2023 Ford Maverick vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2022 Ram 1500 was available in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, with a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box, and an optional 5-foot, 7-inch box for Crew Cabs. It offered seven trim levels, ranging from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. Numerous appearance packages, option packages, and special editions allowed for extensive customization. New for 2022, all Ram 1500s featured a Clean Air System, filtering 95% of particulates from the interior air. The Big Horn trim and above received the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The Trailer Tow Group added a Trailer Hitch Light feature for improved visibility after dark.

Our test truck, a Ram 1500 Crew Cab in Limited trim, came equipped with a turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and an electronic locking rear axle. It featured the Limited Level 1 Group, Technology Group, Trailer Tow Group, power-folding trailer mirrors, and a tri-fold tonneau cover. The Limited 10th Anniversary Edition package added luxurious touches like Indigo and Sea Salt quilted leather upholstery, a suede headliner, ventilated rear seats, and a 19-speaker premium sound system. The truck's design was clean and contemporary, with a luxury interior that exuded quality, thanks to its two-tone color scheme and high-end materials.

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its familiar look, with a blocky front end and headlights that set it apart. The new Tremor package added off-road capability and street cred, featuring blacked-out logos, headlights, and taillights. The Avalanche Gray color option and Tremor Orange accents on tow hooks and the grille added a sporty touch. The Tremor Appearance Package further enhanced the look with a Carbonized Gray roof and mirrors, black side graphics, and special 17-inch wheels.

The base Maverick XL came with 17-inch Sparkle Silver-painted steel wheels, while the XLT trim featured 17-inch Carbonized Gray aluminum wheels, and the Lariat trim had 18-inch Bright aluminum wheels. The FX4 package swapped these for 17-inch Ebony-painted aluminum wheels. Inside, the Maverick's crew cab had a lot of hard plastic, but the Black Onyx seats and blue-tinted plastic added a surprisingly highbrow look. The interior could be upgraded with the Luxury Package, which added heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.

The 2022 Ram 1500 offered several engine options, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with a mild-hybrid system called eTorque, and an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine with or without eTorque. The Ram TRX featured a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 based on the Hellcat engine. Our test truck had the EcoDiesel engine, a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generating 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel's towing capacity reached up to 12,560 pounds, with our Crew Cab Limited 4WD managing a 9,600-pound trailer and a 1,780-pound payload.

The EcoDiesel engine was more expensive than competitors, but it delivered impressive fuel economy, averaging 24.8 mpg in our tests. The Ram 1500's coil-spring rear suspension and optional four-corner air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the interior was quiet and comfortable. However, the brake pedal could be challenging to modulate, and the truck felt tight on narrow roads. Overall, the Ram 1500 handled more like an SUV than a pickup truck, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was hybrid-powered by default, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. Hybrid Mavericks came with a CVT and FWD. Our tester had the 2.0-liter, 250-hp EcoBoost engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The Tremor package added Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, capable of sending torque to either rear wheel, and included Trail Control for off-road terrains.

The Tremor package also added special springs and shocks, steel skid plates, a heavy-duty transmission cooler, and a 1-inch lift for improved ground clearance. The EcoBoost engine's 277 lb-ft of torque allowed for a towing capacity of up to 4,000 lbs with the 4K Tow Package, though the Tremor package reduced this to 2,000 lbs. The Maverick's performance was impressive for its size, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2022 Ram 1500's power-deploying running boards could be turned on and off through the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample space. Practical storage included trays, bins, and cubbies in the center console, door panels, and under the rear floor. The multi-function tailgate and optional RamBox storage bins added versatility to the cargo bed.

The 2023 Ford Maverick's Tremor package made the truck 1 inch longer, but legroom remained the same, with 42.8 inches in the front and 36.9 inches in the second row for gas models. The hybrid model had slightly less rear legroom at 35.9 inches. The Maverick's interior featured a lot of plastic, but it was in line with its utilitarian nature. The Luxury Package added heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The Maverick offered practical interior space and comfort for its size.

The 2022 Ram 1500 featured the new Uconnect 5 infotainment system on Big Horn and above trims, with an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa Built-in, satellite radio, and connected services. Our test truck had the 12-inch display, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a Ramcharger wireless charging dock. However, the voice recognition system and overall complexity posed some challenges.

The 2023 Ford Maverick's 8-inch infotainment touchscreen was adequate but unimpressive, with standard Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. FordPass Connect offered a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The Lariat trim added a 6.5-inch driver-information display, additional USB ports, a power-sliding rear window, ambient lighting, and push-button start. The Lariat's Luxury Package included an eight-speaker B&O sound system, wireless charging pad, SiriusXM Radio, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2022 Ram 1500 offered driver-assist features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert on lower trims. Higher trims had the Advanced Safety Group and Rebel Safety Group packages, adding features like automatic high-beam headlights, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Ram 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite, including automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and hill-descent control. The Maverick earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high ratings for front crash prevention from the IIHS.