Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Maverick

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, though redesigned, retained a familiar aesthetic that echoed its predecessor. The new hexagonal grille gave it a more aggressive look, and the overall design leaned towards a blockier and more angular style, yet it still maintained the recognizable Toyota truck appearance. The base SR trim came with standard 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims featured 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tacoma underwent a more noticeable transformation, with a dashboard design influenced by the Ford F-Series. The interior emphasized functionality with MOLLE panels for accessory attachment, even in the Limited trim, which included heated and ventilated SofTex-trimmed seats.

The 2025 Ford Maverick presented a fresh yet familiar look, maintaining the chunky styling of its predecessor. The large wheel arches were reminiscent of larger Ford trucks, and the cross bar that previously bisected the headlights was removed for a more conventional appearance. The Maverick offered various trim levels, including the base XL, XLT, and Lariat, as well as specialty models like the Tremor and Lobo. The Tremor was an off-road model with dedicated suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, while the Lobo paid homage to the street truck trend with a cleaner front fascia and lowered suspension. The Maverick's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring multicolor trim and exposed screwheads, and the Lobo added vibrant Grabber Blue and yellow accents.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced an all-turbo lineup, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque on most trims. The base Tacoma SR was tuned for 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options were available, with an eight-speed automatic transmission replacing the previous six-speed auto. The Tacoma offered multiple suspensions for different trims, with sport-tuned shocks for the TRD Sport and monotube Bilstein shocks for the TRD Off-Road. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain promised maximum capability, though details were limited at the time.

The 2025 Ford Maverick continued with two powertrain options, with the standard hybrid now available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The hybrid used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a single electric motor, producing 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0-liter Ecoboost turbocharged engine offered 238 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The Maverick Lobo featured a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, lowered suspension, and dual-piston front brake calipers. The Lobo's emphasis on handling made it unique among pickup trucks, offering a fun and satisfying driving experience on winding roads.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma replaced the Access Cab with a new two-door "XtraCab" configuration, focusing on cargo space rather than extra seating. The XtraCab provided lockable storage and a work surface with the passenger seat folded flat. The four-door Double Cab models offered improved seat comfort and increased storage capacity beneath the rear seats. The Tacoma continued to offer a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot beds, with increased bed volume and available outlets for added convenience.

The 2025 Ford Maverick had a base towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which could be increased to 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K Towing Package. The Maverick's 4.5-foot bed featured cargo dividers and a 110-volt outlet, with the tailgate serving as a tie-down brace for larger cargo. Inside, the Maverick offered practical storage solutions, including intricately molded in-door cubbies and mounting points for 3D-printed accessories. The Maverick's unibody platform provided similar headroom and legroom to larger trucks like the Ford Ranger.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma saw significant improvements in technology, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and an available 14-inch display on higher trims. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional Qi wireless charging pad. The Tacoma offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system with a removable portable speaker and pre-wired auxiliary switches for added convenience. Towing features included a trailer brake controller and a wireless trailer camera accessory.

The 2025 Ford Maverick upgraded to the Sync 4 infotainment system with a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Maverick's tech was straightforward, though the reliance on touchscreen controls for temperature and seat heaters was less user-friendly. The Maverick borrowed towing tech from larger Ford trucks, with Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist available on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced new safety technology with standard electric power steering and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The system included advanced features like Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Tacoma also offered road-sign assist and an emergency stop system. Official safety ratings were not yet available, but Toyota aimed to improve upon the previous model's performance.

The 2025 Ford Maverick offered a range of driver-assist features, with forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams standard on the base XL. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Maverick received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS had not yet published full ratings, but initial results were mixed.