2022 Ford Maverick vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2022 Ford Maverick exuded the charm of a conventional pickup, visibly reminiscent of its larger siblings in the Ford lineup. Its design featured larger wheel arches and taillights akin to the F-150 and Ranger. However, the frontend deviated slightly with large headlights and a grille crossbar, creating a distinct but not overwhelmingly bold statement.

Measuring 199.7 inches in length, the Maverick was significantly more compact compared to the Ranger. It stood at 68.7 inches tall, which is 4.6 inches shorter. Sharing the C2 unibody platform with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick leveraged a modern construction approach unlike the traditional body-on-frame trucks.

The base Maverick XL featured 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 17-inch and 18-inch alloy options. The Maverick First Edition, exclusive to 2022, included black graphics, a soft tonneau cover, and model-specific wheels and paint. Luxury packages on XLT and Lariat trims added premium touches like heated, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and heated seats.

Interior-wise, even the base model Maverick stood out with its unique use of inexpensive plastics, multicolored speckled designs, and exposed fasteners that lent character. Whether it was the neat weave pattern on the base XL seats or the available leather upholstery, the Maverick’s interior turned budget constraints into a stylish statement.

On the contrary, the 2022 RAM 1500 showcased a different approach to styling and luxury. Available in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, it offered a variety of trims and packages. The Limited trim stood out with its turbodiesel engine, four-wheel drive (4WD), and an electronic locking rear axle. Special editions, like the Limited 10th Anniversary Edition, added an array of premium features including quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, and a 19-speaker sound system.

With roots in the iconic “big rig” styling, the RAM 1500 maintained a clean, contemporary look that avoided the extravagant designs seen in some rivals. The chrome on the Limited model seamlessly fit without overwhelming the truck's appearance.

Inside, the RAM 1500 Limited delivered luxury. Materials such as Indigo and Sea Salt two-tone leather and mixed texture surfaces created a refined cabin atmosphere. Remarkably, RAM managed to hide the budget plastics found in lower trims, offering a sense of quality that exceeded many competitors.

The 2022 Ford Maverick provided two distinct powertrain options. The standard hybrid system combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a total of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Alternatively, the optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Maverick hybrid was front-wheel drive (FWD) only, while the EcoBoost version offered both standard FWD and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Opting for the AWD XLT or Lariat trims allowed for the FX4 off-road package, enhancing the truck's rugged capabilities with features like different suspension tuning, hill-descent control, and Mud/Rut and Sand drive modes.

On-road, the Maverick drove more like a small car than a pickup truck, courtesy of its unibody construction. It delivered a smoother ride, avoiding the typical shudder of body-on-frame vehicles over bumps. While the tall hood slightly impaired forward visibility, maneuvering in tight spaces was aided by large exterior mirrors and low door sills.

Comparatively, the 2022 RAM 1500 boasted several engine options. The base 3.6-liter V6 with a mild-hybrid eTorque system balanced performance and fuel economy. A more traditional 5.7-liter V8, available with or without eTorque, provided robust capability. The RAM TRX featured an exclusive supercharged 6.2-liter V8 based on the Hellcat engine for off-road enthusiasts.

Our test model's EcoDiesel V6 engine, an optional extra, produced 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAM 1500's towing capacity maxed out at 12,560 pounds, and our Limited 4WD version could tow 9,600 pounds.

The EcoDiesel engine delivered an impressive fuel economy of 24.8 mpg on our test loop, partially aided by the truck’s tonneau cover. However, despite its high upfront cost, the EcoDiesel proved enjoyable with its quiet operation and substantial torque, making it the preferred choice for those who could justify the investment.

Riding on a coil-spring rear suspension enhanced with an optional air suspension system, the RAM 1500 provided unmatched ride quality. It handled remarkably well, whether in urban traffic or along mountain roads, maintaining stability and comfort.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was solely available as a four-door crew cab. It offered more front legroom than the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Toyota Tacoma and provided ample rear legroom with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. When it came to interior space, the Maverick excelled with numerous storage solutions, including under-seat compartments, door-card designs for large bottles, and FITS (Ford Integrated Tether System) slots for customizable accessories.

The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed, though shorter than that of the Ford Ranger, still offered 1,500 pounds of payload capacity. Additionally, it included useful features like an in-bed power outlet, tailgate tiedowns, and the innovative FlexBed system designed for optimal use of the space with dividers and a multi-position tailgate.

In contrast, the 2022 RAM 1500 highlighted its functional luxury. Despite the initial challenge of navigating the Uconnect 5 settings to activate power-deploying running boards, the RAM offered a plethora of convenience features. The Limited trim’s interior boasted heated and ventilated front and rear seats, extensive storage solutions including under-floor compartments, and versatile cargo space with RamBox storage bins.

The RAM 1500's multi-function tailgate could either fold down or swing open, and it had a center bed step for ease of access. The bed itself supported a 2,000-pound weight, enhancing the truck’s utility.

Towing and payload capacities for both trucks reflected their categories, with the Maverick's towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds being less than what the RAM 1500 could handle. However, the RAM’s impressive capabilities were balanced by its substantial size and scope of features.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering basic functionality suitable for an entry-level vehicle. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The infotainment was practical, with essential connectivity options but minimal advanced features like embedded navigation.

Conversely, the 2022 RAM 1500 benefited from the new Uconnect 5 system, standard in Big Horn trims and above. The system, available with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch vertical touchscreen, provided wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, satellite radio, and connected services. Higher trims offered a comprehensive package, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and additional tech features tailored for both entertainment and utility.

Despite a few issues with voice recognition and occasional complexity, Uconnect 5 represented a significant upgrade, enhancing user experience with faster loading and more robust functionality.

For the 2022 Ford Maverick, standard safety features under the Co-Pilot360 umbrella included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional extras encompassed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist. The Maverick had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 RAM 1500 leveraged its higher trims with extensive driver-assist features. Lower trims included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered additional features like automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control via the Advanced Safety Group and Rebel Safety Group packages.

Our test RAM 1500 came with rear parking sensors and a problematic rear automatic braking system. While the LaneSense lane-keep assist was occasionally too insistent, it provided an added safety net. The adaptive cruise control was particularly smooth, beneficial in changing traffic conditions.

Rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and earning a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, the RAM 1500 presented a well-rounded safety profile, though improvements in frontal-impact ratings were noted for further enhancement.