Compare the2023 Ford MaverickVS 2023 Toyota Tacoma

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Maverick has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Full-time four-wheel drive is available on the Maverick. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the Tacoma.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Maverick uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The Tacoma uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Maverick and the Tacoma have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Maverick is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Maverick	Tacoma
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	129	232
Neck Injury Risk	22%	39.1%
Neck Stress	234 lbs.	462 lbs.
Neck Compression	11 lbs.	69 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	139/49 lbs.	230/374 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	202	221
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	51%	55.2%
Neck Stress	184 lbs.	244 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	154/237 lbs.	590/544 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Maverick is safer than the Toyota Tacoma:

	Maverick	Tacoma
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.7 inches	1.2 inches
Abdominal Force	150 lbs.	163 lbs.
Hip Force	200 lbs.	222 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	15 inches
HIC	255	339
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	60 G’s
Hip Force	458 lbs.	1038 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are over 2 times as many Ford dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Maverick’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Maverick’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Tacoma’s camshafts. If the Tacoma’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

The Maverick has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated lower.

Engine

The Maverick’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 32 more horsepower (191 vs. 159) than the Tacoma’s standard 2.7 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Maverick’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 12 lbs.-ft. more torque (277 vs. 265) than the Tacoma’s optional 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ford Maverick is faster than the Toyota Tacoma V6 (automatics tested):

	Maverick Hybrid	Maverick EcoBoost	Tacoma
Zero to 60 MPH	7.7 sec	5.9 sec	8.1 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.8 sec	6.7 sec	8.1 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.8 sec	3.2 sec	4.1 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.7 sec	4.2 sec	4.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.9 sec	14.5 sec	16.2 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Maverick gets better mileage than the Tacoma:

			MPG
Maverick
FWD	Auto	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/33 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/30 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/28 hwy
		Tremor 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy
Tacoma
RWD	Auto	2.7 DOHC 4-cyl.	20 city/23 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	19 city/24 hwy
AWD	Manual	3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/21 hwy
		TRD-PRO 3.5 DOHC V6	17 city/20 hwy
AWD	Auto	2.7 DOHC 4-cyl.	19 city/22 hwy
		3.5 DOHC V6	18 city/22 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Maverick Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Maverick’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Maverick has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Maverick higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Toyota Tacoma (5). This means the Maverick produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Tacoma every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Maverick EcoBoost, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Tacoma.

The Maverick Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Maverick’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Tacoma:

	Maverick	Tacoma	Tacoma 4x4
Front Rotors	12.8 inches	10.75 inches	12.48 inches
Rear Rotors	11.9 inches	10” drums	10” drums

The Ford Maverick has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the Tacoma. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Maverick stops much shorter than the Tacoma:

	Maverick	Tacoma
70 to 0 MPH	158 feet	195 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	127 feet	146 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	139 feet	158 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

The Maverick’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Tacoma’s standard 75 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Maverick has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Tacoma.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Ford Maverick has fully independent front and semi-independent rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Toyota Tacoma has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The front and rear suspension of the Maverick uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Tacoma, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Maverick XLT AWD handles at .82 G’s, while the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4 pulls only .64 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Maverick’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Tacoma Access Cab’s (40 feet vs. 40.6 feet). The Maverick’s turning circle is 4.1 feet tighter than the Tacoma Long Bed Double Cab’s (40 feet vs. 44.1 feet).

Chassis

The Ford Maverick may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 800 pounds less than the Toyota Tacoma.

The Maverick is 1 foot shorter than the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab, making the Maverick easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Unibody construction makes the Maverick’s chassis much stiffer, which contributes to better handling, and enables softer springs to be used for a better ride. Unibody construction’s stiffness also contributes to better durability and less body squeaks and rattles. The Tacoma doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Maverick XLT AWD is quieter than the Tacoma Short Bed TRD Off-Road Double Cab 4x4:

	Maverick	Tacoma
At idle	39 dB	42 dB
Full-Throttle	71 dB	78 dB
70 MPH Cruising	70 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The Maverick has .2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Tacoma Double Cab (100.3 vs. 100.1).

Cargo Capacity

Both the Maverick and Tacoma have bed indentations that accommodate 2x4s for two-tiered loading, but the Maverick also has indentations to separate the cargo box into three different sections length-wise.

Payload and Towing

The Maverick Hybrid (except 2.0 Turbo) can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Maverick can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Tacoma can’t be towed flat on the ground.

A Trailer Sway Control is standard on all models of the Maverick, using the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. Only the Tacoma V6 offers a trailer sway program.

The Maverick has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab 4x4 (1500 vs. 1135 lbs.).

The Maverick has a much higher optional payload capacity than the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab 4x4 (1500 vs. 1155 lbs.).

Ergonomics

The Maverick offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Maverick’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Tacoma has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the Maverick and the Tacoma have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Maverick is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Tacoma prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Maverick’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Tacoma doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Maverick’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Tacoma’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Maverick Hybrid has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Maverick’s speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Tacoma’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Maverick’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Tacoma’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Maverick has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The Tacoma only offers an automatic headlight on/off feature as an extra cost option.

On extremely cold winter days, the Maverick’s optional (except XL) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Maverick XLT/Lariat has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® chose the Ford Maverick Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Toyota Tacoma isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Maverick third among midsize pickups in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Tacoma isn’t in the top three.

The Maverick was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2023. Car and Driver has never chosen the Tacoma in their “10Best” issue.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Maverick as the 2022 North American Truck of the Year. The Tacoma has never been chosen.

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