2022 Ford Maverick vs 2023 Ford F-150

The 2022 Ford Maverick presented itself as a conventional pickup, drawing inspiration from larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger with its wheel arches and taillights. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, 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, differing from the traditional body-on-frame construction of larger Ford trucks. The Maverick's interior was a standout feature, with a design that made economical use of materials while maintaining a stylish appearance. The multicolored plastic and exposed fasteners added character, and even the base model offered seats with an attractive weave pattern.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford F-150 maintained a familiar and appealing design, avoiding any unusual details that might deter customers. The truck's styling was consistent across its lineup, from the workhorse XL to the high-performance Raptor. Inside, the F-150 adopted a modular approach, focusing on function over form. The interior was practical, with features like the Ford Work Surface upgrade, although some elements, like the shifter and steering wheel controls, felt less refined. The cloth seats were comfortable and durable, and the truck offered ample storage space. Overall, the F-150 provided a solid and appealing design, both inside and out.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and CVT, 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 added off-road capabilities, making it more capable than most crossover SUVs in its price range. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, and the hybrid powertrain was noted for its linear power delivery and refinement.

The 2023 Ford F-150 offered a range of engine options, with the test truck featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided effortless acceleration. The F-150's maximum towing capacity was 14,000 pounds, with a maximum payload rating of 3,315 pounds, depending on configuration. The truck's ride quality was better than some competitors, though it could feel harsh when unloaded. The F-150's brakes were strong, and the steering was unremarkable but functional. The truck was also unexpectedly quiet at freeway speeds, though fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 17 mpg compared to the EPA's 19 mpg estimate.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively 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 FITS system for customizable accessories. The 4.5-foot bed offered 1,500 pounds of payload capacity and featured FlexBed options for maximizing space. The Maverick's towing capacity was 4,000 pounds, less than some SUVs but more than the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

The 2023 Ford F-150 provided comfortable seating for five, with power-adjustable options for the driver and front passenger. Storage was abundant, with various bins, trays, and compartments throughout the cabin. The rear seats could be flipped up or folded flat for additional cargo space. The test truck's cargo bed featured a spray-in bedliner and the Pro Power Onboard system, though climbing into the bed was challenging without the optional tailgate step.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but not wireless versions. An 8-inch touchscreen and built-in WiFi hotspot were standard, though the system's graphics and functions were basic. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2023 Ford F-150 came with the Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was easy to use, though it could benefit from bolder graphics. The test truck also included remote engine starting, trailer-brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, enhancing its functionality.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams, with optional adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-centering.

The 2023 Ford F-150 featured Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The F-150 earned high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a post-collision braking system for added safety.