer Ridgeline. Really wish Honda offered Hybrids in these midsize vehicles.
Love this. Thank you. Very helpful.
I own a ridgeline, I do use it for stuff but I also have a f250 for bigger stuff. I find the quality that Honda has is worth a little more. I was trying to find a maverick but didn't so I bought the ridgeline
I have a 2021 Honda Ridgeline and it’s a great midsize truck. The other two are closer to being true crossovers. And they can’t tow or haul near as much nor do they have the cabin size of the Ridgeline. I think the Ridgeline competes with the Tacoma and other midsize trucks while the Maverick and Santa Cruz compete more with SUVs
Great video - thanks.
I’ve owned two trucks, a small Ranger and a mid sized Dakota, never managed to fill their 5 foot beds. Longer items? Put the tail gate down. So I’ll take the more comfortable and car like SC with better ride quality and a near luxury interior. I do wish the lift over was lower. But Honda nailed it with the swing tailgate.
I wouldn't consider a Ridgline to be a small truck. It's in the midsize truck catagory.
Great video! I was going to buy a RAM 2500 (used) with the Cummins to tow maybe once a year my race car (when it breaks down somewhere 😂) that weighs 2,500lbs. I love Diesel trucks but the cost of two batteries, two alternators plus huge oil changes and fuel filters didn’t justify the use of it. I decided to get me the AWD Ford Maverick. I’m waiting for my local dealership to call me back. I drive about 7,000 miles a year, that means in 10 years it will still be under 80k miles. Not bad for $24k with zero miles.
Sounds awesome!
Great video 👍
I just bought a slightly used Ridgeline lease return after meticulously driving and comparing these same small "crossover" pickups along with the Taco, Colorado and a Ranger. To make a long story short, it was just hard to beat the price, real world practicality, comfort and reliability of the Ridgeline. It just works for me, your needs may be different.
Best damn video ever! Just proves I made a good choice in getting the Ridgeline! Especially after I added 31” tires and a 2” lift/ level. Greta job gents
Good choice! Did you get a 2 inch lift front and back?
@@BengLang84 2” front 1” rear
Yeah and now you're averaging probably 16 or 17 MPG if you've got an AWD version. I drove a buddy's stock AWD Ridgeline around for a weekend and averaged 18.5 MPG.
@@rebelcitysports1outlook747 actually I get about 21.5-22.5 on average. 75 miles a day commute 50 highway 25 city. If I go straight highway it’s 25mpg. Maybe I just accelerate smoother?
@@fubarmedic4222 I am with you. People say it only gets below 20 mph, while I routinely got 27-28 highway and 19-21 city in my 2017, and getting around the same so far in the 21 I upgraded to in Oct (a non-HPD Sport trim).
I think these are the perfect vehicles for DIY’ers. I’m a hobbyist woodworker/cabinet maker, and metal fabricator. I never used my old Tacoma for towing, but having a bed was a must for hauling materials and pieces around the town. Also great for camping, biking and general outdoors activities. I really think my next vehicle will be the Ridgeline, once I decide that I don’t need a “real truck” to make me feel manly LOL
Having driven all three LOADED trims of these cars last week -
Ridgeline - Massive interior super comfortable ride but just too big on the inside for my liking.. and maneuvering it around was a challenge vs the other 2. BUT- The truck bed and storage bin in the bed are super cool.
Maverick- Just felt 100% like a cheap alternative to their Ranger to me. Not a fan at all.
Santa Cruz- My favorite pick. With the turbocharged engine and dual clutch trans it felt like a sports car/suv/truck all in one. All of the tech on the limited trim make it worth the low 40's sticker IMO. Room for all your stuff, maneuverable around the big city, comfortable and quiet enough, and luxurious enough to keep for years.
Useful comparison. Thank you.
Good video! thank you
Wow I did not realize the Mav has almost 2X the cubic feet of bed vs SC.
It's not... They got that, (and a couple other things) wrong.
Maverick is 26.9
Santa Cruz is 23.3 (without tonneau cover) but if you add the volume of the under floor trunk. Then it's actually 27 cubic feet total 🤷
Plus the Santa Cruz has slightly more interior space, better towing and better payload. And for the love of God, it actually has a dampened tailgate.
@@edsgarage001 This video said the Mav has 33.3 cf but the SC is only about 18.
Damped tailgate on the Mav costs 50 bucks.
@@JamesD-HB yeah, I know what he said in the video. But that's wrong lol
Saw a Maverick in person for the first time yesterday. It actually is bigger than I expected. Overall size, based on the eye test, it seemed bigger than the old school Ranger.
Love the duel exhaust tips on the Ridgeline. I just wish it was rear wheel drive. So many truck options. We are blessed in America. Don’t ever take it for granted! Great video!
The way it is right now is better.
The AWD system is always watching your back at all times.
Wait. The exhausts fight each other?
Is the engine sitting sideways or like a traditional v8 engine in a half ton truck?
@@DH-mf2lv It's a transverse engine layout
FWD bias AWD have it own advantages and disadvantages over a RWD bias AWD or 4WD.
I don't know their beds were that small. Excellent video 👍
The Santa may come up short on bed space but the fact is most people only ever haul air 99% of the time. Where the Santa shines in my opinion vs the Mav is realizing that hauling air is where the vast majority of these pickups will live, and giving you a usable trunk in that space to improve the utility of the vehicle.
You can add a bed cover just like the one in the Santa Cruz if you like. Also others with much better designs for when you want to use it like a truck. The bed is then as closed in as the Santa Cruz. All trucks haul air at one time, but you have them for the times you are NOT hauling air. The term it’s better to have it when you don’t need it vs not having it when you need it. You clearly don’t drive a truck and have not a clue why people own them in the first place! Hahaha
I'm for hauling air and occasionally stinky toddler clothes caked in throw up or 💩 at 42 mpg. Just like most people just haul air most people don't need a turbo turbo engine.
@@marklihsu - there will be a time you wished the bed was larger. Guaranteed.
@@shitloveaduck maybe but I'm a suburbanite and have a 16' diesel box truck if needed.
@@marklihsu - well you definitely have enough room to haul about anything you want!! I’m jealous!! I have several trucks and a Ford Bronco 4 door 2.7 litre. I also have a 20 ft enclosed V nose trailer. Won’t haul quite as much as you can, but it’s handy enough. Sorry about the false assumption. I often had a full size Tahoe or Expedition. It was nice travelling or going skiing and your clothes and luggage weren’t frozen solid from being in the back of the truck!! Haha. Always had a cover, even if it was just a good sized tarp, but they would stay cold in your room all day while skiing and you go to change after your shower and, brrrrrrrrr. Hahaha. A lot of my buddies had pickups just because of their kids’ hockey gear!!! Dirty diapers rate right up there!! Heh heh. If I hauled my nephew in the Expedition we had at that time it took days to get the locker room smell out! I can’t imagine dirty diapers!!
Have a 2022 Ridgeline after years of driving Chevys and Fords. I will never go back, love this Ridgeline!
The tailgate can be propped up at an angle with additional support hanging spot in order to support a sheet of 4x8 plywood across the wheel wells on the hyundai
But Yet cant fit an ATV.
I hope they do the Santa Cruz as a 2 seater without the rear row and extend the bed with that added space. I don’t get the industry thinking pickups all need to be 4 doors
Great breakdown
Crossover-pickups/smaller-trucks are going to be the wave of the future, people make fun of the ridgeline but its true.... More and more people will be driving these types of vehicles in the future
I grew up on a farm in Idaho, but I live in here in Utah now. I've owned lots of trucks. I work my trucks hard, they are not just eye candy with a pretty shine. My Tacoma, drove like a tank, and seating position sucked, horrible gas mileage and nosy. F-150, some little part always needed fixing. F-250 7.3 diesel, expensive to maintain, harsh ride when not towing. GMC Sierra, no complaints other than mpg
I now have a 2017 Ridgeline and spent last summer hauling several full loads of top-soil for the yard. My Ridgeline held the entire cubic yard and it weighed just over 2,000 lb each load. Yes, maxed out.
The engine and powertrain are bullet proof. It's a proven track record of reliability. No issues so far.
My 3 oldest boys all about 6 foot fit in the back seats I don't understand the semantics or confusion of the word "truck". It has a bed, and will tows 5K lbs. That's could be a 22 foot camper that sleeps 8. Or my 3 full sized ATV. Or a regular boat. I'm obviously not towing 7K hay bales around. My F-250 does that.
I pulled a 1500 GMC Sierra out of a mud hole while camping a few years ago with my All-wheel drive. We always have a milk a crate and room for groceries. Yes, we buy 4 gallons at a time. We carry all the football pads, soccer, and baseball equipment around and it locked up and stays dry. I always have jumper cables, work gloves. 4 straps ready. I towed my sons S-10 just yesterday when it broke down.
I haul lumber, drywall, almost weekly from Home depo. The storage under the seats in the back is great. The sideways tailgate is awesome! It's quiet and handles great. Its suspension is beefed up over the Pilot.
I've passed dozens of "trucks" stuck in the snow on the side of the road each winter. I smile and wave.
Until you've actually used a Ridgeline on the farm or at all, don't' comment. Until you've hauled or towed something, don't comment. Until you've actually driven in the snow, don't comment. Until gone the store to buy something and not had it slide all over the bed, don't comment. Until you've put your teenagers in the back for trip, don't comment. It's embarrassing and ignorant to do so. If your rock climbing in a Tacoma, don't comment. You can compare this to whatever new small or midsize you want, but it's the clear winner.
Amen, as someone who has also used his Ridgeline to pull several 4x4s out of the snow here in Wisconsin, and pulls an 18ft camper every summer. I learned to drive in half tons, but I love my Honda.
To those guys in the ditch with their 4x4s, remember 2 things: on the road in the winter you are still only a rwd-biased 2wd that will perform as such putting you in that ditch, and if you didn't opt for lockers you really don't have 4wd when even a single tire is slipping in the snow/ice. Traction control and/or limited slip are not a substitute for lockers, and the torque vectoring AWD will outperform them.
All very useful information. Now, with all that information, which one would you personally choose of the 3 for your needs/lifestyle Nathan?
He chose.
Very informative video. I'm wondering if Ford plans to introduce aluminum to the Maverick? (Like the F Series)
Maybe an SFE model Hybrid only so Ford could claim a +40 MPG city/hwy combine?
I use the swing gate on my Ridgeline all the time. It saves you from having to reach the extra 18” over the tailgate to get stuff at the front of bed or drag heavy items over the tailgate in order to be able to lift them out.
The spare , being hidden away, keeps it clean and debris free, as you said.
Let’s face it , how many flats have you got in your lifetime( personally about one every 15 years ), what are the chances you’ll be loaded up and not empty when it happens ( I carry a load maybe 10% of the time ). So , statistically, my chances of having to unload while having a flat are once every 150 years. I’ll take those odds.
Besides , if you are loaded and get a flat, your day has already gone to poop, so what’s an extra 5 minutes added to a 15 minute tire roadside tire change.
I've said it before, but the appeal of the Maverick starts at its price. With that in mind its not hard to overlook some of the compromises and admire what it achieves despite them, the Hyundai comes close but I definitely prefer the Ford for being closer to a true truck. The Ridgeline still fails to hold any real appeal as it is priced right up there with the mid sized trucks I really want but can't ever hope to afford, at least not until ten years from now when they're on the used market with 100k on the odometer.
The Ridgeline and Santa Cruz appeal lies in their car-like ride and handling. They are smoother-riding than any other trucks.
The ridgeline is a midsize...
@@nielsdebakker3283 Maybe I could have been more clear, by "midsized trucks I really want" I was implying the likes of the Frontier and Ranger, I still want a body on frame with a transfer case. The Ridgeline is priced right there with them making the compromises a deal breaker, the roughly $10k in savings is what allows me to overlook them in the Maverick and Santa Cruz.
It scares me how cheap the Maverick is. Ford is known for cheap vehicles not being reliable. I would wait a couple years to consider buying a Maverick.
@@C-Henry I just drove the Santa Cruz, Maverick, Ridgeline and Ranger (don’t bother). Hyundai evidently is selling Santa Cruzes faster than they can make em. Same with the Ford Maverick. Problem is that well, they kinda suck if they aren’t optioned out. Too small and underpowered for trucks, especially the base Santa Cruz. You’ll have to step up to the top two trims to get a good engine and the extras. But at that point your at $40K not including all the BS with market adjustments due to their rarity. Same goes for the Maverick which is on back order for ever. The Ridgeline is much more truck for the money plus the legendary Honda reliability and resale value. I bought the 2022 RTL-E Ridgeline and it wasn’t even close. No BS dealer mark up either, just had to shop around. Originally I went in thinking Santa Cruz actually but man it wasn’t even an afterthought after I tested them.
I love the Ridgeline, fantastic ride, decent mileage, reliable and yup it can tow. Really it meets 95% of my needs. It’s become popular in my crowd of friends to pull light trailers with dirt bikes and ATV’s. Many of the more traditional trucks certainly pull more and that is important if you do it but they are also increasingly less reliable! Really frustrating given what you pay for a full size truck in Canada! Next vehicle for me will be a Ridgeline! Oh, I meant to say, thanks for posting! Always informative and entertaining too!
Solid video Nate. Well done 👍
I think the Santa Cruz is good for picking up a bucket of paint and a hose reel. Oh, and then stop at Wendy's to pick up lunch. That's about all. 👍🏻
Honda needs to make the ridgeline a hybrid or go all out and make an electric version…without GM.
i had the ridgline 2021 and it got stolen last month. I have testdrive other midsize trucks but look llike I have to get another ridgline again!. It's useful for what i do in the city...
You can also tilt the tailgate on the Hyundai. This adding to 22-23 more inches in length.
Funny how times change, was only like 3 years ago you refused to call the Ridgeline a truck
I prefer to call them crossover pickups.
The Ridgeline is definitely a truck. Especially when you compare it to the other “trucks” with equal options and specs, and realize that if you put 5k lbs worth of towing in the back it’s ford and Honda that can still put 1k lbs of gear in the truck. None of the others can. Not even the GM twins (954lbs) so apples to apples it does truck stuff better than Toyota, Nissan, jeep and the GM TWINS.
Now you will say but wait… it’s not as off road and it doesn’t have the maximum towing numbers. And I would say yeah true but real world testing says it has more space, the bed is bigger, the old capacity is bigger (or as big) the fuel economy is hands down better and the ride is unmatched (on road and on dirt roads/ wash outs) so…🤷🏻♂️
@@fubarmedic4222 This guy gets it. I point out the lack of payload to others all the time. If you put a 4k trailer behind and Tacoma and a Ridgeline, with say 12% tongue weight, the Taco is nearly maxed out and the Ridgeline has capacity to spare.
@@jg8263 I think folks only want to look at max numbers and not how they affect other “max numbers”
@@fubarmedic4222 Plus, in terms of the terminology, as Nate started this with, technically the term "pickup" applies to anything under I believe 10k GVWR (and a towing number I don't recall off-hand, maybe 30k?) and would include 1/2 tons through 1 tons manufactured today.
Starting to really love this segment I did the down sizing from a 15 Sierra to a 20 gladiator for the two reason want a smaller truck and was a closet jeep guy. I am curious to know if there is and weight concerns on hatch cover in the bed of of the ridge line and Santa Cruz
The Honda has had that feature since the original 2006 version, and there seems to be very little info on damaging them our there. There are videos on TH-cam of people dumping a load of rocks/bricks into the bed from a loader and no damage to the door. In my 2017 I once was hauling landscape block to the family campground for building a small stair into the hill, and since my camping gear was at the front of the bed or in the trunk, I had approx 1200lbs of brick (100 12lb bricks) all stacked directly on the trunk lid (I know for a fact that I was well over the ~1500lb payload on that trip) and the hatch never even flexed.
I own two 3rd gen Tacomas and love them but if i have a family ill definitely consider the Ridgeline, i like how practical and usable it is for a midsize, plus way more interior room compared to the tacoma.
I truly believe the Honda ridgeline is a midsize and could be compared with the Ranger the maverick definitely is a better pick up for practical purposes than the Santa Cruz
U mean santa cruz?
Yeah the Ridgeline isn't really in the Maverick/Santa Fe class imo
@@Orange-ro7rl lol yep
Santa Cruz is different than the Maverick...Maverick is more utilitarian. Very truck looking with no tech thrills..but has a impressive gas mileage like a car...Santa Cruz went more of a SUV/Crossover styling and features, but with a bed...I honestly believe that Santa Cruz owners will not make too much use of their beds compares to Maverick owners.
@@jraheemjefcoat429 Yeah it's probably hard to use a bed that's just a couple cubic feet larger than your average midsize sedan trunk.
I love my Ridgeline. I can’t believe they are not more popular.
The Toyota Tacoma with the five foot bed is smaller than the ridgeline in length and width including the interior add in the frontier as well why were they not included ? Ladder on frame ?
Amazing that Rivian designed an electric cover, that doesn’t really intrude on bed space, and also has the space for the “gear” tunnel
I love the Ford maverick. Can't wait to pick one up. Believe it or not most people and small businesses are not Farmers or construction work. This fits probably 97% + of anything I would need to do logistically. Anything else is few and far between and I would just rent a truck for..
The Santa Cruz total caro volume without the cover is actually 27 cubic feet if you also include the roughly 3.5 cubic feet of the under floor trunk.
I love these types of comparisons. Can we do an interior space test one day ? 😁
Let me summarize it. The RL will get the width trophy.
@@Marbindfor sure. I agree mate. Would be nice to see half ton interior space test too.
@@Marbind at double the price it better.
The SC has about two cubic feet more interior volume then the maverick
It would be really cool to see yall compare the Ford Maverick with the 2007-2010 ford Explorer Sport trac. I was in the market for a maverick however ended up finding several sport tracs that i like. Suprisingly they are similar dimensions and target the same customers. However the Sport trac is body on frame and rear wheel drive biased. It can also come with a v8, 4x4, and tow 6800 lbs. Im torn between the two. The Maverick get better fuel mileage, lighter, and come with a warranty.
You could always compromise and get a used Subaru Outback Baja
True, but i loose towing capability.
@@cesarpalmos8235 And a whole lot of MPGs.
The one advantage of the smaller vehicles is width. Smaller width is an easier vehicle to navigate on congested roads and to park. I own 22 ridgeline, I have no complaints other than It sometimes feels like alot of vehicle the same way a big sloppy SUV can be. Coming from a narrower frontier w 5 speed I feel like a fat guy in an SUV. The other thing I have reservations about is the degree of electronic complexity of ridgeline, and possibly all new trucks. How do you repair something so electronically complex?
Buy a good service manual with electrical schematics. Get a good multi-meter and test-light. Learn how to use them.
My Honda Ridgeline is extremely comfortable on cross-country trips- much better than the full-sized pick-ups I've had in the past.
It would be great if we could get Ford to actually listen regarding basic things that the Maverick needs to make available:
fog lights,
electric rear window defroster,
basic cruise control in the XL,
heated and ventilated front seats...
You failed to mention that the Santa Cruz tailgate can be adjusted to accommodate sheets of plywood just like the maverick...
Seriously, this dude suxs
@@gabagool3575 the tfl reviewer guy?
@@gregsangilan1929 yeah, Nathan from tfl is the worst
@@gabagool3575 yep, Roman talks too much,and talks over anyone he interviews, Nathan needs to research more and write it down. I'm going to do my first video of my SC. In a day or two when the rain let's up.
@@gregsangilan1929 Santa Cruz is a really cool vehicle, hope you get many miles of use out of it. Meanwhile, I really should work on making a compilation of all the BS these guys put out…..
This was a great review and so glad it wasn't another off road comparison that almost no one who owns any of these trucks/crossovers will ever really use them for.
Agreed, but I think truck owners like to know/think their vehicle can do way more than they'll ever attempt. 😉
@@skywalker2852 Too, too, true. I've got a 2003 Tacoma PreRunner with BFG K02's and the driveway is as far off raod as I've been.
A survey company, Strategic Vision, did a survey of 250k truck owners in 2019. 75% Reported never towing or towing only 1 time per year, and 70% reported never going off-road or doing so only 1 time per year. Seems you are spot on in your opinion.
@@jg8263 My Lesbaru Crosstrek 2.slo/CVT tows a few times per month. It's been offroad too. It has skids, AT Trail tires, and a multi-mount winch also.
I might need to lay off the catnip and Mtn Dew a bit.
I want the Maverick but with a Hybrid and AWD option. I travel all over Florida for Kayaking and Biking events, and my current vehicle is an Altima with a roof rack. The car's been a trooper, but I've had to hitch a ride with friends with their trucks and suv's when my car would not make it to a launch. 95% of the time I won't want or need AWD, but that 5% of the time is important. Even if an AWD system looses 5mpg it's still going to be class leading!
I feel you. I roof racked kayaks on a Prius for years. That thing was a trooper and never let me down. The Kayak in the bed of my Ridgeline is so much easier loading and unloading, plus I'm so much better off on the sketchy roads near rivers. Now I'm an asset of the group, not a liability. Had 5 kayaks in the bed once with 5 people in the cab. If the AWD hybrid were an option on the maverick I would take a much harder look.
Is the Maverick the only pickup here with a full size spare tire? If so, the other 2 vehicles are inadequate for towing.
The RL has a bolt in the bed in where you can secure a full size tire a feature that not many know about it.
Whistlin Diesel said the Ridgeline was a mini van with the back roof removed🤣🤣🤣😂
He ain't wrong
My sienna weighs more than a Tacoma AND has a higher payload capacity. Obviously it’s not gonna off road like a taco but it can definitely do more work than one
People have been saying that since it's launch, because it is.
He also shot himself in the head with a .50 due to being an idiot around guns, so take that with a grain of salt.
I love my Ridgeline! I added a few upgrades like A/T tires, and a factory bed cover but. I really don't think I needed anything as this vehicle is super capable out of the box. Well Done Honda again I am done buying Fords
What tires did you picked? Is your RL lifted? RL owner here too! 😀
@@BengLang84 I actually swapped MDX 20" wheels from my wife's 2022 MDX A-Spec and added 255 50 20 in Falken Wildpeak Trail A/T's. No lift and mpgs took about 2mpgs or so
@@fokuz02 that is awesome! 😀👍
I put the 265/60r18 vredestein AT pinza tires on, and did a 2” front 1” rear lift. Got me to 10+” of clearance and only took a 2mpg hit. But I still get 21.5-22.5 mpg combined and 25-26 on straight highway driving. I thinks it’s because the tires are fairly light compared to other AT tires.
I could only achieve 18.5 MPG driving a friends Ridgeline for a weekend. That was shocking.
Fact: My fridge has more volume than the bed of the Santa Cruz.
Gets better milage too... So what are you saying?
The Santa Cruz total caro volume without the cover is actually 27 cubic feet if you also include the roughly 3.5 cubic feet of the under floor trunk.
Nathan got a few things wrong. The Ford is actually only 26.9 cubic feet in the bed.
Plus the SC also has the adjustable tailgate for 4x8 sheets
For me I take the Ridgeline it best fits my needs the most plus I think if Honda ever put a lower range in those things but how good they are already watch out Jeep
Bang for you buck the Maverick is appealing but we ended up going with the Ridgeline for many reasons.
I thought you were gonna compare the ridgline to the titan at the end, had my hopes up!
I was hoping to compare them loading things, not only measuring them …i mean for that i can read the spec sheet
We’ve done load, towing and other videos in the past. This was in response to viewer requests
MAJOR FACTUAL ERROR: one can prop up the tailgate of the Santa Cruz exactly the way one can prop up the tailgate of the Maverick to support 4 x 8 sheets of material, so it’s not like it’s something the Mav can do that the SC can’t . I believe that was even covered on another TFL video. (In general, I would agree with many that the Maverick is probably better suited to be a work vehicle, while the Santa Cruz is a more luxurious upgrade over the old Subaru Baja, and I mean that in a very good way.)
So the measurement between bed walls and wheel wells is nice, but what about the dimension of the width of the tailgate opening? It looks like the ridgeline, and maybe the other two as well has a different/narrower dimension at the tailgate opening due to the latch mechanisms for the swing-open tailgate. Is the opening of the tailgate at least 48" wide? I'm assuming yes but it's hard to tell from the video and other photos.
It is 51 and change inches at the tailgate, regardless of which direction you open it. Hope that helps.
@@jg8263 Thank you!! I'm leaning towards the Ridgeline as my next vehicle, coming from a Fit, had a 2007 Frontier in the past, seems like a good mashup of the two
good one
I was going between the Ridgeline and Maverick, but the Maverick wasn't really available. Picked up a 2023 Ridgeline RTL for less than sticker. It also has a lot more usable space in the cabin which really drove me that direction.
How is the Ridgeline? I'm debating what mid-sized truck should I get.
@@russell311000 Great so far. I know some people think the media interface is a bit slow, but it's been fine for me.
Smooth, very quiet, I use the trunk often, and the bed has been great for my home projects.
Great purchase, let me know if you have any specific questions.
Thanks for responding. Will do,
Can you load full size adventure bike (like BMW's GS series or KTM's 1290 adventure) in the bed of Maverick or Santa Cruz? Really like their price, but won't be using as a pickup truck beside going to track days with motorcycle. I've seen some photos of dirt bikes being loaded, but I'm not sure whether I can load bigger bikes on them.
Bring the motorcycles to the dealers and test if it is possible to load them into the beds. They should have showroom models, at the very least.