2021 RAM 1500 vs 2022 Ford Maverick

The 2021 RAM 1500, a carryover model from its 2019 redesign, maintained its robust and commanding presence. The TRX variant, inspired by off-road rally races, stood out with its functional hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents. The TRX was a crew cab-only 4x4 with a 5-foot, 7-inch box, and its dimensions were notably larger than the standard RAM 1500. The interior of the TRX combined first-class comfort with rugged durability, featuring premium cloth and vinyl upholstery, a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display, and a performance steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick presented a more conventional pickup look, drawing design cues from larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger. The Maverick was smaller than the Ranger, with a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The base Maverick XL came with 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered alloy wheels and additional luxury features. The interior design of the Maverick was practical and stylish, with multicolored plastic, exposed fasteners, and ample storage spaces, making it a standout in its price range.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine, delivering 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It had a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds and a maximum towing capability of 8,100 pounds. The TRX could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and had a top speed of 118 mph. Despite its fuel economy of 10 mpg city, 14 highway, and 12 combined, the TRX excelled in various driving scenarios, from city commutes to off-road adventures. It featured eight on- and off-road drive modes, including a Baja mode, and performed impressively on challenging terrains.

The 2022 Ford Maverick offered a standard hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered optional all-wheel drive. The Maverick FX4, equipped with the EcoBoost engine, demonstrated commendable off-road capability on a test course. On pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, and the hybrid powertrain offered a more refined driving experience.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX featured full-length rock rails, a full-size spare tire, and standard LED headlights and taillights. Despite its larger exterior proportions, the TRX's interior dimensions were identical to the standard RAM 1500, with front headroom and legroom measuring 40.9 inches and rear seats offering 39.8 and 45.2 inches, respectively. The cabin provided ample storage space, including a large center storage bin. The TRX's seating position offered the most adjustability compared to its rivals, enhancing driver comfort on long drives.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, available exclusively in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offered more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Maverick excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 4.5-foot bed provided 1,500 pounds of payload capacity and featured an in-bed power outlet, tiedowns, and the FlexBed system for versatile cargo management. The Maverick's towing capacity was 4,000 pounds for the EcoBoost and 2,000 pounds for the hybrid.

The 2021 RAM 1500 came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen featuring the Uconnect 4C infotainment system. The display was customizable and could be configured as a single-panel or split-screen. The Uconnect system included wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and various ports. The TRX also offered Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages for vehicle data, a 10-speaker Alpine audio system, and an optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. New for 2021 was a full-color head-up display (HUD) with customizable real-time driving information.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system's graphics and functions were basic, but it included a large slot for phones and available wireless charging. The hybrid model had a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking. While the Maverick's infotainment tech was not groundbreaking, it effectively covered the essentials.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX offered over 100 safety and security features, including a rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection with emergency braking. The Advanced Safety Group package added a 360-degree camera, adaptive headlights, and more. Passive safety features included an auto-reverse function for windows and sunroof and an enhanced accident response system.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional extras included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist.