Is a compact pickup truck in your future?
Detroit Auto Show draws thousands to see cars on first day of public opening
Thousands of people viewed the latest models of cars, trucks and other vehicles during the 2025 Detroit Auto Show’s first day of public viewing.
- Despite the success of models such as the Ford F-150, light pickup trucks are becoming increasingly popular in the United States.
- Light-duty truck nameplates are available on the used car market at reasonable prices, despite their low mileage and new model years.
Midsize pickup trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma are no longer the smallest truck options on the market.
Thanks to Ford and Hyundai, we have two truck models that are even smaller than your average mid-size truck model. It’s even more affordable. These trucks allow drivers to experience the experience of owning a pickup truck without paying the hefty price tag. Additionally, light trucks are much easier to maneuver and park in urban areas than medium and full-size models.
The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz light trucks are relatively new, but they’ve been around long enough that some models have been on the used car market.
Full-size pickup truck models such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, and Ford F-150 may be the sales leaders in the pickup truck vehicle class, but Ford and Hyundai have created a new niche segment where first-time truck buyers are drawn to smaller, more affordable models.
How much does a used Ford Maverick cost?
The Ford Maverick pickup truck was introduced as a 2022 model with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of approximately $20,995, excluding taxes and fees. Although the Maverick has increased in price over the years, it remains the most affordable new pickup truck on the market. Prices for the 2026 Ford Maverick start at $28,145, which is much more expensive than the first-year model of the small pickup truck.
CarMax recently listed five used 2022 Ford Maverick pickup trucks with starting prices under $22,000. This model is available as a gasoline or hybrid used truck. The 2022 Ford Maverick measures approximately 199.7 inches long, 72.6 inches wide without mirrors, and 68.7 inches tall. Gasoline models use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and gets 26 miles per gallon combined.
The hybrid version of the Ford Maverick makes 191 horsepower and gets 37 miles per gallon combined. Ford light trucks are unique in their affordability and size. While the gasoline version may have many benefits, the hybrid’s fuel economy is unmatched in this segment.
How much does a used Hyundai Santa Cruz cost?
South Korean automaker Hyundai will also produce the Santa Cruz light-duty truck as a 2022 model, with prices starting at about $23,990. Several used 2022 Santa Cruz pickup trucks were recently listed on CarMax for under $22,000.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is 195.7 inches long, 75 inches wide excluding mirrors, and 66.7 inches tall. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower. This light truck gets 23 miles per gallon combined.
According to a U.S. News & World Report vehicle review, Hyundai light duty trucks have “well-controlled suspension, reliable fuel economy,” and “a wide range of standard features.”
According to the 2025 sales report, Ford’s Maverick “had a record sales year with 155,051 pickup trucks sold.” According to recent sales announcements, Hyundai sold 25,499 Santa Cruz light trucks in 2025 and 32,033 in 2024. The emerging compact pickup truck segment is far from the most popular segment in the industry, but it is growing rapidly.
