2023 RAM 2500 vs 2022 Ford Maverick

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 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 and functional aesthetic. The use of multicolored plastic and exposed fasteners added character, and even the base model offered a unique weave pattern on the seats.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel shared a familiar look with the Power Wagon, minus the graphics, 17-inch wheels, and integrated winch. Instead, it featured an aluminum sport hood, 20-inch wheels, and a sleek blacked-out appearance. The Rebel came with a crew-cab configuration and a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed. It offered a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine, similar to the Power Wagon, but also provided an option for a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel inline-six. The interior of the Rebel was luxurious, with quality materials and contrast stitching, although the gloss black plastic surrounding the infotainment system was prone to showing dust and fingerprints. The truck's interior was spacious and comfortable, with premium leather seats and a range of storage options, making it a practical choice for long drives.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came with a standard hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a CVT, delivering a total output of 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine offered 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was available only with front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Maverick's FX4 off-road package added features like different suspension tuning and underbody protection, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, akin to a small car or crossover, with better maneuverability and parking ease compared to full-size trucks.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel boasted a standard 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. It also offered a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine with 370 horsepower and a massive 850 pound-feet of torque, using a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel option, while more efficient, was a costly upgrade and didn't match the V8's towing and payload capacities. The Rebel's frame, made of high-strength steel, provided a robust foundation, and its off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like 20-inch wheels, off-road tires, and a locking rear differential. The truck's ride was smooth and refined, with the diesel engine offering better fuel economy than the V8, though at a higher initial cost.

The 2022 Ford Maverick was available exclusively as a four-door crew-cab, offering more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. It excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies and storage spaces, including under the rear seats and in the door cards. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, offered 1,500 pounds of payload capacity and featured an in-bed power outlet and tailgate tiedowns. The FlexBed system allowed for customizable bed configurations, and the Maverick's towing capacity reached 4,000 pounds with the EcoBoost engine.

The 2023 RAM 2500 Rebel required some effort to enter and exit due to its height, but once inside, it offered a spacious and comfortable cabin. The interior featured premium leather seats and a range of storage options, including hidden dashboard storage and a center console. The back seat was roomy, with amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo box offered options like a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting, and the available Ram Box storage bins added utility. The Rebel's towing and payload capacities were impressive, with the V8 engine providing the highest capabilities.

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 a built-in WiFi hotspot were standard, providing basic but functional infotainment. The hybrid model included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking.

The 2023 RAM 2500 introduced a new 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and numerous camera and trailering technology upgrades. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 12-inch touchscreen, offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The optional Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality. The system was user-friendly, though glare could be an issue for some displays.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams as standard, with options for adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time.

The 2023 RAM 2500 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the truck's size and weight provided a sense of security.