2022 Ford Maverick vs 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, especially in its Limited trim, exuded a sense of luxury and capability. Its Iconic Silver paint, chrome grille, and polished wheels gave it a stately appearance, reminiscent of a high-end sedan. Inside, the plush leather seats and high-end audio system added to its luxurious feel, making it suitable for both rugged tasks and upscale outings. The power-deploying running boards were a practical touch, easing access to the spacious and well-organized cabin. The F-350 offered a range of trims, from the more utilitarian XL to the opulent Limited, each with varying levels of interior refinement. The crew cab configuration provided ample space, and the turbodiesel V8 engine, along with 4WD, underscored its robust capabilities.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick presented a more conventional pickup look, with styling cues borrowed from larger Ford trucks. Its compact size, at nearly a foot shorter than the Ford Ranger, made it more maneuverable. The Maverick's unibody construction, shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, contributed to its car-like driving dynamics. The interior, despite its heavy use of plastic, was cleverly designed with multicolored elements and practical storage solutions. The Maverick's interior was a testament to Ford's ability to blend affordability with style, offering features like the Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable storage options. The Maverick's bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, was equipped with innovative features like FlexBed and a multi-position tailgate, enhancing its utility.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty was powered by a formidable 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine, delivering 475 horsepower and an impressive 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the truck managed a fuel efficiency of 15.4 mpg on a standard loop and 16.5 mpg with heavy highway use. The Powerstroke diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided effortless towing and hauling capabilities. The Tremor off-road package further enhanced its off-road prowess with features like a front suspension lift and 35-inch all-terrain tires. However, its size posed challenges in urban environments, requiring careful navigation and parking. The adaptive steering and stout brakes required acclimation, but they contributed to the truck's overall capability.

The 2022 Ford Maverick offered a standard hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine increased output to 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, with the choice of all-wheel drive. The Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, akin to a small car or crossover, with better handling over bumps compared to traditional pickups. The FX4 off-road package added capability for light off-roading, though it wasn't intended for hardcore trails. The hybrid powertrain was noted for its linear power delivery and refinement, while the EcoBoost offered more towing capacity and spirited acceleration.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty's crew cab configuration offered expansive space for five passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the Limited trim. The interior was well-appointed with ample storage options, including a large center console and dual glove compartments. Rear-seat comfort was notable, though the seat cushion was slightly lower than expected. The cargo bed, accessible via an integrated tailgate step, featured the BoxLink system for securing loads, and an optional spray-in bedliner provided added protection.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, available only as a four-door crew cab, boasted more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Its interior was cleverly designed with numerous storage solutions, including under-seat storage and the FITS system for customizable accessories. The 4.5-foot bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, offered 1,500 pounds of payload capacity and innovative features like FlexBed and a multi-position tailgate. The Maverick's towing capacity was 4,000 pounds for the EcoBoost and 2,000 pounds for the hybrid, providing practical utility for its size.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty featured an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while functional, was becoming outdated compared to competitors. The system included smartphone integration, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium B&O sound system. The screen size was a limitation for utilizing features like the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The truck also offered a Live Drive Power Take-off system and upfitter switches for additional equipment.

The 2022 Ford Maverick also used the Sync 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system lacked advanced features like embedded navigation, it provided essential connectivity with a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Maverick's infotainment was basic but effective, with practical features like a phone slot with available wireless charging. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty, weighing approximately 7,300 pounds, offered a range of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. While official crash-test ratings were unavailable, its size and weight suggested a high level of protection in collisions with smaller vehicles. The adaptive cruise control system was noted for its uneven performance in traffic, and the lane-departure warning provided a noticeable vibration through the steering wheel.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as standard. Optional features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane centering. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available for the Maverick.