2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented a conventional pickup appearance, reminiscent of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger, with its prominent wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from the typical Ford truck design, featuring large headlights and a grille crossbar that didn't make a strong styling statement. Despite being smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick maintained a substantial presence at 199.7 inches long and 68.7 inches tall. It utilized a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, offering a unique blend of affordability and utility. The interior, heavy on plastic, was creatively designed with multicolored elements and exposed fasteners, giving it character. The Maverick's interior was praised for its style, proving that entry-level vehicles could be both affordable and visually appealing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's design was a mix of timeless and bold elements. While some might have found the small headlights and aggressive grille design peculiar, it aligned with Chevrolet's current vehicle portfolio. The Silverado offered various appearance packages like the Rally Edition and Midnight Edition for added visual flair. Inside, the cabin was functional and varied based on trim levels, with the WT and Custom trims retaining pre-facelift interiors. Higher trims featured a modern dash with a large touchscreen. The Silverado's interior was practical, with the WT offering vinyl upholstery and basic tech, while higher trims like the LTZ and High Country provided luxury features such as leather upholstery and advanced infotainment systems.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine offered 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered optional all-wheel drive. The Maverick FX4 package enhanced off-road capabilities with features like hill-descent control and all-terrain tires. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, akin to a small car or crossover, with the hybrid powertrain offering a more refined driving experience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of powerful engines, starting with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Optional V8 engines included a 5.3-liter with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, and a 6.2-liter with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. A six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel was also available, delivering 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 13,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 and Max Towing package. The truck's handling was commendable for its size, with the Trail Boss trim excelling off-road. The Silverado's 10-speed automatic transmission was smooth and efficient, enhancing the driving experience across various terrains.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was exclusively available in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offering more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies and the innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) for customizable accessories. The 4.5-foot bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, provided 1,500 pounds of payload capacity and featured FlexBed options for maximizing space. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 4,000 pounds, making it a practical choice for light-duty tasks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered multiple body styles, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with varying bed lengths. The regular cab was suited for work-focused trims, while the double cab provided easy rear seat access with conventional doors. The crew cab was spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The rear bench in the crew cab folded up for additional in-cabin cargo space, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not wirelessly. A built-in WiFi hotspot supported up to 10 devices. The system was basic but functional, with a large slot for phones and available wireless charging. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's base infotainment setup included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims boasted a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and a fully digital instrument panel. The LTZ trim added wireless device charging and additional USB ports. The Silverado's infotainment system was user-friendly, with higher trims offering advanced tech features for a modern driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features encompassed adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane centering.

The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The LTZ trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Silverado received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, highlighting its robust safety credentials.