2022 Ford Maverick vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma epitomized the stereotypical pickup truck aesthetic with its robust styling elements, including boxy fender flares, a tall hood, and a shield-like grille. Its design seemed crafted exclusively with a ruler, providing a clear distinction from the more streamlined appearances of competitors like the Ford Ranger and GM midsize trucks. At the same time, it resisted the over-the-top features often found in larger trucks, such as Toyota’s own Tundra.

Unique styling details further set specific Tacoma models apart. The Trail Edition, introduced in 2021, featured 16-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels, the Tacoma Limited's grille, and exclusive color options. The Nightshade Edition had blacked-out trim, and the TRD Pro displayed a model-specific grille with “Toyota” block lettering, a blacked-out hood with fender flares, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, and a unique Lunar Rock color for 2021.

Built on a body-on-frame construction (unlike the unibody construction of most modern cars and SUVs), the Tacoma aimed to enhance its towing and off-road capabilities, albeit at the cost of ride comfort and handling. Toyota abandoned the basic two-door cab for this model, offering only the Access Cab and Double Cab. The Double Cab included rear half doors in the Access Cab configuration or four full-size doors for the Double Cab. Wheelbase and bed options varied accordingly, providing flexibility in cargo space.

The interior mirrored its rugged exterior with durable materials and a utilitarian layout. While it might have been acceptable in a base Tacoma, the quality seemed questionable in the TRD Pro model, with its circa-$45,000 base price, even though it came with optional leather upholstery. Despite numerous features, the TRD Pro prioritized off-roading over luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick presented a more conventional pickup look, closely mirroring the larger Ford trucks in design with its substantial wheel arches and taillights reminiscent of the F-150 and Ranger. However, the front end diverged slightly, with large headlights and a grille crossbar that set it apart, albeit without making a strong styling statement.

Sized smaller than the Ford Ranger, the Maverick was 199.7 inches long, nearly a foot shorter, due mainly to its shorter bed. It stood 4.6 inches lower, at 68.7 inches tall. The Maverick's unibody platform, shared with Ford's Escape and Bronco Sport, resulted in a more refined ride than the traditional body-on-frame constructions seen in larger Ford trucks.

The base Maverick XL sported 17-inch steel wheels, with higher trims offering 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. The exclusive Maverick First Edition package, based on the Lariat trim, included black graphics, a soft tonneau cover, model-specific wheels, and distinctive paint colors. The XLT and Lariat trims’ luxury packages added amenities like a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and heated seats.

Inside, the Maverick managed to make budget-friendly elements stylish. Its multicolored plastic, speckled in a playground-like manner, added character, supported by strategically placed exposed fasteners and a door-card design with large water bottle clips. Even the base XL trim featured a neat-looking weave pattern on the seats, with leather optional in higher trims.

In 2021, the Toyota Tacoma featured two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.5-liter V6 delivering 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine mated exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 could pair with either the automatic or a six-speed manual. The part-time 4WD system included low range and an electronic rear limited-slip differential, with an optional fully locking rear differential.

The Tacoma's off-road prowess was reinforced through TRD (Toyota Racing Development) models. The TRD Off-Road version featured a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks for enhanced suspension, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control for low-speed cruising. For additional off-road capability, the TRD Pro added Fox internal-bypass shocks, a 1-inch front lift, retuned rear suspension with progressive-rate leaf springs, a front skid plate, and wider wheels with Goodyear Wrangler Kevlar-reinforced all-terrain tires.

Despite these enhancements, the TRD Pro maintained traditional truck characteristics on the road. Its unwieldy cornering and extended braking requirements reinforced its identity as a dedicated off-road vehicle. Although the cabin remained quiet, the ride quality was poor, and the V6 engine’s performance was hindered by the automatic transmission’s reluctance to shift. Moreover, the TRD Pro’s exhaust sound was unappealing.

The Tacoma had a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,685 pounds. However, these figures varied with configuration, similar to other trucks. The Tacoma's payload exceeded GM twins but trailed behind the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger, while its towing capacity was inferior to the aforementioned, as well as the diesel variants of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Ford equipped the 2022 Maverick with a standard hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, produced 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

The hybrid Maverick was front-wheel drive (FWD) only, while the EcoBoost model offered optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The FX4 off-road package, available on AWD XLT and Lariat trims, included specialized suspension tuning, underbody protection, hill-descent control, and Mud/Rut and Sand drive modes. All-terrain tires were also available as an additional option.

During testing on an off-road course, the Maverick FX4 tackled rugged terrain competently, although hardcore off-roaders might prefer more traditional pickups. Despite this, the Maverick FX4 exceeded most crossovers in off-road capability at its price point.

On pavement, the Maverick’s unibody platform allowed for car-like driving dynamics, with superior ride quality compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. The tall hood slightly hampered forward visibility, but large exterior mirrors and low door sills compensated during tight-space maneuvers.

Between the powertrains, the hybrid offered smoother, more refined power delivery and better linear acceleration than the turbo-four, which nevertheless provided AWD, greater towing capacity, and more vigorous acceleration.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's four-door configuration seemed like an ideal solution for blending daily driving and cargo hauling until you tested its interior accommodations. The Tacoma Double Cab fell short in interior space compared to other midsize pickups, with subpar rear headroom and legroom, and below-average front headroom and legroom. Coupled with a tall hood and low visibility, the interior felt claustrophobic.

Rear seats folded to reveal storage cubbies, providing secure storage, but overall in-cab storage was limited. Toyota offered a wireless charging pad, likely suitable for most smartphones, and a concentration of cupholders around the center console. However, the Tacoma lacked innovative in-bed storage or steps like its competitors. It did feature a rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, with a sheet-molded composite inner bed for rust resistance.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, exclusively available in a four-door crew-cab configuration, offered more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and slightly more front legroom than the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It also outdid the Hyundai in rear legroom for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost version, although the Santa Cruz had better headroom and shoulder room in both rows.

In terms of interior storage, the Maverick was exemplary. It provided multiple cubbies around the touchscreen, a large storage bin and cupholders, under-seat storage, and open door cards with water bottle clips. The innovative Ford Integrated Tether System (FITS) allowed for accessories like extra cupholders and a garbage bin, with plans for customer-customizable 3D-printed add-ons.

The 4.5-foot bed, although shorter than the Ranger’s, supported a 1,500-pound payload capacity. The Maverick also boasted an in-bed power outlet, dual-purpose tiedown cleats, and low bed sides for easier access. The FlexBed system featured indents for dividers or a false floor, with multistep instructions available from Ford. A multi-position tailgate enabled carrying 4x8 plywood sheets laid flat, enhancing versatility.

The Maverick's towing capacity maxed out at 4,000 pounds (2,000 pounds for the hybrid), which was less than some crossovers but offered practical capability. While below some competitors, it surpassed the Hyundai Santa Cruz in towing capacity, though the Hyundai led in maximum payload.

For 2021, the Toyota Tacoma SR trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen, with other models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard technologies included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio (with a three-month trial). The higher trims offered an optional six-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer.

The infotainment system, though functional, lacked standout features. The touchscreen was responsive and user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and chunky steering wheel buttons. However, the graphics were simplistic, and the system didn’t offer advanced functionalities beyond basic navigation and phone connectivity.

The Tacoma's TRD Pro variant provided a Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera, helpful for both off-road obstacle detection and parking.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, as an entry-level vehicle, opted for the older Sync 3 infotainment system instead of Sync 4. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (non-wireless versions), an 8-inch touchscreen, and a built-in WiFi hotspot supporting up to 10 devices.

Though its infotainment system was basic and lacked embedded navigation, the Maverick’s screen size was appropriate for its price point. Ford incorporated a large phone slot with available wireless charging, and a convenient slot with cable threading to the USB port. While the Maverick didn't innovate in infotainment, it successfully delivered fundamental technology.

Hybrid models also featured a brake-coaching tool to optimize regenerative braking, though its everyday utility might be limited.

For the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Double Cab top "Good" ratings across most crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Headlight performance ranged from “Good” to “Marginal,” while the Tacoma’s front-crash prevention earned a top "Superior" rating.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated both the Access Cab and Double Cab configurations with a four-star overall rating, including four-star frontal and rollover crash tests and five-star side crash tests.

standard safety features across the board included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Ford Ranger offered additional features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring covering both the truck and a trailer, and rear cross-traffic alert.

For the 2022 Ford Maverick, standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional extras comprised adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and evasive steering assist.

Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable, a typical scenario for new models.