2022 Ford Maverick vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma

It used to be that there wasn’t really a market for small pickup trucks, but the truck market has changed over the last few years, and small trucks are popping up all over the West Palm Beach area, and there are two that are making quite the name for themselves. Not only because they offer cargo and towing capabilities, but because their small body design doesn’t require special training to parallel park! The 2022 Ford Maverick and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma are two of the most popular small truck models out there, but is there one that is better suited for your needs? That’s exactly what we’re going to find out today with this head-to-head battle! Are you ready? 

While these two small truck models may appear to be evenly matched at first glance, a deep dive into their specs and features tells a far different story. So, we’re going to take you through a comprehensive comparison between these two small truck models so that you can decide for yourself which one is right for you. And when you discover that the Ford Maverick is the decisive winner between the two, be sure to visit our showroom at Essential Ford of Stuart to take one for a test drive!
 
Ready. Set. Battle!
 

Reliability
 
Driving the camshafts in the Maverick’s engine is a hardened steel chain that requires no maintenance. And when it comes to reliability, the Maverick comes with a standard “limp home system” that keeps you from being stranded if most or all the coolant is lost. That’s because it will run on only half of its cylinders to help reduce power, along with displaying a warning light that you’ve lost your coolant. Who thinks of these things? Ford does.
 
However, the Tacoma has a rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement driving its camshafts, and if that belt breaks, the engine can be severely damaged when the pistons hit its opened valves. When you add in the fact that it doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, a small leak could turn into severe damage to the engine.
 

Engine & Performance
 
The Maverick’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid engine produces more power, 191-horsepower to be exact, than the Tacoma. And with the optional 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder engine, you’ll get even more horses under the hood. Thanks to its fully independent front and semi-independent rear suspensions, the Maverick also delivers a superior ride and handling around every turn. This powerful and versatile independent suspension allows the wheels to hug the road at the optimum angle for gripping the pavement without compromising an ounce of comfort. 
 
Unfortunately, the Tacoma is designed using a solid rear axle and a non-independent rear suspension. Which isn’t as forgiving on the turns and makes for quite the bumpy ride. And the Tacoma comes with a standard 159-horsepower, 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that doesn’t hold up a candle to the Maverick.
 

Towing
 
Even with the small body, the Maverick packs a towing punch capable of pulling up to 2,000 pounds behind it. And with its state-of-the-art AdvanceTrac sensors that detect trailer sway and control individual brakes to counteract any swaying helps keep your trailer steady for safer driving. Top all of that off with a standard payload capacity of 1500 pounds, and the Maverick feels more like a truck on steroids than the small body truck it is. 
 
However, Tacoma falls short again in this category with a towing capacity of 1135 pounds. It does top off its towing capacity at 3,500 pounds for the base model, but you have to put out more money for the higher trim and upgrades to have any high-tech safety features. 
 
Bottom Line
 
While these trucks may appear equal, the clear victor here is the 2022 Ford Maverick, with its comfortable, road-hugging driving experience and safety and reliability features. The Maverick wins this head-to-head truck battle of all battles. 
 
Here’s a quick breakdown of the ways the Maverick outperforms the Tacoma: 
 

• Reliability features to prevent engine damage. 
• More luxury style interior features and technology. 
• Standard features for the price. 
• Front and rear independent suspension.
• Power train.

 
Test Drive A 2022 Ford Maverick Today!
 
If you want to see one of these bad boys for yourself, we’ve got a Maverick reserved just for you! 
 
Come by Essential Ford of Stuart or give us a call to schedule your test drive today at (772) 781-6540!